An excellent base for touring the Mayurbhanj region and also the district headquarters, Baripada is an ideal place to pick up handloom products of Chandanpur and stone carving of Khiching. A must buy is the tusser fabric of Bangiriposi.
Assistance : Tourist office, Baripada -757001, Dist Mayurbhanj, Tel: 252710, Gram: ORISSATOUR.
The ancient capital of the Bhanja rules, Khiching lies about 205 Km away from Balasore and 150 km from Baripada. Scores of temples dominate the place, some of which are still in active worship. The predominant deity of Khiching is Kichakeswari, the most scared Goddess of the Mayurbhanj chiefs. The temple dedicated to her is built entirely of chlorite slabs and unique of it kind in India. The sculptures are beautiful. A small museum here boasts of highly important historical specimens of sculpture and art.