Welcome to the land of stunning temples, serene beaches, and deep, mysterious jungles! If you are a nature lover or a student preparing for a quiz, you might have asked yourself, “How many National Parks in Odisha?” This eastern state of India is a treasure trove of biodiversity. From the massive saltwater crocodiles to the majestic Royal Bengal Tigers, Odisha offers a glimpse into nature that you won’t find anywhere else. In this guide, we will explore the wild side of the state and answer all your burning questions about its geography, leadership, and culture.
The Wild Wonders: How Many National Parks in Odisha?
When we talk about the green heart of the state, many people are surprised to learn the exact number. So, how many national park in odisha are there? Currently, there are 2 officially designated National Parks in Odisha. These are Simlipal National Park and Bhitarkanika National Park. While the state has many wildlife sanctuaries—about 18 of them—these two hold the special status of being National Parks because of their immense ecological importance and the rare species that call them home.
Simlipal National Park: The Tiger’s Den
Simlipal is a massive area located in the Mayurbhanj district. It isn’t just a park; it’s also a tiger reserve and a part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The name comes from the ‘Simul’ or red silk cotton trees that bloom here, making the forest look like it’s on fire with color. If you visit, you might see the Asian elephant or the rare melanistic (black) tigers! It is one of the biggest reasons why people ask how many national park in Odisha—because Simlipal is such a giant on the map.
Bhitarkanika National Park: The Mangrove Magic
Located in the Kendrapara district, Bhitarkanika is a completely different world. It is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India. This park is famous for its giant saltwater crocodiles. In fact, it holds the record for the largest crocodiles in the world! Walking through the tangled roots of the mangroves feels like stepping back into a prehistoric era. Knowing how many national park in Odisha helps us appreciate how the state protects both hilly forests and coastal wetlands.
Quick Facts: Odisha Biography Table
To help you understand the state better, I’ve put together this simple table with all the essential details you need to know for 2026.
| Feature | Details |
| Capital of Odisha | Bhubaneswar |
| Current Chief Minister | Mohan Charan Majhi |
| Governor of Odisha | Raghubar Das |
| Education Minister (2025/26) | Suryabanshi Suraj (Minister of State) |
| State Bird | Indian Roller |
| Number of Districts | 30 Districts |
| Lok Sabha Seats | 21 Seats |
| Rajya Sabha Seats | 10 Seats |
| Major River | Mahanadi |
| Main Language | Odia |
Who Governs the Land of Lord Jagannath?
As of 2026, the political landscape of Odisha is led by Mohan Charan Majhi, who serves as the Chief Minister of Odisha. He took office in 2024 and continues to lead the state’s development. Working alongside him is the Governor of Odisha, Raghubar Das, who acts as the constitutional head. If you are looking for the new governor of Odisha, Raghubar Das has been serving in this vital role, ensuring the state’s administration runs smoothly according to the law.
Learning and Education in Odisha
Education is a big priority in the state. If you are curious about who is the education minister of Odisha, the responsibility currently lies with Suryabanshi Suraj, who serves as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Higher Education as well as School and Mass Education. Under his leadership, the state is working on modernizing schools and improving literacy rates across all 30 districts.
Geography 101: Districts and the Capital
Many students ask, “odisha me kitne jile hai?” or “how many districts in Odisha?” The answer is 30. Each district has its own unique flavor, from the tribal heartlands of Koraput to the coastal beauty of Puri. The capital of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, is known as the “Temple City” and is a hub for IT and education. In Hindi, you might hear people ask, “odisha ki rajdhani kya hai?” and the answer remains the same—Bhubaneswar.
The Lifeblood of Odisha: The Mahanadi River
The Mahanadi flows in which district of Odisha? This is a great question because the Mahanadi is the largest river in the state. It enters Odisha in the Jharsuguda and Sambalpur districts, where the famous Hirakud Dam is located. It then flows through several other districts like Sonepur, Boudh, Angul, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur before meeting the Bay of Bengal. It provides water for millions of farmers and is the reason the state is so green.
Connectivity: How Many Airports in Odisha?
Travel has become much easier in recent years. If you’re wondering how many airport in Odisha are active, there are currently 5 main civilian airports with commercial flights: Bhubaneswar, Jharsuguda, Jeypore, Utkela, and Rourkela. The government is planning to expand this to 15 operational airports in the coming years to make sure every corner of the state is connected to the world.
State Symbols and Cultural Identity
Every state has symbols that represent its soul. The state bird of Odisha is the beautiful Indian Roller, known locally as Nila Kantha. Its bright blue wings are a sight to behold during flight. When it comes to food, the famous food of Odisha is undoubtedly Pakhala Bhata (fermented rice) and Dalma. For those with a sweet tooth, the Chhena Poda (burnt cheese cake) and Rasagola are must-tries!
Is Today a Holiday in Odisha?
Planning your schedule? Since today is April 12, 2026, which is a Sunday, most offices and banks are already closed. If you are asking, “is tomorrow a holiday in Odisha?”, the answer is Yes! Tomorrow, April 13, is Ambedkar Jayanti, which is a public holiday across the state. This means schools, government offices, and banks will be closed. Always check the official calendar if you’re asking “is today bank holiday in Odisha” for other dates.
Conclusion: A State of Natural Beauty
Odisha is much more than just a spot on the map. It is a place where nature and culture live hand in hand. From knowing how many national park in Odisha to understanding the flow of the Mahanadi, we see a state that is rich in resources and spirit. Whether you are visiting for the wildlife in Simlipal or the temples in the capital, Odisha will always have a story to tell you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Exactly how many national park in Odisha are there?
There are 2 National Parks: Simlipal National Park and Bhitarkanika National Park.
2. What is the capital of Odisha in Odia and Hindi?
The capital is Bhubaneswar. In Hindi, it is called the “Rajdhani” and remains Bhubaneswar.
3. Who is the current Chief Minister of Odisha?
As of 2026, the Chief Minister is Mohan Charan Majhi.
4. How many Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha seats in Odisha?
Odisha has 21 seats in the Lok Sabha and 10 seats in the Rajya Sabha.
5. What is the state bird of Odisha?
The state bird is the Indian Roller, famous for its striking blue colors.
6. Which is the famous food of Odisha that I must try?
You must try Pakhala Bhata, Dalma, and the delicious Chhena Poda.
