District Guides

Odisha is divided into 30 districts grouped into three revenue divisions: Northern (Sambalpur), Central (Cuttack) and Southern (Berhampur). The coastal districts such as Puri, Cuttack, Balasore and Ganjam hold most of the population and the best-known temples and beaches, while the western and southern districts, including Koraput, Kandhamal, Rayagada and Mayurbhanj, are hilly, forested and home to many of the state's tribal communities.

Each district guide covers the map and administrative blocks, history, people and culture, economy, and the main places to visit, with notes on how to reach the district headquarters. For some districts there is also a separate best-places-to-visit guide focused only on sightseeing. Use these pages to understand a region before you plan a trip, or as a quick reference for exams and general knowledge.