Baripada

Baripada is a city and the district headquarters of Mayurbhanj district in the Indian state of Odisha. It operates as a major administrative and commercial center for northern Mayurbhanj and the surrounding region. The town sits on the banks of the Budhabalanga River and has historically served as the capital of the princely state of Mayurbhanj prior to integration into India.

Baripada serves as a gateway to the Simlipal National Park, a major biodiversity site that includes a tiger reserve and a diverse range of flora and fauna. Cultural life in Baripada centers on its temples and annual festivals, notably the Baripada Rath Yatra, which features chariot processions in the town and is linked to the Jagannath cult through a local Jagannath temple.

The town hosts several educational institutions, including Baripada College, contributing to higher education in the district. Baripada's economy is based on administration, education, agriculture, and small-scale industries, with weekly markets and trade in agricultural produce, handicrafts, and textiles.

Baripada is connected by road to other parts of Odisha and India, and rail connectivity serves the town as part of the broader regional rail network. The population includes Odia-speaking communities along with tribal groups such as Santals and Mundas, reflecting the multicultural character of Mayurbhanj.