Rayagada

History of Rayagada

The city of Rayagada was founded by King Vishwanath Dev Gajapati (1527-1531 CE) of the Suryavansh Shankara dynasty of Nandapur-Jeypore kingdom. It served as the capital of an extensive dominion that stretched from the confines of Bengal to Telangana in the south and was a great center of trade and commerce in the coastal regions of the country. There was also a fort constructed by the king and a row of shrines built along the river Nagavali including the temple of Majjhigarhiani who was considered the guardian deity of the place. Until 1947, the city was in the domains of the Jeypore Maharajahs.

Rayagada is not centrally located in India, but it has been a focal point for empires due to the rich stores of mineral and forest resources found in this region. Emperor Ashoka recorded this region as belonging to the Kalinga Empire, which he took control of after the war of Kalinga. After the fall of the Maurya Empire, there were many small regional kings who fought for the control of what is now Rayagada. It belonged to various regional ruler and pan-India dynasties like the Mughals could not directly wrest control of this region due to a strong regional leader. During the British Era, this region came under the Jeypore Zamindari and was integrated into the state of Odisha after independence. Many temples, forts and tombs have been built by rulers over the years and still stand today, for tourists to experience.

Art and Culture of Rayagada

Rayagada is one of the unique districts in India since more than 50% of its population is tribal people. These tribes have their own way of life and do not follow the lifestyle of the mainstream. The huge forest area of this district helps the tribes have an autonomous life. The tribal culture thus has greatly influenced everything from the food to arts and crafts of Rayagada and has given this district some unique things tourists can look out for. Jewellery, clothing, handicrafts, products made from forest produce and traditional cooking ingredients like masalas are the most famous products of this district. The three main tribal groups – Dongrias, Saoras and Kondhas have greatly contributed to the development of Rayagada is a municipality in Rayagada district in the Indian state of Odisha. It is the administrative headquarters of Rayagada district.

Points of interest

Bhimasankar:-  temple in Bhimpur
Majhighariani:-  Temple in Rayagada
Jagannath Temple:-  at the market on the south side of Rayagada, is near Majhighariani Temple.
Laxminarayan temple:-  was built by Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys in Therubali.
Pataleshwar:- Paikapada, near Therubali, is known for its Shiva temple of 9^th century.
Chatikona:- a small village 48 kilometres (30 mi) from Rayagada, is known for it’s Shiva temple and waterfalls.
Minajhola, a village near Gudari, is known for its Shiva temple at the confluence of three rivers: the Vamsadhara, the Chauladhua and the Phalaphalia.
The Devagiri hill, 50 kilometres (31 mi) from Rayagada, is 120 metres (390 ft) and has 476 steps.
Kumudabali, a small village, is known for its Balunkeswar Shiva temple on the Vamsadhara River. The nearest railway station is in Muniguda, 60 kilometres (37 mi) from Rayagada.
Padmapur, 90 kilometres (56 mi) from Rayagada, is known for the Nilakantheswar Temple. According to historian Satyanarayana Rajguru, the temple housed the 6th– or 7th-century Buddhist philosopher Dharmakirti.
The Hanging Bridge at Chekaguda, over the Nagavali River, is Odisha’s second simple suspension bridge.
The Bhimasankar temple in Bhimpur, 100 kilometres (62 mi) from Rayagada and 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Gunupur, is one of India’s 12 Jyotirlingas.
The three-day Chaiti Festival, from 27 to 29 December in Rayagada, celebrates tribal art and culture.these products and have made them available for tourists in local markets.

Suggested Itinerary

Note: This itinerary is customizable. You can talk to the travel agent and further customize it as per your requirements.

DAY 01:- VISAKHAPATTNAM
Arrive at visakhapattnam drive to rayagarda on the way visit telugu &dravidian villages evening visit majihgauri temple a abserve arati, over night at rayagarda.
DAY 02:- RAYAGADA
Drive to Therubali to visit most famous and old temple at Paika parda sibatemple of 9^th century, then prosid to Bissam Cuttack area to meet the DESIA KONDH TRIBES in their weekly market. Further drive to Rayagada for overnight stay in Rayagarda.
DAY 03:- CHATIKONA
During morning drive to Chatikona (40KM & 01 HRS approx) to meet the DUNGURIA KONDH TRIBES in their weekly market where they sale their horticultural products such as papaya, Jackfruit, Pine apple and in exchange they take kerosene, salt chickedn etc. After few hours in the market further drive to jeypore (160KM & 4HRS approx) for over night stay in Hotel Hello Jeypore or Equivalent.
DAY 04:- GADABA TRIBAL VILLAGE
During morning drive to onkdeli area (80KM & 2 HRS approx) to meet the most colorful BONDA TRIBES in their weekly market. Share the alcohol with Bonda women and meet the Bonda men with bow and arrow. During afternoon visit the near by GADABA TRIBAL VILLAGE. Back to Jeypore for over night stay in the same hotel.
DAY 05:- KUNDUI
Drive to Kundli (120M & 3 HRS approx) to meet the PARAJA & RANA tribe in their largest weekly market. After few hours in the market further drive back to Jeypore for overnight stay in the same hotel.
DAY 06:- GUPTESWAR
After breakfast drive to Gupteswar Area ( 130KM & 3 HRS approx) to witness the famous Shiva shrine. During afternoon drive to Baligaon to meet the DHURUVA TRIBES in their weekly market. After few hours in the market further drive to Jeypore for overnight stay in hotel Hello Jeypore.
DAY 07:- VISAKPATNAM
Drive to Visakpatnam (4 HRS & 160KM) to catch the train for your next destination.
Note:- Tour price depends on Number of pax, type of transport, type of hotel.