Introduction

Berhampur is the popular city in Ganjam District of Odisha. This city is the gateway to enter in Gopalpur on sea, Chilka Lake, Barkul, Rambha and Taptapani. Berhampur is legendary and absolutely acknowledged for its exquisite silver filigree works and silk sarees woven with gold and silver threads. Hugely respected and held with much esteem, Berhampur can be termed as the most commercialised and urban centre for Odisha and of course for Ganjam district. Berhampur`s brass and bell metal ware, horn toys, wood carvings and carpets are worth a lifetime investment of home decor.

Location of Berhampur

Berhampur is situated at 19 degree and 20 minutes North Latitude 84 degree 50 East Longitude. Its average elevation above Mean Sea Level is 24.000 m. It is surrounded by vast cultivable plains.

History of Berhampur

Berhampur is environed by thick woods, dating to prehistoric times and once forming a part of territory under Emperor Ashoka`s reign. Going back to several eras in history and enriched in ancient content, Berhampur city`s Sanskrit name, Brahmapur, is still in use amongst the local populace. However, Brahmapur being the original Sanskrit name was lost to British linguistics and hence had been mercilessly diluted in to `Berhampur` in British India. However, in contemporary times, the name has acquired back its aboriginal status and has thus been re-christened to "Brahmapur" officially once more.

Geography of Berhampur

Berhampur, Orissa is a significant city in the whole of Indian continent. It also can be spelt as Brahmapur. It is one of the ancient most and also the largest city of Orissa. To all the people of the country it is popularized as the Silk City due to its treasures of silk, exquisite temples and also the commercial capital of the city. Before venturing into the city, it becomes inevitable on the part of a tourist enthusiast to get acquainted with geography of Berhampur, Orissa. It lies in the east coast line of the state. Berhampur lies approximately at 19.32|N| and 84.78|E|. It rises to height of 27 meters or 88 feet above the mean sea level.

Demographic details help one to identify the geography of Berhampore. A special mentioning may be made of the Census report, which has been issued forth in the year 2001. It is a vital document which depicts facts like literacy rate, population status etc. As per this report, the city of Berhampur, Orissa has shown a total population counting of 307,724. Out of it, male population constitutes 52 %. In comparison female populace is less and thus comprises of 48 % only. Children who are below six years of age constitute 11 % of the total population. Experts say that it is the 3rd most populated one urban region of the state.

Literacy rate too acts as vital information about Berhampore`s demography. According to this report, its average literacy rate constitutes 74 %, which is even higher than that of the entire nation, which measures 59.5 %. To be specific, male literacy rate is 83 %, while the rate of female literacy is 64 %.

Water bodies are found which proves that geography of Berhampur, Orissa is quite an improved one. Lying about thirty kilometers from Berhampur, exquisite beach at Aryapalli is calm and appealing with swapping waves washing into the shores. Its serene climate invigorates any tourist and adds newness to his life. In the lap of Mother Nature one basks into the sun light, enjoy surfing, play with the sands and feels to be at the top of the world.

Climate of Berhampur

The high humidity prevails in the atmosphere both in summer and rainy seasons. The climate of Berhampur is pleasant and soothing due to its close proximity to Bay of Bengal. The maximum summer temperature is 40 degree Celsius whereas minimum winter temperature is 18 degree Celsius. The mean daily temperature varies from 33 degree Celsius to 38 degree Celsius. May is the hottest month in the year whereas December is the coldest.

Demography of Berhampur

As stated by the regional administration, the latest estimate of the population of the city is calculated at 402,672 (a 2009 estimation), establishing it as the fourth most populous urban area in the state and 109th in an overall nationwide estimate.

Economy of Berhampur

Going by the mass admiration, the city draws in every year, Berhampur has honourably been nicknamed "The Silk City". The city is precisely located in the eastern coastline of Ganjam district and is deemed as one of the oldest and largest cities of Odisha.

Culture of Berhampur

Colorful festivals, exquisite handiworks, dance and music forms have made the culture of Berhampur exuberant yet exclusive and alluring. Thus its cultural exuberance is depicted in its plethora of handicrafts of Berhampur. Berhampur is called Silk city with silk fabrics of Berhampur dominating the market. Handiworks of other places also are easily available. Brass work of Ganjam, coir mats of Gopalpur and the superb horn works of Paralakhemundi can be secured from here. Exquisite carpets from Chandragiri, threaded by the refugees from Tibet, are the specialties.

Festivals, an integral part of the culture of Berhampur, add spice to the lives of the localites. Shiva Ratri, Makar Mela, Khambeswari Yatra, Buda, Thakurani Yatra, Tara tarini Mela, Car Festival, Ganesh Puja, Dussera, Budha Kandu Yatra deserve special mentioning. This was the time when the people enjoy life to their fullest forgetting all the hassles and problems of the day-to-day living.

The joyous mood of the people gets more fascinated with dancing and singing. In other words, dance and music are key elements for depicting the true nature of the culture of Berhampur. To imitate the animals in dance forms is popular amongst the tribal communities. Following this trend, tiger dancing is prevalent especially during Thakurani Jatra, a popular theater form.

Culinary dishes also show how enriched the culture of Berhampur is. Food patterns are similar to that of neighboring states like West Bengal, Bihar etc. Staple food is rice. People also consume ample quantities of vegetables. Due to their propensity to religion majority of the people adapt to vegetarianism. In the entire state, pithas, a type of sweet delicacies is being eaten up especially during festivals. In normal time also pithas are prepared and consumed with great delight.

Orissa is a land of culture and heritage. It is best being reflected in its costumes and apparels. Heavy Berhampuri silks with their simple thin borders are specialties. In Berhampur also people have followed the same style and tradition. Women of Orissa state deck up with wide ranging and fascination saris in different colors like black, white, yellow, and red. One will find these colors in the idol of Lord Jagannath of Orissa. In the beautiful motifs, which are embroidered in these sarees, are lotus, conch, wheel, etc. Here also there is resemblance with Lord Jagannath`s image. The pasapalli saris with black and white squares on them, is the imitation of chessboard. Cotton and tussar silk sarees also used. In order to improve their patterns golden threads are used. All these sarees weave a culture of exclusivity and elegance into the costumes of Orissa. Silver filigree jewellery is the style mark of the entire state, which gives a gentle stylish look to a person.

Education in Berhampur

In Orissa state Berhampur is well known for the educational propensity of the people. In other words education in Berhampur is quite improved one. Multiple schools are grown here over the years. Famous schools, an integral part of education in Berhampur, include Kendriya Vidyalaya, St. Vincents School. Handful of colleges also has been constructed in order to meet the demands of people to go for higher studies.

In Berhampur colleges facilitating studies in technical fields also have developed. Business Schools & Management Education Colleges in Berhampur, Orissa is one such college. Also for aspirant pupil who want to pursue Master in Education , DPIASE, Berhampur is an ideal destination. Apart from Regional Institute of Education in Bhubaneswar , which is affiliated to NCERT, this institute is one of atleast 5 other institutes which offer such course to its pupils. Berhampur University is a reputed institution, which actually has bestowed fame to the system of education in Berhampur. It was formed in the year 1967. Apart from providing scope to pursue careers in various subjects, it offered correspondence courses as well.

Important places of Berhampur

Tourist quotient of Berhampur has shown an upward rising since Berhampur is full with a multitude of interesting locales. Marvelous temples, commercial propensity as well as other factors have drawn admiration of tourists from all over the country. It is a shopping hub for silk saris and handicrafts. As has been already mentioned, it is popularized as "Silk City" of Orissa since Berhampuri Pata Sari is manufactured here.

It is an ideal destination for the devotees and pilgrims who throng here in large numbers. Numerous temples have been constructed. These are namely Sree Abhiramparamhansa Temple, Mausimaa Temple, Upper Bagh Devi Temple, Thakurani Temple, Bada Jaganath Temple ,Neelakantheswar Temple ,Uttareswar Temple ,Tara Tarini Temple , Hari Hara Bheta Temple, Lord Venkateswar Temple, Sri Sri Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Mandiram, Sri Satya Sai Baba Mandiram ,Sri Veera Brahmendra Mandiram ,Sri Kusuma Haranath Mandiran ,Sri Shiridi Sai Baba Temple, Venkatramana Temple , Kalki Bhagwan Temple, Sri Pataleshwar Temple.

Lying about eighty-eight kms, Mausimaa Temple is a significant shrine. Its presiding deity is the sister of Lord Jagannath`s mother. This temple fetes the festival of Rath Yatra with great vigor and enthusiasm. In the same distance another temple is located. It is called the Upper Bagh Devi temple. Bagh Devi is its presiding goddess. It is situated at the top of a hill and one needs to ascend almost two hundred and ten steps for reaching there. Every moth people used to fete the day of Sankranthi within the temple premise. Every year Rath yatra is celebrated. Also at a gap of 3 years the celebration of Thakurani Yatra is celebrated in pomp and grandeur. Other temples namely Jagannath temple, Mausimaa Temple, and Ratneswar Mahadev temple lie in close proximity. Another temple is called Tara-Tarini .

Tara-Tarini is one of the primeval `Shakti Pithas` of the state of India. It is most popular. In almost every household of Orissa, deities like Tara and Tarini are revered with great awe and devotion. They are Ista-Devi, the `presiding deity` of the state of Orissa. This temple lies on the top of the hill lying at a distance of thirty kms towards north of Berhampur. River Rushikulya also flow through it.

Amongst other important places of Berhampur , Orissa Biramchinarayan Temple is a landmark. It is constructed at the time of seventeenth century. It is located at village of Buguda lying near about thirty six kms north of Berhampur city . Jaugarh is at a stone throw distance only. Wonderful murals, which depict the scenes from Ramayana, the great epic of India, beautify this temple.


Jaugada is the locale which houses the sculptured rock edifices built by Emperor Ashoka. It has its located at a place which is 35-km away from Berhampur. Gopalpur-on- sea is a haven for all those who love to spend their times amidst the bounty of coastal beaches. It is one of the important places of Berhampur, Orissa. It lies about sixteen kms from the city of Berhampur. This place also has got an interesting story behind it. During primitive time it is a large seaport where the people of Orissa carried naval trading with foreign countries like Indonesia. Even the famous Sadhavas carried on commercial activities in this ancient port. Remnants like crumbling walls, light house serve as proofs of its glorious past. It was during the British era it became a beach resort.

Situated in the lap of thriving green forests, almost fifty kms from Berhampur, Taptapani is one of the important places of Berhampur, Orissa. It is a hot water spring. For facilitating bath hot water is canalized to a pond in the vicinity.

Mahendragiri is in the midst of green forestry. Experts say that it is one of the important places of Berhampur, Orissa. One can experience the thrill of tracking in the hills of Mahendragiri whose height is almost 1525 m. From Berhampur, one can easily reach this majestic forested hill though it stretches to a distance of 125 kms.

Chilka Lake, situated at a distance of seventy-five kms from the city of Berhampur is mostly frequented place by the people. Being the biggest inland lake of India, Chilka Lake that its swirling blue waters and chirping tunes of birds, is an epitome of natural glory.

Museums of Berhampur
Museums of Berhampur are repertoire, which conserve all the antiquities like manuscripts, scriptures and artifacts. They exhibit enriched culture, ethnicity and glorified past depicting the aura of the ancient past. Berhampur Branch deserves special mentioning. It is located in the district of Ganjam. Established in the year 1978, this museum exhibits multitudes of exquisite items. These include sculptures, arms and armor. Also numerous objects of anthropological and also `natural history specimens` are part of this museum. A handful of glass items like glass objects, ivory, patachitra, glass jars become the special attractions of the visitors. Exquisite objects of metal are also quite significant.

The historical excavation has revealed important facts about the forts of Berhampur. The fort of Potagarh is a significant one. To all the people of Orissa it is popularized as buried fort. The reason is that it is found in a dilapidated condition. Strategically, this fort is located near Ganjam village between 180 15` and 200 15`N Latitude and 830 49` and 850 15` E longitudes. It is on the mouth of river Rushikulya. Although it is in ruins it stands as a standing edifice highlighting the glorified days of several kings. Over the years all these kings have utilized it as the administrative headquarters so that they could efficiently rule over the region. Different periods like Kalinga, Kalinga Dandapat, Ganjam, Chichacole Circar etc.

This fort of Potagarh is not an individual fort. Rather it is a cluster of forts, which are erected by several governments. Experts said that fort of Potagarh is built in the year 1768 under the supervision of Edward Costford, who was the first resident of Ganjam. The design if this fort is quite unique. The fort is star shaped covering a large area close to the river. Inside the compound of this fort several buildings are found. For example there are 3 residential buildings. Their designs are unique and have got no similarity with each other. Probably they have allotted to different community people like Mahammadans, French and British. 2 magazine houses also are found within the premises. There is a compound wall which is about 8` thick One can also found 2 passage ways in the east side of the compound wall which has got opening to the river.

Perhaps one passage was used for escaping into the sea. Another one is used by the queens while taking bath in to the river. There is a ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water. It encircles it. 2 The fort consists 2 doors. They are quite well decorated and they are placed differently. One is located in the front side and another one is located in the backside, near the river.

Centered on this fort of Potagarh, legends are popular. Some talks about the rage of the fort-goddess on Ganjam village. It is also heard that while faced attacks king makes an escape through the secret passage into the Bay of Bengal by a boat. Truly, this fort of Potagarh has an archeological significance.

Berhampur Branch Museum
Berhampur Branch Museum is situated at Berhampur in Ganjam district of Orissa. It was established in 1978 with a view to preserve the rich cultural heritage of that region. Berhampur Branch Museum holds various types of Sculptures, arms and Armour, anthropological and natural historical specimens.

This Museum also contains different kinds of metal objects, glass objects, ivory, patachitra, glass jars. Berhampur Branch Museum is open from 10.00 A.M. TO 5.00 P.M in all weekdays except Mondays and other government holidays.

Transportation in Berhampur

The city of Berhampur houses multiple temples, exotic beaches and many more interesting locales, which naturally has drawn the attention of lot many tourists and devotees. So in order to stay connected with other places of India, transportation in Berhampur, Orissa has been improved. Roads, railways as well airport serve the need of the people to a great extent.

Berhampur lies on the NH 5, which in the recent times has undergone a facelift and transformed into a 4 lane express highway. From other places of Orissa like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack etc one can avail frequent buses . Bus service also is available from near by states like Andhra Pradesh and Kolkata . It takes nearly four hours from Bhubaneswar to reach Berhampur.

Berhampur railway service also is significant. It is significant railhead on the eastern coast railway line. All express trains and super-fast trains give halt in the Berhampur station.

Biju Patnaik airport at Bhubaneswar also lie in vicinity. For reaching airport one can get both bus and taxi services. Bicycles, two wheelers, cars also are part of the transportation in Berhampur. Not only that one can hire vehicles like rickshaws, matador minivans, trekkers and private buses for commuting.

Visiting Information

Berhampur is the basic railhead for all nearby tourist destinations in Odisha. It serves as a common joint for Ganjam district and its nearby small towns and villages. It thus becomes an apparent fact that trade, commerce and overseas transaction reigns predominant in this maritime region. Due to such open opportunities, the majority of the populace are self-employed in various businesses of varying scales. The aesthetically lined up handloom cloth and jewellery shops in the illuminated by-lanes of Berhampur, also make an important factor for bringing in mass as well as class tourists to shop for their best attire and amass a sizeable collection of ornaments.