The other popular[clarification needed] locations are Baliguda, G. Udayagiri, Tikabali and Raikia.Daringabadi (Kashmir of Odisha) The territory is rural, with a number of waterfalls, springs, hill stations, and historical and archaeological places.

[5] According to the 2011 census Kandhamal district has a population of 733,110,[2] roughly equal to the nation of Guyana[7] or the US state of Alaska.

While other Scheduled communities like Gond, Kandha Gauda, Haddi, Ghasi, Savar (Soura), Tanla, Keuta, Dom, and Dhoba also have a considerable presence.

[9] A majority of the inhabitants belong to the Kondh tribe, following various religious faiths, who are said to be "proud and aggressive", in the words of a district official.

3% of the aforementioned 15.8% Panos in Kandhamal, while claiming to be Hindu in documents, covertly practise Catholicism in reality, and hence they are not even legally eligible for Scheduled Caste Status.

In recent years residents have focused on horticulture, sericulture, floriculture and other agricultural activities apart from rice.

Mango, mahula (mahua), Indian gooseberry (amla), kendu, meswak and jackfruit are also found in abundance in the wilderness.

A special pulse known as kandula is native to this district; the Kondh people mostly cultivate it in the hilly forests.

The Danda Nach is celebrated in the district mainly by the Kondh tribals, following their traditional religion.

In the month of April/May they offer the mohula flower in the form of cakes to the village deity; this is called Maranga Laka.

On special occasions Kedu Laka is done depending on the requirement of the mother earth, which is decided by the village priest, locally called Kuta Gatanju.

The major Hindu festivals like Holi, Diwali, Rakshabandhan, Shivratri, Ram Navami and Janmashtami are celebrated by Kondhs and other Hindus in the district with equal fervor.

Nowadays people celebrate the Savan (Shravan) month by offering their prayers to Shiva and carrying water to Shiv temples walking barefoot.

During Rakshabandhan, village children organize a game called Gamhadiyan, where a small earthen pedestal is created and a string containing toffes is hung over it.

Many of the Khond tribal people converted to Protestant Christianity in the late 19th century, and they celebrate Christmas and Easter as well.

There are several Panos who have converted from Catholicism and Hinduism to Buddhism, especially in Raikia and Balliguda, and they celebrate Buddha Jayanti religious festivals.

Balaskumpa is a village in this south-east of Kandhmal (Phulbani) Sub-Division situated 20-25’N and 84-21’ at the confluence of two hilly streams, which combine to form the Pilla Salki river.

Another temple dedicated to Lord Anandeswar and Jogeswar (Siva) is located nearby; one big fair is held here on the Sivaratri day.

[citation needed] Dungi is about 45 km from Phulbani, situated on Phulbani-Berhampur road in G. Udayagiri Tehsil.

[citation needed] This part of the state usually doesn't have such clear white sand, which is common in coastal region river banks and sea shores.

With recent development of the destinations, a lot of tourists visit the place for picnics from early November to the end of February.

Putudi is 18 km from Phulbani town with a waterfall of 100 feet (30 m) height, situated in the dense forest.

Kotagarh also has a wildlife sanctuary with elephants, tigers, nilgai, wild boar, chital and antelopes.

The aviary has red jungle fowl, peafowl, peacocks and a wide variety of wild birds.

Kuruduawaterfall is situated at the village of Ladimaha in Kotagada block about 160 km from the district headquarter Phulbani.

While there are no dedicated tourist buses to the places of interest in the district, taxis may be hired at Phulbani or Balliguda.

There are fourteen hospitals: The following are the 3 Vidhan sabha constituencies[15][16] of Kandhamal district and the elected members[17] of that area.

On 25 December 2007, ethnic conflict broke out between Khond tribals and Pano Scheduled Caste people in Kandhamals.

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom reported that by March 2009, and at least 3,000 individuals were still in government relief camps.

[36] Suspected Maoist rebels detonated a roadside land mine on 27 November 2010, blowing up an ambulance.