Balangir

Balangir district of Orissa is spread over a total geographical area of 6569 sq. km. Comprising mostly of tribal inhabitants, Balangir district encompasses a population of 13, 35,760 as per the census data of 2001. Located in the western region of Orissa, the district of Balangir shares its northern border with Bargah, southern border with Kalahandi, eastern side with Sonepur and western side with Nuapara.

Balangir district is further sub divided into three distinct regions for administrative convenience. Balangir district comprises of 6 tehsils, 14 blocks and 1792 villages. Balangir bears relics to the rich historical and cultural civilization of the ancient times. During the 1880's, Balangir played an important role in the social, economic and political development of the state of Patna.

Representing the religious fervor of the local indigenous inhabitants of the district, Balangir has several places of religious importance that draws numerous devotees from far and wide. Some of the important religious shrines of Balangir district are:

• Sri Rama Temple
• Samaleshwari Temple
• Patmeswari Temple

Most of the local inhabitants of Kastias and Bhulias tribe design exquisite patterns on tassar and cotton cloths. Balangir supports several small scale and medium scale cottage and handloom industries that are famous for producing excellent pieces of tassar and cotton fabrics.

Blessed with natural scenic beauty, Balangir district is an ideal destination for tourists. Some of the notable places of tourist interests of the district of Balangir are:

• Mursing
• Saintala
• Patnagarh
• Jal Mahadev
• Jogisarda
• Harishankar
• Ranipur- Jharial
• Gaikhai M.I.P
• Tenttulikhunti

Balangir became a distinct district on the 1st of November in the year of 1949. Balangir is one of the developed districts of Orissa.