It is the gateway to one of the most ancient forest covers of Orissa which shelters the elephants, tigers and numerous species of birds and beasts. The broad plains of the river Brahmani were the dwelling place of early homo-sapiens who lived on berries and wild fruits before the advent of rice on these heavily watered expanses.

The surrounding Sal forests come ablaze with the changing seasons making this district headquarters town a focal point of trips to beautiful interiors. About 99 km away from Bhubaneswar, it is also famous for the BalbhadraTemple built in 1700 AD.