Balasore - Places of Interest

Places of Interest

Chandipur-on-sea is a sea resort famous for its mile long shallow beaches. It is a unique beach where the tide comes to the shore only four times a day, at fixed intervals. At a distance of 30 k.m. south-west, there lies Panchalingeshwar, a scenic spot high on a mountain. The presiding Siva there can't be seen, rather, one has to feel by touching the statue which is submerged under the flowing fountain. About 33 km south-west of Balasore, there is 'Santaragadia' is a semi town where 'Biseswar temple' is situated in the hill, covered by hills on its sides. Near to this place, there is 'Khulia Village' which is a settlement of aboriginal peoples staying in a scenic village surrounded by hills and fountains from all sides. Around 30 km south-east of Balasore, there is a port named 'Dhamra'.

Kshirachora Gopinatha Temple, situated at Remuna, approximately 7 km from the main town of Balsore, was built by the Great King Langula Narasimha Dev who also built the notable Temple at Konark. Khirochora Gopinath Temple is notable for its mythological story about how it was built there. The Biranchinarayan Temple, Palia, "AstaDurga", "Bhudhar Chandi" are some other temples located in that region.

There is a Jagannatha Temple in Nilagiri which is one of the prominent Jagannnath temples of Orissa. Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are worshiped here. Every year Ratha Yatra is observed with all the cults of the gods.

Panchalingeswara temple is scenic picnic spot in Baleswar which is located 30 km from Baleswar. This is famous both for Panchalingeswara temple and the picnic spot nearby. There is a state tourism Pantha Nivas in Panchalingeswara for the tourists coming from outside. Panchalingeswara is surrounded by thick greenery and hillocks. Branches of the natural spring flow through the hill range which add more attraction to this place.

Bhujakhia Pir, situated at sunhat at the heart of the city is the tomb of sufi saint Aasthana Sharif Hazrat Pir named as Bhujakhia Pir. The shrine of Baba Bhujakhia Pir of Balasore stands as a symbol of harmony between Muslim and Hindu. During the occasion of Urs, Crowd gathers at shrine comprises both Hindu and Muslims. This is an age-old tradition here. The legend tells that Aasthana Sharif Hazrat Pir, name afterwards as ‘Bhujakhia Pir’ had come to Orissa in the 16th century and devoted himself to the service of mankind, especially to the service of Cholera victims. The Pir was much fond of ‘Bhuja’ (Puffed rice), and he is remembered as Bhujakhia Pir. Since after his demise also he is remembered with respect and the shrine remained as place of worship for both communities since centuries.

It was the birthplace of linguist and novelist Fakir Mohan Senapati, social activist Lambodar Panda, creator of Oriya script and rebel against the British Raj, and poet Kabibar Radhanath Ray, noted for his poems on the beauty of Chilika Lake and rebel against the British Raj. He is born in Kedarpur (soro) near to village Budei.