Best time to visit : September to March
Balasore, also known as Baleswar, is a town located in the state of Orissa (Odisha) in Eastern India. The coastal city is located in the region better known as Chandipur Beach. A popular tourist destination, this town has the reminiscences of British India. This old town is exclusively scenic and has some of the most beautiful temples, historical places, tombs and hillocks. The eye soothing green paddy fields is a real visionary treat at this place which also serves as the headquarters of Balasore district. Backdrop formed by the blue hills and blossoming meadows add to its charm. Some of the must visit places at Balasore include Gopinatha Temple, Lagula Narasimha Dev Temple and Biranchinarayan Temple. Shallow seas, panoramic surroundings, ancient history and delectable cuisines are some reasons why Balasore is counted as one of the top tourist places in Orissa.
Facts
With a mixed cultural heritage, the town has a population of local inhabitants, Bengalis and Marwaris. Balasore, also an industrial hub, has some major industries of Eastern India. The main languages spoken here are Oriya and English. Situated at a distance of about 198 km. from Bhubaneshwar, the capital city of Orissa, Balasore covers an area of 3,076 sq. km. For its fertile stretch of land, Balasore is also called the Granary of Orissa. Extreme heat during summers and heavy rail during monsoons are the region’s climatic characteristics. To know more tourist information about this historical town, read more of this travel guide.
Balasore is particularly famous for its tasty sweet called rasgullas. Popular sweet corners of the town are Mahi Rasagolla and Jagadathri Sweets (known for pantuas/ gulab jamun). Balasore also boasts of chhena poda (fried/burnt cheese in sugar). Apart from sweet shops, Balasore has some of the finest eateries in Orissa that serves delectable local and national cuisine; some of the better known names are Hotel Maridian, Hotel Hariplaza, Jaganath Puri Vaji Stall, Motiganj Market and The Rainbow.
Balasore, alike other coastal towns, has some exclusive shops selling items made of conch shells and beads. Kotki cotton, Sambhalpuri sarees and similar locally made fabrics are favourite buys of the tourists. Moreover, the super market area has several shops that cater to the daily requirement goods.
Nearby Places:
Sightseeing in Balasore can be extended through excursions to the following nearby places:
· Raibania (about 119 km.): This place of historical significance has now become a popular picnic spot. The mention of Raibania is even found in the historical book ‘Ain-i-Akbari.’ It houses scattered ruins of once glorious forts and is surrounded by the forest of Jayachandi.
· Aradi (about 110 km.): Also known as “sacred Ganges of Orissa”, this place is located on the bank of the River Vaitarani. Aradi has a Saiva shrine of Lord Akhandalamani that is visited by hundreds of pilgrims every day.
· Panchalingeswar (about 25 km.): Panchalingeswar is located on a hillock near Nilagiri. Enveloped by lush surroundings, this temple has five lingams with a perennial spring flowing over them.