The district of Kendrapara got its name from the death of one mythological demon named “Kandarasura” who was killed by Lord Baladev, the elder brother of Lord Jagannath. Many historical events were occurred in this land of this district. The District is a land full of cultural heritage. As per some historical records, the name of the Kendrapra district was changed from time to time. The District was well known as Tulasi, Kshetra, Gupta Kshetra, Brahma Kshetra and Kendrapalli in the chapters of the mythological texts and purans. The history of this place reveals that once upon a time the place of Kendrapara was the trade hub of the ancient Kalinga. It is the first municipality of Odisha during the British Raj. It carved out of the erstwhile district of Cuttack, Kendrapra as a separate district was emerged on 1st April 1993.

Bhikari Bal also famous as Bhajan Samrat was an Indian singer. Akshaya Kumar Mohanty was a singer, songwriter, writer and musician from the district. He had won Jayadeva Award and many other awards from Orissa Cinecritic Association. He also rewarded with State Award for best composer twice and State Award for best playback singer for seven times.

Geographically, the district has a total 2,644 sq. kms. area and occupies the rank 26th in State and 428th in India on the bases of this size. It lies at 20°50'N latitude, 86°42'E longitude and 12 m altitude. In the year 2021, there was a total 12.67% forest area of total geographical area. It is bounded by Bhadrak district in the North, Puri district in the South, Jajpur district and Cuttack district in the East and Bay of Bengal in the West. Some of the principal rivers in the district passes through the district are Brahmani, Baitarani and Luna. The climate of the district is extremely hot is the summers and fairly cold in the winters. Most of its rainfall occurs in the monsoon season. The actual rainfall in the district was 2044.7 mm in the year of 2021-22.

Administratively, the district is divided into 12 sub-districts, 2 towns and 1,547 villages. Oriya is its administrative language. The district came in existence on 1st April, 1993 with its headquarters located at Kendrapara town is situated at a distance of 88 kms. from the State Capital.

Demographically, according to the 2011 census, the district has a total number of 3,27,405 households with a total of 14,40,361 comprising 7,17,814 are males and 7,22,547 are females which leads it to rank 14th in the state and 344th in India. The density of population of the district is 545 persons per sq. kms. The sex ratio is pegged at 1007 (females per 1000 males) while the child ratio stands at 926 (females per 1000 males). As per 2011 census the percentage of major religions practiced by the people of this region is Hindu with 96.28% of the total population. The population growth rate during the period of 2001-2011 was 10.63% including 11.04% were males and 10.22% were females. According to 2011 census the principal language in the district is Oriya with 91.47%. In the year 2020 the number of live births in the district was 21,130 out of which 11,132 were males and 9,998 were females. In the same year the number of deaths in the district was 12,428 out of which 7,323 were males and 5,105 were females.

Economically, the district is dependent on agriculture primarily. In the year 2011-12 the gross domestic product in the district was Rs. 4,45,507 lakhs at current price and Rs. 2,79,922 lakhs at constant prices in the year 2004-2005. The net domestic product in the district during the period 2011-12 was Rs. 4,11,102 lakh at current price and Rs. 2,55,355 lakh at constant prices in the year 2004-2005. The Per Capita Income or NDDP, At Factor Cost during the period 2011-12 was Rs. 28,407 at current price and Rs. 17,645 at constant prices in the year 2004-2005. Paddy, green gram, black gram, groundnut, jute, sunflower, mango, banana, guava, papaya are the major agricultural products of the region.

Education wise, according to the 2011 census, the literacy rate of the district is 85.15% including 91.45% are males and 78.96% are females. The total literate population in the district is 10,89,265 comprising 5,79,970 are males and 5,09,295 are females. The district has a number of educational institutes including schools and colleges. Kendarpara Law College, Chandol College, Derabish College, PNS Diploma College, Kendrapara College, Marsaghai College, Tulsi’s Women’s College are some of the main colleges of the district.

Every year numerous travellers from different parts of the country comes to this place into order to explore its several tourist places. In the year of 2019, there were total 9,80,411 domestic tourists and 302 foreign tourists who visited the above places. Batighara is the first lighthouse created in eastern coast of India, situated in front of the Batighar, the False Point Port which was the first modern port of the Odisha coast and this port was commissioned in the year 1855. Kanika Palace, another most popular tourist places in the Kendrapara district is situated in the Rajkanika block and around 50 kms. from Kendrapara. Aul Palace, one of the beautiful tourist site in the district and an ancient palace spread over 40 acres of land. Some other notable structures included in this palace are Rajbati, Ranimahal, Ghodashala, Bhandar, Udyan, Pramoda Udyan, Debalaya, Devi mandir and many more the palace. Dhamara Port is an ancient port on the bank of river Baitarani, located almost 5 kms. away from Kanika Palace. Kudanagari is an ancient center of maritime business, which is situated in Patkura constituency. A massive sand dune sprawling over 15 acres of land and of a height 25 feet, surrounded by deep forest is a pilgrim center. The district is known for its temples, fairs and wildlife sanctuaries.