Balasore is a place of scenic beauty and a major tourist attraction, also because of its historical monuments, such as various temples in the area. There are a few hill ranges in the region too. It is 207 km north-east of Bhubaneswar by road.
Balasore Town has some good Hotels which provide decent accommodation with all Luxrious Facilities/amenities. (Hotel Hari Plaza, Barjorjis Bhojan, Sawarnachuda, Kalinga, Panchjania, Panthaniwas, Draupadi, Toronto, Ramya, Suraj, Dk Lodge)
People in Balasore usually prefer spicy and juciy food. The speciality of Balasore is an Indian Curry that is only available in Balasore its called (Chandini). People visiting Balasore should try this dish in any of the good restaurants available in the town. Visitors can also try the Kashmiri Nan and Chena Puru/Chena Muri.
Balasore has been in use from 1989, but unlike Sriharikota, it is not used for launching satellites. The rocket launching site at Balasore is situated in a place named Chandipur. Chandipur is located on the Bay of Bengal. The Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Balasore is responsible for carrying out tests for various missiles such as Agni, Prithvi, Trishul, etc.
Places of interest
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 Bhujakhira 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. Khirochora Gopinath 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 "Biranchi Narayana", "AstaDurga", "Bhudhar Chandi" are some other temples located in that region.
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 'Panchalingeswara', 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'.
It was the birthplace of linguist and novelist Fakir Mohan Senapati, 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.