Balasore, a popular tourist destination in Northern Odisha, is renowned for Chandipur Sea Beach, where the sea recedes dramatically during low tide, creating a unique and picturesque landscape. In addition to its coastal charm, Balasore is home to several magnificent Hindu temples, each showcasing exquisite architectural styles and rich cultural history. Not far from the beach, nestled in nature’s abundant greenery, lies the Simlipal National Park, situated approximately 60 kilometres away from Chandipur. This expansive forest reserve is celebrated for its diverse flora and fauna, including various wildlife species. Balasore is the largest town in Northern Odisha and is conveniently located about 195 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, the state capital, and roughly 300 kilometres from the bustling metropolitan city of Kolkata. The town boasts excellent transportation infrastructure, ensuring good connectivity via both rail and road networks that link it to various parts of India. This accessibility, coupled with its rich cultural offerings and natural attractions, makes Balasore an appealing destination.
TOP 10 TOURIST PLACES OF BALASORE
CHANDIPUR SEA BEACH: The most renowned beach in Balasore is also called the Vanishing Beach. In the morning, the water is close to the shore, but as the day progresses, it retreats about 2-3 kilometres from the shore by noon. This remarkable phenomenon occurs twice daily.
EMAMI JAGANNATH TEMPLE: This is a Hindu temple which is located in Balgopalpur and resembles a chariot, this temple has multiple structures made with sandstone curved on the wall
DEVKUND: Devkund, translating to ‘pond of the gods,’ is accessible via a brief 15-20 minute trek from the parking area, passing through the serene Simlipal reserve forest. As you traverse the jungle, the tranquil ambience, punctuated only by birdsong, envelops you. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the sight of a waterfall cascading from the hills into the Kund, forming a natural pond, known also as the Devkund waterfall.
MAA AMBIKA TEMPLE: This is a Hindu temple dedicated to Maa Ambika. Adjacent to Devkund, there is a narrow passage leading to the hilltop where the temple is located. It takes about a 20-minute hike to reach this beautiful site, and you will see the river flowing behind the temple, creating the Devkund waterfall. Many devotees gather here during Durga Puja.
PANCHALINGESWAR: This temple is dedicated to the mighty Lord Shiva, situated atop a hill near the Nilgiri Hills, in the Balasore District. It houses five naturally formed lingams within the stream’s mouth, which devotees can touch by reaching into the stream, although the lingams are not visible from the outside. A 10-15 minute uphill walk from the parking area leads to the temple, with a gentle path that is accessible for all ages.
NILGIRI JAGANNATH TEMPLE & RAJBARI: This temple is located in the foothills of Swarnachura hills, adjacent to Nilgiri Rajbari. This temple was built by King Harichandan who belongs to Nilagiri Dynasty.
BURIBALAM RIVER & MOHANA: Mohana is the place where the river meets with the sea or another river, this river flows through Balashore and meets the sea near Chandipur market.
RADHE KRISHNA TEMPLE: Located just 2 km away from main Chandipur Beach and near to Chandpur Market is this Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
KHIRACHORA GOPINATH TEMPLE: Khirachora is an Odia term that means “butter thief.” In Hindi, it is referred to as “Makkhan Chor.” This is one of the many names of Lord Krishna, who, in his childhood, loved to eat butter so much that he sometimes stole it from his mother Yashoda’s kitchen. The Khirachora temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is located in Remuna, in the Balasore district of Odisha. Inside the temple, you will find many colourful depictions of the divine activities (Lila) of Sri Krishna carved on the walls.
