A culturally and historically rich tourist place, Balasore is the economic hub of northern Odisha. It is the home of Fakir Mohan, the savior of the Odia language. The city invites many people as it houses numerous temples and historical sights, which are the main attractions. During British rule in India, Balasore was under Bengal Presidency. It became a significant part of Odisha formally after the creation of the state on 1st April 1936.
From scenic landscapes to mystical temples, Balasore has stunning temples that are known for their architectural finesse. One such temple is Khirachora Gopinath Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Keep reading to know about Balasore, how to reach it, its best time to visit, shopping places, useful travel trips, and much more.
Balasore Tourism
The rich cultural heritage of Balasore deserves special mention. The monuments and temples of this place are worth visiting because of their many historical and mythological significance linked with Odisha’s very essence. When on tour to Balasore, make sure you frequent places like Chandipur, Balaramgadi, Chandaneswar, Talsari, Raibania Fort, etc. Interestingly some portions of Balasore were occupied by the French and the Dutch. Some architecture in Balasore still bears evidence of its colonial rule.
Why Visit Balasore?
This mineral-rich state also has a number of wildlife reserves, lakes, and coastal retreats, making it a favorite destination for tourists and industrialists alike. Also, visit architectural marvels like Khirachora Gopinath Temple and seek blessings from Lord Krishna.
Languages Spoken in Balasore
The main languages spoken in Balasore are Odia and Hindi.
Where is Balasore Located?
Balasore is located in the Indian state of Odisha, on the northern side. It is also one of the coastal sites of Odisha.
Places to Visit in Balasore
Balasore has some interesting places to visit that will enrich you with the culture and heritage of Odisha. For instance, Khirachora Gopinath Temple is a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna with an intriguing fable attached. Another attraction is Bichitrapur Mangrove Reserve, Odisha’s second mangrove forest. And lastly, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is the home of the elephants and the Indian Gaur, a major attraction for wildlife lovers.
Some famous places to visit in Balasore are:
- Khirachora Gopinath Temple
- Bichitrapur Mangrove Reserve
- Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary
Things to Do in Balasore
Apart from sightseeing, you can indulge in activities that keep you engaged throughout your Balasore tour.
Some fun things to do in Balasore are:
- Witness the rich fauna and flora of the region at Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Learn about local culture by interacting with the people.
- Buy handicrafts as a souvenir.
- Stay at a heritage resort for an authentic experience.
- Try local dishes for unique flavors.
Best Time to Visit Balasore
The peak season in Balasore is from October to March. It is the most pleasant time in Balasore as the weather is cool with clear skies. However, during evenings, the breeze gets chilly, so we recommend carrying warmer clothes. From March to September, the weather remains sweltering, making sightseeing during the day extremely uncomfortable. But due to the off-season, you may get great deals on hotels and flight/train tickets.
How to Reach Balasore
The nearest cities to Balasore with airports are Kolkata (248 km) and Bhubaneswar (196 km). The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata and Biju Patnaik International Airport of Bhubaneswar are connected with prominent Indian cities via regular flights. Taxis and buses are available to Balasore from there.
Balasore Railway Station is the major train station on the Howrah-Chennai railway station. It connects Balasore with other cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Guwahati, as well as cities in Odisha like Puri and Bhubaneswar. The road network of Balasore is also well-maintained, and national highways 5 and 60 connect it to Chennai and Kolkata. In addition, private and government-run buses are available to Balasore at affordable rates.
How to Get Around Balasore?
The local transport of Balasore is well-maintained. Cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws are the most used transportation within Balasore. Intra-city buses are also easily available, which makes exploring nearby cities easier.
How many days are enough for Balasore?
1-2 days are enough to explore the best of Balasore. You can visit the top tourist places and enjoy the activities offered in the city.
Accommodation in Balasore
Do not worry about accommodation options while on tour to Balasore. From star-rate hotels to eco-tour nature camps with top-notch amenities and swiss tents, Balasore has OTDC Government Hotels, Bed Breakfasts, and Homestays to choose from.
Some of the best accommodation options in Balasore are:
- Eco Retreat Konark
- Eco Retreat Satkosia
- Rissia Nature Camp (Kuldiha)
- Hotel Starway
- Panthasala Chandaneswar
Where to Eat in Balasore?
The eating habits of Balasore people are conservative and traditional, which is also among the important parts of their culture. Besides the traditional Odia dishes, Balasore has dishes typical to this region. Machha Ghanta, Chuna Machha Khata, rasgullas, and gulab jamuns are must-try foods in Balasore.
Some popular restaurants in Balasore are:
- GT Restura
- Spearmint (NOCCi Residency)
- Yum Chinese
- Barjorjis Bhojan
- Hotel Swarnachuda Restaurant
Shopping in Balasore
A tour of Balasore is never complete without a shopping spree in the city. Take a leisurely walk through the many markets of Balasore, which offer unique appliqué items and lacquered toys.
Some popular shopping places in Balasore are:
- Shree Mandir Saree Store
- Charlie Outlet
- Rajesh Cloth Store
- Guchi Shoe Center
- Kotecha Mega Mart
Travel Tips for Balasore
- Book your flight/train tickets in advance to avoid the last-minute hassle.
- Hotels offer great deals during the off-season (summer).
- Carry woolen for the winter season.
- Respect the local culture and wear appropriate clothing while visiting temples.
- Learn some local phrases for easy interaction.
- Carry essential medicines with you.
- Do not roam alone in isolated places to be safe.
