Phulbani is a well known weekend destination in Odisha. This is also known as the administrative headquarters of Kandhamal district.
Naming of Phulbani
Phulbani is named after the lady "Phulardei" who was sacrificed by the local inhabitants as an act of religious ritual to Mother Earth.
Location of Phulbani
Phulbani is located at 20.47 degree North to 84.23 degree East. It has an average elevation of 485 metres (1591 feet).
Geography of Phulbani
Phulbani is located 211 km from Bhubaneshwar, the capital of Odisha and 165 km from Berhampur, the major city of South Odisha. It is a place surrounded by hills and has a lot of small and big waterfalls around it. Katramal Waterfall, the most spectacular of the lot is situated at a distance of about 31 km from Phulbani. Putudi Waterfall, a hot spot among the local people is situated at a distance of about 18 km from Phulbani. Pakdajhar waterfall is situated at a distance of about 3-5 km from Sudrukumpa, a small village which is situated about 19 km from the main city of Phulbani. Last but not the least, there is Urmagarh waterfall, which is close to 21 km from Phulbani. Phulbani is surrounded by River Salunki.
Demography of Phulbani
According to the Population Census in the year 2011, Phulbani had a population of 37,371. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Phulbani has an average literacy rate of 76%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 68%. In Phulbani, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Tourism of Phulbani
Phulbani was once associated with its virgin forests and peaceful tribal people. But now people visit this place as a weekend tourist spot and obviously for the presence of waterfalls. Lord Jagannath Temple, Madikunda Chaka is the main temple in Phulbani.
Economy of Phulbani
Phulbani also has a farm for research activities of Odisha Horticulture and research on silk moths. The farm host a varied collection of Guava Plants found rarely elsewhere. It is famous for the production of good quality turmeric. River Pila Salunki is heart of this regional agriculture, but due to lack of water this region has never been a success with agriculture. Mostly the economy is centred on wild plants and herbs. Salunki river has been associated with lot of ghost stories, in tribal folks as it killed a lot of people and cattle in floods in the past. The last major flood was in 1981. The dam a pilasalunki has been successful in arresting sudden gauss of rain water in rainy season. The dam at pilasalunki is also a great place for picnic.
Visiting Information
Phulbani is connected with both railways and roadways. The nearest railway station is Rairakhol, which is around 100 km from here. The region around Phulbani has a variety of flora and fauna so that the tourism development is one of the major functional in this region of tribal people.
