bigtravelbuzzBaripada is a city located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. It is a beautiful city with a rich cultural heritage and history. Here are some of the top places to visit in Baripada:
Simlipal National Park: Simlipal National Park is a beautiful forest reserve located near Baripada. It’s home to several endangered species of animals and birds, including tigers, elephants, and peafowl.
Khiching: Khiching is an ancient temple town located near Baripada. It’s home to several temples, including the famous Kichakeshwari Temple and the Khiching Museum.
Jagannath Temple: The Jagannath Temple is an ancient temple located in Baripada. It’s dedicated to Lord Jagannath and is one of the most famous temples in the city.
Barehipani Waterfall: Barehipani Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall located near the Simlipal National Park. It’s one of the tallest waterfalls in India and is a popular tourist spot.
Jwalamukhi Temple: The Jwalamukhi Temple is an ancient temple located near Baripada. It’s dedicated to the goddess Jwalamukhi and is a popular pilgrimage spot.
Rasagola Bazaar: Rasagola Bazaar is a famous market in Baripada. It’s known for its delicious rasgullas, which are a popular sweet dish in Odisha.
Karanjia: Karanjia is a beautiful town located near Baripada. It’s known for its scenic beauty and is a popular destination for nature lovers.
These are some of the top places to visit in Baripada. Other popular attractions include the Khairi Dam, the Haripur Beach, and the Devkund Waterfall.
Best Time To Visit Baripada
The best time to visit Baripada is between November and February when the weather is pleasant and mild. During this time, the temperature ranges between 10°C to 28°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The winter season is also the best time to visit the Simlipal National Park as the forest is lush and green, and you can spot several species of animals and birds.
The monsoon season (June to September) is also a good time to visit Baripada, especially if you enjoy the rain and lush greenery. However, the heavy rainfall can make it difficult to visit some of the outdoor attractions, and there is a risk of landslides and flooding.
The summer season (March to May) is hot and humid, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C. It’s not an ideal time to visit Baripada as the heat can be unbearable, but if you don’t mind the heat, you can still enjoy sightseeing and outdoor activities in the early morning and late afternoon.
Things to Do in Baripada
Baripada is a beautiful city in Odisha that offers a range of activities for tourists to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do in Baripada:
Visit Simlipal National Park: Simlipal National Park is a must-visit attraction in Baripada. The park is home to several endangered species of animals and birds, including tigers, elephants, and peafowl. You can go on a wildlife safari, trekking, and camping at the park.
Explore the Khiching Temple Complex: Khiching is an ancient temple town located near Baripada. It’s home to several temples, including the famous Kichakeshwari Temple, which dates back to the 10th century. The intricate carvings and architecture of the temple complex are worth exploring.
Visit the Jagannath Temple: The Jagannath Temple in Baripada is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, and the annual Rath Yatra festival is celebrated with great pomp and show.
Attend the Chaiti Festival: The Chaiti festival is a popular folk festival celebrated in Baripada in March/April. The festival is a celebration of the arrival of spring, and you can witness folk dances, music, and rituals during the festival.
Visit the Kichakeswari Fort: The Kichakeswari Fort is a historic fort located near the Kichakeswari Temple. The fort dates back to the 10th century and is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. You can explore the ruins of the fort and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
How to get around in Baripada
Baripada is a small town, and most of the tourist attractions are located in the town center. Here are some of the ways to get around Baripada:
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of transport in Baripada. They are affordable and readily available for short-distance travel within the town.
Taxis: Taxis are available for hire in Baripada, and you can hire them for local sightseeing or for outstation trips.
Buses: Buses are available for travel within Baripada and to nearby towns and cities. The state-run Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) and private operators run regular bus services from Baripada to neighboring towns and cities.
Walking: Many tourist attractions in Baripada are located in the town center and are easily accessible on foot. Walking is a good way to explore the town and soak in its local charm.
Bicycle: Renting a bicycle is a good option for exploring the town at your own pace. Some hotels and guesthouses in Baripada offer bicycle rentals to their guests.
Where to eat in Baripada
Baripada is a small town, and there are limited options for dining out. Here are some of the best places to eat in Baripada:
Hotel Sri Hari: Located in the town center, Hotel Sri Hari is a popular eatery known for its vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis, as well as South Indian delicacies like dosas and idlis.
Hotel Padma: Another popular eatery in Baripada, Hotel Padma serves a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including thalis, biryanis, and curries.
Annapurna Bhojanalaya: This vegetarian restaurant in Baripada serves a variety of North Indian, South Indian, and Chinese dishes.
Hotel Chandan: Hotel Chandan is a small eatery in Baripada that serves delicious local Oriya cuisine, including fish and seafood dishes.
Saffron Restaurant: Saffron Restaurant is a multi-cuisine restaurant located in the town center, serving a range of Indian and Chinese dishes.
It is advisable to check the hygiene and cleanliness of the restaurants before visiting them.
Famous street stalls in Baripada
Baripada is a small town in Odisha, and there are limited options for street food. However, here are some popular street stalls in Baripada where you can try local delicacies:
Rasagola Stall: Rasagola is a famous sweet dish from Odisha, and you can try it at the Rasagola Stall located in the town center.
Ghugni Stall: Ghugni is a spicy snack made with boiled chickpeas and is popular in Odisha. You can try it at the Ghugni Stall located near the Baripada Bus Stand.
Puri Sabji Stall: Puri Sabji is a popular breakfast dish in Odisha, and you can try it at the Puri Sabji Stall located in the town center.
Chatpata Stall: Chatpata is a spicy snack made with puffed rice, onion, tomato, and other ingredients. You can try it at the Chatpata Stall located near the Baripada Bus Stand.
Tea Stall: Tea is a popular beverage in Odisha, and you can try it at any of the tea stalls located in the town center.
Note that street food hygiene and cleanliness can vary, so it is advisable to check the quality and cleanliness of the stalls before consuming anything.
Where to stay in Baripada
Luxury accommodation
Baripada is a small town in Odisha, and there are limited options for luxury accommodation. However, here are some of the best luxury hotels to consider:
Mayfair Heritage: Mayfair Heritage is a luxurious heritage hotel located in the heart of Baripada. The hotel offers a range of amenities including a spa, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Hotel Pal Heights: Hotel Pal Heights is a luxury hotel located in the nearby city of Bhubaneswar, about 150 km from Baripada. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Toshali Pushpagiri: Toshali Pushpagiri is a luxury resort located about 40 km from Baripada in Jashipur. The resort offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a spa.
Hotel Akashdeep: Hotel Akashdeep is a luxury hotel located in the town center of Baripada. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and a bar.
Note that luxury accommodation in Baripada is limited, and it is advisable to book in advance.
Where to stay in Baripada
Budget accommodation
Baripada offers several options for budget accommodation. Here are some of the best budget hotels and guest houses to consider:
Hotel Green Park: Hotel Green Park is a budget hotel located in the town center of Baripada. The hotel offers basic amenities including comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
Hotel Sathi: Hotel Sathi is a budget hotel located near the Baripada Bus Stand. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms at affordable prices.
Hotel Shrikrishna Palace: Hotel Shrikrishna Palace is a budget hotel located in the heart of the town. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and basic amenities at affordable prices.
Hotel Classic: Hotel Classic is a budget hotel located near the Baripada Railway Station. The hotel offers basic amenities including comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
Note that budget accommodation in Baripada may not offer many amenities and may not be as luxurious as other options. However, they can provide a comfortable stay at affordable prices.
Travel Tips Baripada
Here are some travel tips for visiting Baripada:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Baripada is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
Local transportation: Local transportation options in Baripada include auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and local buses. Private taxis can also be hired for a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.
Language: The primary language spoken in Baripada is Odia, but Hindi and English are also widely spoken and understood.
Culture and customs: Baripada has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
Food: Baripada is known for its local cuisine, which includes seafood and vegetarian dishes. Popular dishes include mutton curry, fish fry, and prawn curry.
Sightseeing: Baripada is known for its natural beauty, wildlife sanctuaries, and cultural heritage. Must-visit attractions include the Simlipal National Park, Jagannath Temple, and Kichakeshwari Temple.
Safety: Baripada is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions, such as keeping your valuables safe and being aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone at night.
Climate: Baripada experiences a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers and cool winters. It is advisable to carry light cotton clothing during summers and warm clothes during winters.