Rayagada City Map Poster

About Rayagada

The town is situated at the foot of the Mahendragiri hills. It is located on National Highway-5 (NH 5) and has a railway station, which connects it to other parts of India. Rayagada was formerly known as "Rajamahendravaram" after Raja Mahendra Gond who ruled over this region in ancient times. The name Rayagada came into existence when the British established their rule in Odisha and they named it after its ruler, Raghava Gondi who belonged to Kshatriya caste or warrior class (Gonds are also part of Kshatriyas). Later on, Rayagada became an important centre for trade between Telangana area and Andhra Pradesh areas like Vizianagaram district etc., due to its location near border with Andhra Pradesh state . In olden days people from different places used come here for trading purpose during festival seasons like Dusshera/Durga Puja etc.