Rayagada is a district of meadows, forests, water falls and terraced valleys, thickly inhabitated by colourful tribals including many Primitive Tribal Groups. The scenic beauty and heritage on the land is an unexplored paradise. The systematic relationship between men and nature is a feast to the eyes of an outsider. The people of the district show unity in diversity of races, languages and culture. The Schedule Tribes living in the district posses dissimilar economics ranging from food gathering to settled cultivation. Their languages/dialects, societies and culture show inter-societal/ cultural variations because of the persistence of ethnic mosaic formed by communities belonging to scheduled Tribes, Scheduled castes and other groups. A district of many charms, it is a thrill to the searching eyes with its own appeal. Rayagada is the headquarters of the district of Rayagada. It is a convenient base for visiting places of interest in the district, especially the tribal areas.
How to Reach -
By Air - Nearest Airport is at Vishakhapatnam 200 kms and Bhubaneswar 390 kms. For details click here
By Rail - Rayagada is a railhead. For details click here
By Road - 110 kms from Koraput, On S. H.-4, Raygada is well connected by road.
Internal Transport - Taxies, Auto Rickshaws & Cycle Rickshaws.
Where to Stay at Raygada (STD code-06856) -
Hotel's Name & Address
Hotel's Name & Address
Hotel Vamsi Krishna New Colony Rayagada Ph.224622/224722 Fax.223758
Hotel Swagat, Rayagada. Ph. 222208/ 222211/ FAX-223495
Hotel Kapilas, Rayagada, Ph.222280/ 223518
Hotel Jyotimahal, Rayagada Ph. / 223393/ 223394 Fax-223015
Hotel Sai International, Rayagada. Ph. 225554/ 223396 FAX-225555
Hotel Maruti, Rayagada. Ph. 225333
Hotel Tapan, Rayagada. Ph. 225845
Hotel Basudev, Rayagada Ph.223299
Hotel RajBhawan Rayagada Ph..223444/223777 Fax.223111
Hotel Aradhana, Rayagada. Ph. 222207/223307
Lodge Balaram Bhawan, Rayagada Ph.222181
Lodge Uma Shankar, Rayagada Ph.222135
coming soon...........
Local Sightseeing-
Maa Majhi Ghariani Temple Maa Majhi Ghariani Temple, a sakti shrine, located in the city, is visited by hundreds of devotees every day. The deity is worshipped with great honour by the people of Rayagada region as well as neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
The perennial river Nagavali flowing, on the outskirts of the city, provides a panoramic view of nature at Hatipathar.
Cuisines and Restaurants -
Check out for ethnic Oriya delicacies as well as other Indian, Continental and Chinese food at the multi-cuisine restaurants and hotels of Rayagada.
Other Activities -
Fairs and Festivals Chaitra Parab, a traditional festival of Maa Majhi Ghariani Temple in April and Rayagada Utsav, a festival of local art & craft and Dance & Music in January are special festivals of Rayagada.
Rayagada is the headquarters of the district of Rayagada. It is a convenient base for visiting places of interest in the district, especially the tribal areas.
Comoing soon...........
Excursions -
*Distance from Rayagada
Devagiri –(50 kms) 50 Km from Rayagada, Devagiri hill rises to a height of 120.2 metre. The unique feature of the hill is that it is not narrower upwards like other hills. The top of the hill is a flat platform of rectangular plain which can be approached only from the northern side. At the top, there are perennial pools of water called Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Bhargavi and Indradyumna. There is a cave looking like two jaws. There is a Siva Lingam enshrined at the meeting point of the jaws. There are also some inscriptions which speak of the antiquity of the place. Regular bus services are available from Rayagada to Kalyansinghpur which is close to the sacred hill.
Mina Jhola –(110 kms) Mina Jhola, a beauty spot of nature on the confluence of three rivers and situated in the heart of the dense forest, rich in wild-life, is a Saiva center. Sivaratri is the most popular festival of the place.
Padmapur –(75 kms) The village Padmapur is close to a hill named Jagamanda which is adorned by 5 Siva Temples dedicated to Manikeswar, Dhavaleswar, Mallikeswar, Nilakantheswar and Podukeswar. A 7th century inscription found here reveals that the Jagamanda hill once housed the monasrery of the famous Buddhist Logician-Philosopher, Dharmakirti. Regular bus services are available from Rayagada.
Chatikona –(48 kms) It is located about 48 Km from Rayagada surrounded by a series of valleys and wooden hills of varying colours and the place is a center of pilgrimage for the temple of Mahadev. It offers picnickers a gorgeous view of the waterfall. The Siva temple is the focus of hectic activities on Siva Ratri. The Dongaria Kondha of Chatikona region represent the primitive section of the tribe. The weekly market(Haat) which sits on Wednes Day is visited by the Dongaria Kondhas in large numbers.
