Gajapati (ଗଜପତି) is a district in southern Odisha, India, bordering Andhra Pradesh. Its headquarters is Paralakhemundi. Named after Maharaja Krushna Chandra Gajapati, a key figure in the movement for a separate Odisha province, the district is known for its Eastern Ghats landscapes, forested hills and diverse tribal communities.
Saora communities are an important part of Gajapati’s social and cultural life, alongside Odia- and Telugu-speaking residents. Farming, horticulture, forest produce and local trade support livelihoods. Saora traditions include distinctive ritual art and oral heritage. Notable places include Paralakhemundi’s royal palace, Mahendragiri hill and the Tibetan settlement and Buddhist monastery at Chandragiri.
Common civic concerns include reliable drinking water, road access to remote villages, healthcare and school facilities. Residents also care about irrigation, agricultural incomes, employment and access to public services. Forest rights, land tenure and balancing conservation with livelihoods are important issues, while heavy rains can disrupt transport and essential services.