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Balasore, the headquarters of the district, was an important
maritime town in medieval times through the river Budhabalanga. Some
portions of the town were occupied by the French and the Dutch, which were
named as "Farasidinga" and "Dinamardinga". The ruins
of the foreign possessions still exist.
Balasore
serves as the most convenient base for touring the various places of
interest in the district. The Temple of Mahadev Baneswar is one of the
main places of tourist interest in Balasore. Lacquered toys of Balasore,
brass works of Remuna and stone carvings of Nilagiri are the local
handicrafts.
EXCURSIONS
Chandipur (16-km)
The sea beach at Chandipur is surely one among the finest beaches of the
country, but with a plus. Here the waters recede five kilometres offshore
and proceed rhythmically after a regular interval everyday. The sand dunes
green with wild creepers and the casuarina whistling with the breeze
create a fantastic moment for a visitor absorbed in observing the play of
the tide. It is well connected by regular bus service from Balasore.
Panchalingeswar (30-km)
Situated on a hillock near Nilagiri, Panchalingeswar is a place with
beautiful surroundings and serves as a picnic spot for the visitors. The
five 'lingams' known as Panchalingeswar with the perennial spring flowing
over them are the added attraction of this place. The Panthasala at
Panchalingeswar provides accommodation for the visitors.
Chandaneswar (88-km)
The holy shrine of Lord Chandaneswar is a religious centre for the people
of not only the district of Balasore but also of places adjacent. It is a
unique sight to see the devotees flock together in hundreds everyday and
in thousands on festive occasions like Nilaparva (April) for darshana.
Talasari
About 4-km from Chandaneswar and 4-km from Digha in West Bengal is the
tranquil beach at Talasari, surrounded by casuarina groves. A jeep drive
on the beach to negotiate both the places is a pleasant and memorable
experience.
Balaramgadi
2-km from Chandipur, Balaramgadi where the river Budhabalanga meets the
sea is a nice picnic spot and ideal for fishing and cruising. The fishing
boats also provide an interesting sight.
Chandabali (120-km)
Chandbali has been a famous river port since medieval time. The tourists
can enjoy a boat journey to Aradi and Dhamra by river route from
Chandbali.
Aradi (110-km)
A beauty spot on the bank of the river Vaitarani known as the 'sacred
Ganges of Orissa', Aradi is famous for the Saiva shrine of Lord
Akhandalamani. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the place daily not only for a
Darshan of the Lord but also to seek relief from physical ailment they
suffer from. It is 52-km from Bhadrak and 110-km from Balasore. One can
also negotiate the place by boat from Chandbali through the river.
Dhamra (160-km)
On the confluence of the rivers Vaitarani and Brahmani where they meet
the sea, Dhamra naturally has a special appeal for the tourists. It is
40-km from Chandbali, approachable by boat and motor launch and 160-km
from Balasore.
Raibania
Raibania, a place of historic importance finds its mention in the book "Ain-i-Akbari".
It is known for its group of forts now in ruins. The Jayachandiban or the
lovely forest of Jayachandi is now used as an ideal picnic spot.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air:
The nearest Airport is
Bhubaneswar
, which is 198-kms from Balasore.
Rail:
Balasore is having a railhead on the South Eastern Railway. All
Calcutta-Madras rail routes of Southeastern railways touches Balasore.
From Howrah, Balasore could be accessible by Dhauli Express, Falaknama
Express, East-Coast Express, Puri and Jagannath Express, at different
points of time of the day. There are several local trains available as
well.
Road:
Balasore is well connected by roads with Bhubaneshwar 198-kms,
Cuttack 228-kms and
Calcutta
234-kms. The Madras bound National Highway No-5 linking Calcutta-
Balashore-Cuttack-Bhubaneswar is the main connector by road. There are
several other bye-routes too such as Kolaghat-Digha-Jaleswar routes and
Belda route.
WHERE TO STAY
Most of the accommodations is operated by Orissa Tourism.
Deepak Lodging, Balasore
Panthaniwas Tourist Bungalow, Chandipur
OTHER CITY HOTELS
Hotel Anandamayee
Hotel Swarnachuda
Hotel Nishi
Hotel Torrento
Hotel Trimurty
Hotel Binayak
Panchajanya Holiday Resort
FOR MORE TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourist Office: SPA Marketing Complex, Block-B, Station Square,
Pin:756001,
Phone:(06782) 362048
Nearby Cities
Chandipur: 16-km
Pachalingeswar: 30-km
Chandaneswar: 88-km
Balaramgadi: 18-km
Chandabali: 120-km
Aradi: 110-km
Dhamra: 160-km
Bhubaneswar
: 198-km