Balasore

Balasore is one of the oldest and important towns of India. It has rich history and tradition. Balasore town is the head quarter of Balasore District. Baleswar is the original name of Balasore. The Europeans (probably British) used to call it Balasore, which is today mostly used by non-oriya people. Oriya (or ODIA) people still call the town by its thousand year old name, Baleswar. The local people claim that the name Baleswar probably derived from the name of the Demon Banasuro.

River Budhabalanga

The population of Balasore town is about two lakhs and the poulation of the Balasore district is about twenty lakhs (2 millions). The town is situated 214 kilometers from the capital city Bhubaneswar and 232 kilometers from kolkata. Being situated just at the middle of the two metropolis it has taken advantages from both the Metropolis.

The town can be hypothetically divided into three parts. The oldest part is called as Puruna Balasore (Puruna Baleswar). The middle part is something that expanded after the arrival of the Europeans. In last 20 years the town has undergone rapid expansion which is responsible for third part of Balasore. Of course some areas are still outside the Balasore municipality.

Modern History

Balasore is situated near river Budha Balanga. It is the river through which Europeans landed in the Eastern coast of India for the first time.


First the traders from Holland (also called as Netherland) arrived in Balasore towards the 16th Century. The people of Holland are called as Dutch. In India they were called as Hollandas or hollandaz. They lived near the bank of Budha Balanga. Today this place is known as Olandaz Sahi. Many artifacts of that time are still found in that area. The archaeological department has been able to excavate some items of the time of the Hollandaz or the Dutch. These are preserved in the Museums.

Olandaz Sahi

At that time there was great competition among the Europeans for at least trading with India. Traders from Denmark also arrived at Balasore through Budha Balanga. They lived near Olandaz Sahi. The traders from Denmark were called Dinamar. Accordingly this place is known as Dinamar Dinga.  In some other part of the town where the French people were living, is known as Farasi Dinga. Farasi means French. Of course the meaning of Dinga is not clear.

Although the British arrived here late but they were able to expand their trading and later ruled India. A place called Barabati was the main living place of the British in Balasore. Then Mondal Bazar and subsequently Motiganj Bazar gradually developed at the time of the British. In this part of the town, one can still see many old houses which were built and once occupied by the British.

The British wished to make Balasore as their main trading post of eastern region. Later on they discovered a better navigable river Ganga, so they established their main trading point near river Ganga which is today known as Kolkata.

Tourist Spot

There are several tourist spots and other places of importance at or around Balasore. Here I have included some very popular spots.

Khirochora Temple

Khirochora Gopinath temple is located at Remuna. The temple is nearly seven kilometer from Balasore town. The locality is a very calm and quiet place. Lord Gopinatha is worshipped here. The statue of Gopinatha is beautifully made from black stone. Here Prasada is prepared daily. The devotees and pilgrims visiting the temple should have the chance of taking prasada. Prasada distribution usually starts around 12 noon. The prasada is greatly in demand by the locals and devotes. So it is always better to consult the temple authority well in advance.

More over Khira (milk) is available in small pots. The Gopinatha Khira is very delicious like amruta.

Panchalingeswar

Panchalingeswar means Five Lingas of lord Shiva. Panchalingeswar is another important place of visit for hindus. Panchalingeswar is situated on the Nilgiri Hill of Balasore district. It is about 25 km from Balasore town. Those wishing to visit Panchalingeswar can hire a Tatasumo, autorickshaw or some other means readily available near the railway station.

Pancha Lingeswar

The five lingas are rising from the bottom of the small stream flowing through the hill. The devotees feel the presence of the five lingas by slowly moving the hand dipped in the flowing water.

Panchalingeswar is also a picnic spot. The hills attract many tourists each year. Although the place is visited by tourists throughout the year, still  December and January are the ideal months for visit.

Chandipur

Chandipur is a small place situated 15 km from Balasore. Chandipur is well known in India and outside India due to several reasons.

Artillery Displayed in Beach Festival

The Proof and Experimental Department of India Government is established here. This is one of the oldest defense organisation of India. It was established in the year 1895 at the time of British Rule. Now this organisation is called as Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) under DRDO. Balasore was chosen as the best place for the purpose due to it's typical sea shore. The tide at Chandipur sea recedes about 3 km from the sea shore in low tide. As the tide recedes, the sea bed becomes visible upto about 3 km. This characteristics of the sea is not observed in any other sea shore of India. It proved to be the ideal place for testing guns. mortars and other ammunition. The Interim Test Range has been established at Chandipur in the year 1989. Missiles of all categories and ranges are tested here.

Chandipur Beach

As just I said above, the Chandipur beach is unique some way. The sea is Shallow. The tide recedes to more than 3 km in low tide. In high tide also one can go into the sea water for at least half a kilometer without any fear. The sea is not dangerous unlike at Puri or Digha. Perhaps for enjoying the sea waves there is no better place in India. The sand is hard. In low tide people often enjoy driving vehicles on the sand. The jungle of casuarina trees and sand dunes makes the beach beautiful. The beach is also known for availability of red color crabs.

Balaramgadi

Balaram gadi is a fishing harbour. It is located about 5 km from Chandipur. For people living here fishing is the main profession. Several Storing and Packing facilities available here helps to export fish to other parts of India and outside India.

Tombs of a Dutch Officer and his wife at Olandaz Sahi