About Kalahandi District
Kalahandi District is a culturally rich and naturally beautiful district in the state of Odisha, with Bhawanipatna serving as its headquarters. The district is known for its scenic hills, forests, rivers, ancient temples, tribal heritage, traditional art, agriculture, and vibrant cultural traditions. Bhawanipatna, Kesinga, Junagarh, Dharamgarh, and Narla are among the important towns and administrative areas of the district.The district has a rich combination of natural resources, historical heritage, and economic activities. Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, with rice, pulses, cotton, and other crops cultivated across the region. Kalahandi is also known for its handloom traditions, handicrafts, tribal culture, local festivals, and traditional cuisine.Kalahandi’s scenic landscapes, forests, waterfalls, hills, temples, and cultural attractions provide opportunities for tourism, sightseeing, nature exploration, trekking, and cultural experiences. Places such as Phurlijharan Waterfall, Rabandhara Waterfall, Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary, and various historic temples reflect the district’s natural and cultural richness.With its diverse tribal heritage, historic landmarks, agricultural traditions, natural beauty, cultural festivals, and developing infrastructure, Kalahandi District represents a unique blend of tradition, nature, culture, and modern development in Odisha.
District Overview
Kalahandi is a historically and culturally rich district located in the southwestern part of Odisha. The district headquarters is Bhawanipatna, which serves as an important administrative, commercial, and cultural centre. Kalahandi is known for its scenic landscapes, forests, hills, rivers, waterfalls, temples, tribal traditions, agriculture, and handicrafts.The district has a diverse geographical landscape, ranging from fertile agricultural plains to forest-covered hills. Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary, Phurlijharan Waterfall, and Rabandhara Waterfall are among the notable natural attractions of the region. The district’s forests and hills also support a variety of flora and fauna.Kalahandi has a rich cultural heritage, with several tribal communities preserving their traditional customs, festivals, music, dance, handicrafts, and way of life. Ancient temples and historical sites across the district reflect its long cultural and architectural history.Agriculture is an important part of the district’s economy, with paddy, pulses, cotton, maize, and other crops cultivated in different areas. Handloom and handicraft activities also contribute to the livelihoods of local communities. Bhawanipatna and other important towns support trade, education, healthcare, and administrative activities.With its combination of natural beauty, tribal heritage, historical places, agriculture, forests, temples, and developing infrastructure, Kalahandi District represents the distinctive cultural and geographical character of Odisha.
District Statistics – Kalahandi
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| District Headquarters | Bhawanipatna |
| Area | 7,920 sq. km |
| Total Population | 15,76,869 |
| Male Population | 7,87,101 |
| Female Population | 7,89,768 |
| Sex Ratio | 1,003 females / 1,000 males |
| Rural Population | 14,54,882 |
| Urban Population | 1,21,987 |
| Literacy Rate | 59.22% |
| Scheduled Caste Population | 2,86,580 |
| Scheduled Tribe Population | 4,49,456 |
| Population (0–6 years) | 2,22,570 |
| Blocks | 13 |
| Tehsils | 13 |
| Revenue Villages | 2,249 |
| Census Villages | 2,253 |
| Gram Panchayats | 310 |
| Police Stations | 17 |
| Municipality | 1 |
| NACs | 3 |
Population of Kalahandi District
Total Population of Kalahandi District: 15,76,869 (as per 2011 Census)
Yes — you want a graph like the Dindigul examle, but using Kalahandi pDistrict population data, not a generated image.
For Kalahandi, the official 2011 Census data provides population for all 13 blocks.
Total District Population: 15,76,869
Male: 7,87,101 | Female: 7,89,768
Rural: 14,54,882 | Urban: 1,21,987
Know More About Kalahandi
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Kalahandi’s history, geography, population, culture, tourism, agriculture, important places, and development.
Kalahandi District is located in the southwestern part of Odisha, India.
The district headquarters is Bhawanipatna.
Kalahandi District covers approximately 7,920 square kilometres.
According to the 2011 Census, Kalahandi District has a population of approximately 15.77 lakh.
Kalahandi is known for its natural landscapes, forests, waterfalls, temples, tribal culture, agriculture, handloom traditions, and historical heritage.
Important attractions include Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary, Phurlijharan Waterfall, Rabandhara Waterfall, and several ancient temples and scenic hill areas.
