Keonjhar once known as the princely state came under a number of rulers before come under Odisha. In early 12th century it is recognized by Jati Singh and is believed to come under the section of old Khijinga province. Today it is one of the prominent district of Odisha becomes an idyllic retreat for tourists who wish to explore the beauty of this splendid land. The rich mineral resources, variety of flora and fauna along with different attractions completes your Keonjhar tourism at any season within a year. The district is surrounded by the state of Jharkhand in its north and Jajpur in the south, Dhenkanal in the west and Mayurbhanj in the east respectively.
The Jagannath temple, the Vishnu Temple and shrines on the outskirts of Keonjhar such as Siddha Jagannath, Siddha Kal and Panchabati are the popular included Keonjhar tourist places.
Ghatagaon is included as places around Keonjhar, situated on the highway between Jajpur and Keonjhar. It is the Goddess Tarini temple located here is the focal point of the place. There is also Ghatakeswar Mahesh Shiva temple build near the Tarini temple. The place is rarely 50 kms from Jajpur on highway.
Khandadhar a unique picnic spot, known for its natural beauty is 60 km from Keonjhar town. Water fall of about 500 feet in height, amidst lush green forests is the point of attraction at this place.
Badghagara, 10 km from Keonjhar towards Sambalpur is a 200 feet waterfall and Sanghagara is a 6 km from Keonjhar towards Sambalpur which is 100 feet waterfall included tourist places in Keonjhar.
Rajanagar contains ruins of an ancient palace which belonged to the erstwhile king of Keonjhar. This place also houses the Dadhibaman Jew Temples and the Raghunath Jew Matha. Every year several species of migratory birds visit Chadei Kudoor in Rajanagar during winter.
Included as one of the places to visit in Keonjhar is situated at the distance of 45 kms, surrounded by a series of valleys and wooded hills, temple of Brahmeswar Mahadev is the place from where the Vaitarani river starts flowing, A little away from the point of origin, the river goes under ground and hence called Guptaganga, only to be seen jumping after a short distance over a stone projection looking like the nostril of a cow, Gonasika hill, Ghatakeswar Mahesh Temple
A beautiful Picnic spot is known as one of the famous waterfalls provides amazing natural beauty to Keonjhar tourism.
30 kms from Keonjhar and 23 Kms on the Jajpur-Keonjhar Road is the place of fresco paintings on a rock shelter called Ravan Chhaya which is like a half opened umbrella.
It is situated by the side of a perennial spring of Thakurani hill in Champua Sub-Division of Keonjhar District. 70 km from Keonjhar, this Shiva temple is one of the tourist places around Keonjhar is also in fame as a favourite picnic spot due to perennial spring and amazing water fall.