Keonjhar is a land locked district with an area of 8240 sq. km. It is situated in the northern part of Orissa. It is surrounded by Sundergarh district and Dhenkal district in the west, Jajpur in the south, Mayurbhanj and Bhadrak in the east and Singhbhum district of Bihar in the north side. It lies between 21o1'N and 22o10'N latitude, between 35o11' and 86o22' longitude and 480 meters altitude. Headquarter at Keonjhar and holds a population of 1.5 million. The climate is characterized by oppressively hot summers with high humidity.
Keonjhar has the distinction of containing of one of the oldest rock of the world, approximately 38,000 million year old covering an area of 100 sq km. The district of Keonjhar is highly rich in mineral resources and has vast deposits of Iron, Manganese and Chrome Ores. Keonjhar is a green land of panoramic beauty and a storehouse of mineral wealth. It occupies a prominent place in the mineral map of India with its vast deposits of iron, manganese and chrome ores. The region is home to industries such as Kalinga Irons Works, the Ferro Manganese Plant, and forest products of the surrounding area. Keonjhar Town is dotted with attractions such as the Vishnu temple and the Jagannath temple. The picturesque settings on the outskirts of Keonjhar District are the shrines of Siddha Jagannath, Siddha Kali, and Panchabati.
Places of Interest
Ghatagaon
45 kms. from Keonjhar on the National Highway No.215 towards Cuttack, the place is known throughout the state for the shrine of Goddess Tarini.
 Sitabinj Situated on the river Sita. The spot has gained prominence as a place having ancient fresco paintings on a rock shelter called Ravan Chhaya which is like a half opened umbrella. The painting depicts a royal procession. It is 30 kms. from Keonjhar (23 Kms. on the Jajpur-Keonjhar Road upto Katrabeda and 7 Kms from there). Khandadhar A famous waterfall of about 500 ft. high amidst lush green forest. It is 60 kms. from Keonjhar, ideal for picnic.  9 kms. from Keonjhar on NH-6 towards Sambalpur, it is yet another small (200 ft. high) but exiting waterfall. It is one of the most popular picnic spots of Keonjhar district. Sanghagara 6 Kms. from Keonjhar on NH-6 towards Sambalpur. It is a small (100 ft high) but beautiful waterfall, suitable for outing.  Gonasika Surrounded by a series of villages of wooded hills of varying colours, the place is famous as a centre of pilgrimage for the temple of Brahmeswar Mahadev, established on the river Baitarani. In fact this is the place from where the river starts flowing. A little away from the point of origin, the river goes underground and hence called Guptaganga only to be seen jumping after a short distance over a stone projection looking like the nostril of cow. The scenic beauty of the place is simply charming. It is 33 kms. from Keonjhar (of this 8 kms. fair-weather). Murga Mahadev Situated near the Thakurani Hill in Champua Sub-division by the side of a perennial spring. It is famous for the temple of Murga Mahadev. It is 65 kms. from Keonjhar. Keonjhargarh Keonjhargarh, the District headquarters is famous for the Baladevjeu Temple. On its out-skirts are the shrines of Sidha Jagannath, Sidhakali and Chaubacha, Bajrangbali amidst picturesque settings. Deogaon ( Kosaleswar ) On the river Kusei near Anandapur. The temple of Kusaleswar built in Circa 900 AD is a famous centre of pilgrimage. Once upon a time it was a flourishing seat of Buddhism. Even now a 5 feet high image of Abalokiteswar stands there as reminiscence of the Buddhism in the past. Another important monument of the place is the stone embankment on the river Kusei, which is the second of its kind in the state. Famous temples
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