bigtravelbuzzBalasore is a city located in the state of Odisha in eastern India. It is also the administrative headquarters of the Balasore district. The city is situated on the banks of the Budhabalanga River and is known for its historical significance as it was a major center of maritime trade during ancient times.
Balasore has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its handloom textiles, intricate handicrafts, and beautiful temples. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Balasore include Chandipur Beach, Panchalingeswar Temple, Khirochora Gopinath Temple, and Baladevjew Temple.
The economy of Balasore is primarily driven by agriculture and fisheries, with rice and pulses being the major crops cultivated in the region. The city is also home to a number of industries such as cement, paper, and ferroalloys.
Balasore is well-connected by road and rail and is situated on the National Highway 16. The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is about 200 kilometers away from Balasore.
Places to Visit in Balasore
Balasore is a beautiful city in the state of Odisha and is rich in culture and history. Here are some of the top places to visit in Balasore:
Chandipur Beach: This is a unique beach in Balasore that is known for its ebb tides. During low tide, the sea recedes up to 5 km from the shore, giving visitors an opportunity to walk on the sea bed.
Panchalingeswar Temple: This ancient temple is situated atop a hill and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its natural beauty and serene surroundings.
Khirochora Gopinath Temple: This is another ancient temple in Balasore that is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular pilgrimage site.
Baladevjew Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Baladevjew, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
Remuna: This is a small town located near Balasore that is known for its famous Khirachora Gopinatha Temple. The temple is known for its delicious prasad, which is a sweet dish made of milk and rice.
Talasari Beach: This is another popular beach in Balasore that is known for its serene surroundings and clean beaches. The beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Nilagiri: This is a small town located near Balasore that is known for its scenic beauty and natural surroundings. The town is surrounded by hills and is home to several ancient temples.
These are some of the top places to visit in Balasore that offer visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical heritage of the city.
Best Time To Visit Balasore
The best time to visit Balasore is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The average temperature during this time ranges from 14°C to 28°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The summer months, from March to June, can be very hot and humid, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C. The monsoon season, from July to October, brings heavy rainfall and high humidity, which can make it difficult to explore the city.
If you plan to visit Balasore during the winter months, make sure to carry warm clothing as the temperatures can drop significantly during the night. Additionally, if you plan to visit the beaches in Balasore, make sure to check the tide timings before heading out.
Overall, the best time to visit Balasore is during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Balasore
Balasore is a beautiful city in the state of Odisha that offers visitors a range of interesting activities to indulge in. Here are some of the top things to do in Balasore:
Explore the beaches: Balasore is known for its beautiful beaches, such as Chandipur and Talasari. You can spend a day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the sea or going for a leisurely walk along the shoreline.
Visit the temples: Balasore is home to several ancient temples, such as Panchalingeswar Temple, Khirochora Gopinath Temple and Baladevjew Temple. You can explore the beautiful architecture of these temples and learn about their rich history and significance.
Enjoy local cuisine: Balasore is known for its delicious cuisine, especially its seafood. You can try out local delicacies such as fish curry, prawns, crab and lobster, which are all cooked with a unique blend of spices and herbs.
Shop for Handicrafts: Balasore is known for its intricate handicrafts, such as the famous Balasore Sand Art, which is made using sand and is an important part of the local culture. You can shop for handicrafts and souvenirs at local markets and shops.
Visit the Remuna Temple: Remuna is a small town near Balasore that is known for its Khirachora Gopinatha Temple. You can visit the temple and try out its famous prasad, which is a sweet dish made of milk and rice.
Explore the wildlife: Balasore is home to several wildlife sanctuaries such as Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary and Simlipal National Park. You can explore the wildlife and enjoy nature walks in these beautiful sanctuaries.
These are some of the top things to do in Balasore that offer visitors a glimpse into the rich culture and heritage of the city.
How to get around in Balasore
Getting around in Balasore is easy and convenient. Here are some of the options for transportation in Balasore:
Auto-rickshaws: Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transportation in Balasore. They are easily available and can be hired for short distances or for a full day.
Buses: Balasore has a good network of buses that connect different parts of the city. They are a cheap and convenient mode of transportation.
Taxis: Taxis are available for hire in Balasore. They can be hired for local sightseeing or for a full day. You can book a taxi through a local travel agency or hire one from a taxi stand.
Motorcycles/Scooters: Motorcycles and scooters can be rented from local rental agencies in Balasore. This is a good option if you want to explore the city on your own and at your own pace.
Bicycle: Bicycles can be rented from local rental agencies in Balasore. This is a good option if you want to explore the city at a leisurely pace and also get some exercise.
Overall, getting around in Balasore is easy and convenient with a variety of options available. It’s important to negotiate the fare with auto-rickshaw or taxi drivers before getting in to avoid any confusion later.
Where to eat in Balasore
Balasore is known for its delicious cuisine, especially its seafood, and has a range of dining options to choose from. Here are some of the top places to eat in Balasore:
Hotel Shanti: This is a popular restaurant in Balasore that serves a range of Indian and Chinese dishes. It is known for its delicious seafood and is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
Maa Santoshi Hotel: This is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Balasore that serves delicious North Indian and South Indian dishes. It is known for its thalis and is a great place to try out the local cuisine.
The Marina: This is a popular seafood restaurant in Balasore that is located near the beach. It offers a beautiful view of the sea and serves a range of fresh seafood dishes.
Hotel Raj Palace: This is a popular restaurant in Balasore that serves a range of Indian and Chinese dishes. It is known for its delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis.
Balasore Biryani House: This is a popular restaurant in Balasore that serves delicious biryani and kebabs. It is a must-visit for biryani lovers.
Chilika Dhaba: This is a popular restaurant in Balasore that serves a range of seafood dishes. It is known for its delicious prawn curry and is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
These are some of the top places to eat in Balasore that offer visitors a taste of the local cuisine and seafood.
Famous street stalls in Balasore
Balasore is known for its delicious street food, which offers a unique blend of flavors and spices. Here are some of the famous street stalls in Balasore that you must try:
Ghuguni Chat: This is a popular street food in Balasore that is made of boiled peas and is served with chopped onions, coriander, tamarind sauce, and spices. It is a must-try for those who love spicy chaats.
Dahi Vada: Dahi Vada is a popular street food in Balasore that is made of lentil fritters and served with curd, tamarind sauce, and spices. It is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a hot summer day.
Chhena Poda: Chhena Poda is a popular sweet dish in Balasore that is made of cottage cheese, sugar, and cardamom powder. It is baked in a clay pot and has a caramelized flavor that makes it a favorite among locals and visitors.
Chhena Gaja: Chhena Gaja is a popular sweet dish in Balasore that is made of cottage cheese, sugar, and flour. It is deep-fried and served with sugar syrup, making it a delicious and indulgent treat.
Bara Ghuguni: Bara Ghuguni is a popular street food in Balasore that is made of lentil fritters and served with a spicy chickpea curry. It is a filling and tasty dish that is perfect for a quick snack.
These are some of the famous street stalls in Balasore that offer visitors a taste of the local cuisine and street food culture.
Where to stay in Balasore
Luxury accommodation
Balasore has several luxury accommodation options that offer visitors a comfortable and luxurious stay. Here are some of the top luxury hotels in Balasore:
Mayfair Lagoon: Mayfair Lagoon is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in the heart of Balasore. It offers guests a range of amenities such as an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, and multiple restaurants.
Hotel Pal Regency: Hotel Pal Regency is a 4-star hotel located in the city center of Balasore. It offers guests a range of amenities such as an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, and multiple restaurants.
Arpita Beach Resort: Arpita Beach Resort is a luxurious beachfront resort located near Chandipur Beach. It offers guests a range of amenities such as an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, and multiple restaurants.
Hotel Swarnam: Hotel Swarnam is a 3-star hotel located in the heart of Balasore. It offers guests a range of amenities such as a fitness center, restaurant, and conference facilities.
Hotel Bishnu Palace: Hotel Bishnu Palace is a 3-star hotel located in the city center of Balasore. It offers guests a range of amenities such as a restaurant, fitness center, and conference facilities.
These are some of the top luxury accommodation options in Balasore that offer visitors a comfortable and luxurious stay with a range of amenities and services.
Where to stay in Balasore
Budget accommodation
Balasore has a range of budget accommodation options that offer visitors a comfortable stay without breaking the bank. Here are some of the top budget hotels and guesthouses in Balasore:
Hotel Shanti: Hotel Shanti is a budget hotel located in the heart of Balasore. It offers guests comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as air conditioning and a restaurant that serves delicious Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Hotel Laxmi Niwas: Hotel Laxmi Niwas is a budget hotel located in the city center of Balasore. It offers guests comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as air conditioning and a restaurant that serves delicious Indian cuisine.
Hotel Subhadra: Hotel Subhadra is a budget hotel located in the city center of Balasore. It offers guests comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as air conditioning and a restaurant that serves delicious Indian cuisine.
Hotel Jashn: Hotel Jashn is a budget hotel located in the city center of Balasore. It offers guests comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as air conditioning and a restaurant that serves delicious Indian cuisine.
Guesthouse Aradhana: Guesthouse Aradhana is a budget guesthouse located in the city center of Balasore. It offers guests comfortable rooms with basic amenities such as air conditioning and a shared lounge area.
These are some of the top budget accommodation options in Balasore that offer visitors a comfortable stay at an affordable price.
Travel Tips Balasore
Here are some travel tips for visiting Balasore:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Balasore is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
Clothing: Balasore is a conservative city, so it’s important to dress modestly, especially if you’re visiting temples or other religious sites.
Local transportation: Auto-rickshaws are a popular and convenient mode of transportation in Balasore. However, make sure to agree on a fare before starting your journey.
Food: Balasore is famous for its seafood, so make sure to try some of the local delicacies during your visit. Also, make sure to drink bottled water to avoid any stomach issues.
Language: The official language of Balasore is Odia, but Hindi and English are also widely spoken.
Currency: The currency used in Balasore is the Indian Rupee. ATMs are available in the city, but it’s always a good idea to carry cash with you.
Safety: Balasore is generally a safe city, but it’s always advisable to take precautions such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping your valuables safe.
By following these travel tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable visit to Balasore.