Balasore is one of the coastal Districts of Odisha. It lies on the northern most part of the state. It was a part of the ancient Kalinga which later became a territory of Toshal or Utkal, till the death of Mukunda Dev. Balasore as a separate District was created in October 1828. originally it was in Bengal presidency.
Balasore District covers an area of 3634 sq kms having total population of 23,17,419 as per 2011 census. The District is surrounded by Medinipur District of West Bengal in its northern side, Bay of Bengal in its east, Bhadrak District in its south and Mayurbhanj and Kendujhar Districts lies on its western side. The District is located at 20.48 to 21.59 North Latitude and 86.16 to 87.29 east Longitude. Total male population of the District is 11,84,371 and female population is 11,33,048 as per 2001 census.It is best known for Chandipur beach. It is also called 'missile city'. The Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme's Integrated Test Range is located 18 km south of Balasore.
Baleshwar district of Odisha has total population of 2,320,529 as per the Census 2011. Out of which 1,185,787 are males while 1,134,742 are females. In 2011 there were total 533,001 families residing in Baleshwar district. The Average Sex Ratio of Baleshwar district is 957.
This district consists of two subdivisions namely Balasore and Nilagiri. There are 12 Tahasils for 12 Blocks of the district. Balasore is the main town of the district and is also its centre of economic growth. The primary occupation of people in the district is cultivation. This district is mainly known for cultivation of paddy. Because rice is the staple cereal of the local people. Hybrid varieties of seeds are being developed and land reform programs are being planned for the maximum usage of the wastelands, promising to enhance the district’s economic stability in the near future. Industries, Agriculture, Fishing and Tourism are the four major revenue sources of Balasore District. Birla Tyres, Balasore Alloys Limited, Emami Paper Mills Limited and Polar Pharma India Limited are some of the large–scale industries functioning in this district.
Education has played an important role here, both before and after Independence. At present many primary and secondary schools imparting education both in English medium and Odia medium. Many degree colleges, law colleges, colleges of education, engineering schools, song and music colleges, art and craft colleges, industrial training institutes, management colleges and computer institutes are found at different places in the district. Fakir Mohan University, a new and progressive university located in Balasore town.
The primary objective of Agriculture Department is increase of production as well as productivity of major crops like paddy, G.nut, mustard, Mung, Biri & vegetables which is widely covered in this District in both Kharif & Rabi season. Another key objective is the all round development of the farming community of the District. The Deputy Director of Agriculture is the head of office so far as agriculture is concerned & he is the Principal Agriculture Officer of the District . Under him there are 5 District Agriculture Officers & the block under them is given below:
Balasore culture is a blend of traditional festivals, food, and music. The city offers a cosmopolitan and diverse lifestyle with a variety of food, entertainment, available in a form and abundance comparable to that in other cities. Balasore residents celebrate both Western and Indian festivals. Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Navaratri, Good Friday, Dussehra, Muharram, Ganesha Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Raja) and Maha Shivaratri are some of the popular festivals in the city. The akhada Arts Festival during durga puja is a unique culture of Balasore.
In an effort to bring industry, trade and commerce to a common meaningful platform, the Confederation of Indian Industry, with local chambers like North Orissa Chamber of Commerce and Industry,serve as an interface to fight for the rights and issues concerning the industrial scenario so as to contribute to the development of the state as a whole. Members from both public and private sectors work closely with the government for the expansion of business opportunities, enhancing efficiency and competitiveness and to work on policy issues. Located in Januganj, Balasore, NOCCI is essentially a business park with a massive exhibition hall, a separate residential block with hotel and restaurant facilities and an extended building called the industry facilitation center specifically for industrial training. NOCCI comprises about 100 member units and six affiliated associations of the industrial units. NOCCI is instrumental in the promoting the initiative of the Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India through a scheme of Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation.
Chandipur Beach: Renowned as one of the top attractions of Odisha, Chandipur Beach is an ideal place to relax and rejuvenate yourself. Located about 14 km from Balasore, this stunning beach is adorned with some magnificent grandeur and serene setting
Talsari Beach: Another beach destination in Balasore district, Talasari is located 89 km from the city of Balasore. Talasari Beach is the best place for those looking to spend a relaxing day in the region.
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary: Sprawls over a large area of 272 sq km, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is a home to various endangered species, leopard, sambar, bison, gaur, tiger, elephant, and giant squirrel being some of them. This reserve is located in the district of Balasore.
Panchalingeswar Temple: Situated 28 km from Balasore on Nilagiri hills, Panchalingeswar Temple is one of the prominent pilgrimage sites in Balasore district. Being located on a hilltop, the temple boasts a surreal view of mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and forest that also makes it a perfect nature sightseeing choice.
Emami Jagannath Temple: Not as famous as that of in Puri, yet, Emami Jagannath Temple in Balasore district is one of the top attractions in the region. This 75 feet high recently built temple is located at a distance of 14 km from Balasore city and is known for its magnificent architecture.
In the months from October to March, i.e., the winter season, one can explore the city to its fullest as it is the best time to visit Balasore. During these months the weather of region remains in favour of tourism and makes it easy for travellers to make a trip to this place.
