Balasore, the headquarters of the district, was an important maritime town in medieval times through the river Budhabalanga. Some portions of the town were occupied by the French and the Dutch which were named as "Farasidinga" and "Dinamardinga". The ruins of the foreign possessions still exist. Balasore serves as the most convenient base for touring the various places of interest in the district. The Temple of Mahadev Baneswar is one of the main places of tourist interest in Balasore.

Places to visit
Chandipur
The sea beach a Chandipur is surely one among the finest beaches of the country, but with a plus. Here the waters recede five kilometers offshore and proceed rhythmically after a regular interval every day. The sand dunes green with wild creepers and the casuarina whistling with the breeze create a fantastic moment for a visitor absorbed in observing the play of the tide. It is well connected by regular bus service from Balasore.

Panchalingeswar
Situated on a hillock near Nilagiri, Panchalingeswar is a place with beautiful surroundings and serves as a picnic spot for the visitors. The five lingams known as Panchlingeswar with the perennial spring flowing over them are the added attraction of this place. The Revenue Rest Shed at Panchalingeswar whose reservation authority is S.D.O., Nilagiri, provides accommodation for the visitors.

Chandaneswar
The holy shrine of Lord Chandaneswar is a religious center for the people of not only the district of Balasore but also of places adjacent. It is a unique sight to see the devotees flock together in hundreds every day and in thousands on festive occasion like Nilaparva (April) for darshana. About 4 kms from Chandaneswar and 4 kms from Digha in West Bengal is the tranquil beach at Talasari, surrounded by casuarina groves. A jeep drive on the beach to negotiate both the places is a pleasant and memorable experience.

Balaramagadi
2 kms from Chandipur, Balaramagadi where the river Budhabalanga meets the sea, is a nice picnic spot and ideal for fishing and cruising. The fishing boats also provide an interesting sight.

Chandbali
Chandbali has been a famous river port since medieval time. The tourists can enjoy a boat journey to Aradi and Dhamra by river route from Chandbali.

Aradi
A beauty spot on the bank of the river Vaitarani known as the 'sacred Ganges of Orissa', Aradi is famous for the saiva shrine of Lord Akhandalamani. Hundreds of pilgrims visit the place daily not only for a Darshan of the Lord but also to seek relief from physical ailment they suffer from. It is 52 kms from Bhadrak and 110 kms from Balasore. One can also negotiate the place by boat from Chandbali through the river.

Dhamra
On the confluence of the rivers Vaitarani and Brahmani where they meet the sea, Dhamra naturally has a special appeal for the tourists. It is 40 kms from Chandbali, approachable by boat and motor launch and 160 kms from Balasore.

Raibania
Raibania a place of historic importance finds its mention in the book "Ain-i-Akbari". It is known for its group of forts now in ruins. The Jayachandiban or the lovely forest of Jayachandi is now used as an ideal picnic spot. Raibania is 75 kms from Balasore.

Talasari
Talasari, 3 km. From the famed shrine of Lord Chandaneshwar, beckons the tourists with its sparkling waters and white grained sands. A jeep ride to Digha (8 km.) in West Bengal along the beach is an exhilarating experience. It is only 88 km from Balasore.

Approach : By road Balasore is on the National Highway No. 5 and by rail it is on the Kolkata - Chennai route.