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A well laid out town from the time of the
Maharajas, Balangir still possesses the charm and serenity of the old days
fashion. It is one of the major commercial towns in the western part of
Orissa.
EXCURSIONS
Ranipur-Jharial
Situated 104-km from Balangir, Ranipur- Jharial houses one among the four
existing Hypaethral temples, dedicated to the 64 Yoginis in India- a
wonder in the world of archaeology and a cluster of other temples.
Harishankar
On the southern slope of
Gandhamardan hills,
Harishankar, 81-km from Balangir is a place of pilgrimage
and rare scenic beauty with gurgling waterfalls. The foaming waters
sparkle vibrantly, acting as a delightful contrast to the unmelting
hardness of the granite bed, from which it cascades through the
sun-dappled jungle.
Patnagarh
The ancient capital of the kingdom of Patna, Patnagarh has some unique
monuments- 38-km from Balangir.
Sonepur
On the confluence of rivers Mahanadi
and Tel, known as Paschima Lanka in scriptures, Sonepur is a nicely laid
out town. Located 48-km from Balangir, it has a cluster of temples, each
having a story of its own. In the whole temple complex, the shrine of
Suvarnameru Lingam holds precedence over all. The
Nrusinghanath temple
is the highest, at a height of 24.38m.
Another temple of interest for visitors is the doorless temple of
Gnyanadei Maluni, with slightly 'Tantric' overtones, which indicates that
Tantrism flourished in this region for sometime. There are numerous
villages around Sonepur where scores of weavers work on no less than
23,000 looms to produce exquisite textiles.
Saintala
Saintala is a small village situated in Balangir district in Titlagarh
sub-division at a distance of 32-km south of Balangir-Titlagarh road.
Popularly known for its remains ancient temples, the main site of
archeological interest is the temple of Chandeshwari Thakurani, now in its
ruins. The site apparently belongs to the early 'Somvansi' period.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
The nearest airport is situated at
Bhubaneswar
.
Rail:
Balangir is a railhead on the S.E.Railway.
Road:
Balangir is 327-km from Bhubaneswar and has direct road connections to
major towns of the State.
WHERE TO STAY
HOTELS:
Hotel Rajmahal
Hotel New Paradise
Ashoka Hotel
Hotel Surya
Hotel Old Paradise
Hotel Tara
Tourist Home
FOR MORE TRAVEL INFORMATION
Balangir Tourist Office,
Phone:22432
Gram:ORISSATOUR
Nearby Cities
Ranipur-Jharial: 104-km
Harishankar: 81-km
Patnagarh: 38-km
Sonepur: 48-km