Phulabani

Phulabani is a town and the administrative headquarters of Kandhamal district in Odisha, India. Located centrally within the district at an elevation of about 750 meters, it is surrounded by natural beauty including forests, waterfalls like Putudi Waterfall, wildlife sanctuaries such as Tirkarpada Wildlife Sanctuary and Satkosia Tiger Reserve, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers and explorers.

The region is mainly rural with a significant tribal population, notably the Kandha tribe, who are known for their hospitality and traditional culture. Agriculture is a primary occupation, with crops like paddy, maize, pulses, cotton, and oilseeds grown locally. Phulabani is also known for culturally important temples including Maa Barala Devi Temple, Jagannath Temple, and Birupakhya Temple.

The town experiences a tropical climate with the best visiting period from October to February. Though modest in size with a population around 37,000, Phulabani offers a blend of natural landscapes, tribal heritage, and cultural festivals, presenting an offbeat yet enriching experience for visitors. The area has limited transport infrastructure, lacking its own railway station, and the nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar about 208 km away.