Situated towards the eastern part of the state of Odisha, Kendrapara is a coastal district with a rich history and culture and boasts many attractive tourist locations.
From the religious spot ‘Shri Baladevjew Temple’ to nature’s cradle ‘Bhitarkanika’ and the historic ‘Hukitola’, let’s explore some of the tourist locations in Kendrapara district.
Bhitarkanika: Declared as a Ramsar Site in 2002, it’s a well-known natural crocodile breeding place that features heavenly scenic beauty and homes animals like deer, pythons, king cobras, wild boars, and more.
Gahirmatha: It is Odisha’s only turtle sanctuary situated in the vicinity of Bhitarkanika National Park. Besides watching these turtles on their journey, you can also enjoy boat riding in the wide sea.
Baladevjew Temple: Famously known as Tulasi Kshetra, the temple is located at Ichhapur in Kendrapara and houses Lord Baladev as the main deity. It dates back to the 1700s.
Kanika Palace: Exuding the aura of timeless beauty, this historical palace was built by the King of Kanika, Rajendra Narayan Bhanja Deo and is a must-visit place in Kendrapara.
Hukitola: Built during the time of the ‘Naanka’ famine in 1886/67 on Jambu island in the Bay of Bengal, it was used to store food materials and now stands as a testimony to Odisha’s glorious maritime past.
Batighar: Constructed around 1836 on river Kharinasi, it was the first lighthouse to be built on the eastern coast of India. Before that, it was famous as ‘Kaudia Dwip’ and used as a hunting ground for Kujanga Kings.
Lakhmi Baraha Temple: Also known as ‘Lakshmi Varahajew Mandira’, it’s a 500-year-old temple that pays homage to the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Varaha and his consort Maa Lakshmi.
Besides the above, you can visit ‘Sakhibata’, ‘False Point Port’, ‘Aul Palace’, etc., and witness the celebration of festivals like ‘Ratha Yatra’, ‘Gaja Laxmi Puja’, ‘Dola jatra’, etc.