Balāngīr, India
Region: Odisha
Geographic Coordinates: 20.720000, 83.480000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 112544
Language: Odia
Balāngīr is a city in the western part of the Indian state of Odisha, Situated on the banks of River Tel. It has a rich history and has been ruled by various dynasties such as Somavamshi, Gangas, Suryavamshi, And Marathas. Balāngīr was also an important center for trade during the British era. One major attraction in Balāngīr is its ancient fort built by King Narasingh Deo in the 16th century that still stands tall with beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. Another popular tourist spot is Samaleswari Temple located on a hilltop overlooking River Tel dedicated to Hindu Goddess Maa Samaleswari.
Balāngīr also boasts several natural wonders such as Harishankar Waterfall cascading from a height of 60 meters amidst lush green forests making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Ranipur Jharial Archaeological Site houses numerous ancient temples dating back to 9th-10th century AD that are adorned with exquisite carvings. The city celebrates many festivals throughout the year with great enthusiasm including Dussehra, Diwali, Holi, Rath Yatra among others. Dussehra holds special significance in Balāngīr as it marks the victory of King Ravana over Lord Ram according to local folklore.
Apart from being a tourist destination, Balāngīr is known for its handloom industry producing exquisite textiles using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The city’s economy heavily relies on agriculture and animal husbandry with several dairy farms in the vicinity. The people of Balāngīr are known for their warm hospitality and love for their culture reflected in its architecture, Art, Music, Dance and cuisine. The local cuisine is a blend of traditional Odia dishes such as Pakhala (rice soaked in water), Dalma (lentil soup with vegetables), And Chhena Poda (a sweet made from cottage cheese).
Balāngīr offers something for everyone – history buffs will be fascinated by its ancient forts and temples while nature lovers can explore its waterfalls and archaeological sites. Its rich culture, Warm hospitality, And delicious cuisine make it an ideal destination to experience the true essence of India.
- Pataneswari Temple: This ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is located on the banks of River Suktel.
- Harishankar Temple: This temple situated on the slopes of Gandhamardhan Hills attracts many pilgrims every year.
- Ranipur-Jharial Archaeological Site: This site contains ruins dating back to the 7th century AD and includes several temples and sculptures.
- Saintala Fort: This historic fort was built during the 14th century by King Narasingh Deo of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
- Khaprakhol Wildlife Sanctuary: Located about 50 km from Balangir, this sanctuary is home to several species of animals including tigers, leopards, elephants and deer.
- Patali Srikhetra: It’s a pilgrimage center located near Balangir where Lord Jagannath resides in his underground abode or patala griha (hidden chamber).
- Turekela Buddhist Site – It’s an ancient Buddhist site located near Balangir which dates back to around 200 BC with some remains still visible today like Stupa & Viharas etc.
Please note that this list may not be comprehensive as there might be other landmarks or attractions that are not included here but are worth visiting in Balāngīr or its surrounding areas.
- Agriculture
- Handloom weaving
- Small-scale manufacturing
- Locally produced cotton sarees
- Rice milling
- Oilseed processing
- Brick making
- Small-scale manufacturing units that produce furniture and metal products
- Service sector
- Banks
- Hospitals
- Educational institutions
- Balangir was once the capital of Patna Kingdom, which was ruled by various dynasties such as Somavamsis, Gangas, Suryavamsis and Kalachuris.
- The famous freedom fighter Surendra Sai belonged to Balangir. He led an armed rebellion against British rule in India and fought for the independence of Odisha.
- The first railway line in Odisha was laid between Balangir and Khurda Road in 1893.
- The famous poet Kabi Samrat Upendra Bhanja belonged to Balangir district.
- During World War II, a large number of soldiers from Balangir district served in the Indian Army and fought against Axis powers.
- Mahatma Gandhi visited Balangir twice during his lifetime – once in 1928 and again in 1934.
- The famous wrestler Dara Singh was born in Dharmapur village near Balangir.
- In recent times, several notable politicians such as Narasingha Mishra, Pradip Kumar Amat and Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo have hailed from this region.
- Balaram Panda who is known as The Iron Man for his extraordinary physical strength also hails from this region.
Overall, Balāngīr has a rich history with many notable events and people associated with it that have contributed significantly to Indian culture and society over time.
- Balangir Museum: This museum showcases an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts, sculptures, coins, and other historical objects that are related to the region.
- Pataneswari Temple: This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Pataneswari and is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Balangir.
- Saintala Fort: Built by King Narasingha Deva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty in the 14th century, this fort offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region.
- Harishankar Temple: Situated on Gandhamardhan hills’ slopes, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts many pilgrims throughout the year.
- Patali Srikhetra: Located on River Tel’s banks, this holy site is believed to be one of India’s seven most sacred rivers.
- Nrusinghanath Temple: Surrounded by picturesque surroundings, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and attracts many devotees during festivals like Shivaratri.
- Khaliapali Palace: Originally built during British rule in India as a palace, it now serves as a heritage hotel offering visitors an opportunity to experience royal living in Balangir.
- Ranipur Jharial Archaeological Site: This site features ruins of several ancient temples dating back to 9th-10th century AD that provide insights into Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.
- Sambalpuri Handloom Weaving Centre: A visit here will give you an opportunity to witness traditional handloom weaving techniques used by local artisans in creating exquisite textiles famous across India.
- Mahima Alekh Mandir Ashram: Founded near Khaliapali Palace by Mahima Swami who propagated a unique philosophy based on Vedanta principles emphasizing simplicity and self-realization through meditation practices.
- Nuakhai Festival: This is a harvest festival celebrated by the people of western Odisha, including Balāngīr. It usually falls in August or September and is a time for feasting, exchanging gifts, and offering prayers to the gods.
- Dussehra: This is a Hindu festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. In Balāngīr, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and includes processions of decorated idols of deities.
- Diwali: Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India. It falls in October or November and involves lighting lamps and candles to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
- Holi: This colorful festival celebrates springtime and involves throwing colored powder at each other, dancing, singing, and feasting on sweets.
- Rath Yatra: A Hindu festival that involves pulling chariots carrying deities through the streets while devotees sing hymns and offer prayers.
- Pana Sankranti: Celebrated on April 14th every year by people from western Odisha including Balāngīr marks beginning of New Year according to traditional calendar system followed by locals
- Nabanna Utsav : Celebrated during January-February months after harvesting paddy crops . Locals celebrate this with great joy , dance , music & food .
- Ranipur Jharial Dance Festival : A unique dance festival held at Ranipur-Jharial located about 100 kms from Bolangir where tribal communities perform their traditional dances wearing colourful attires .
- Pakhal Bhat: A traditional Odia dish made with fermented rice served with fish curry or dalma.
- Chhena Poda: A famous dessert made of cottage cheese and caramelized sugar.
- Dalma: A vegetarian dish made with lentils, vegetables, and spices.
- Kora Khai: A crispy sweet snack made of rice flour, sugar, and cardamom powder.
- Raja Mishti Bhandar: A famous sweet shop in Balāngīr known for its delicious sweets like rasgulla, chhena poda, and gulab jamun.
- Hotel Milan Palace: A popular restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine.
- Hotel Utkal Continental: Another popular restaurant offering a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
- Hotel Raj Mahal Deluxe: Known for its North Indian cuisine like butter chicken, tandoori chicken, naan bread etc., this is a popular spot for foodies in Balāngīr to enjoy a good meal out with family or friends!
- Gandhi Park is a popular public park located in the heart of Balangir city. It features lush green lawns, a jogging track, and a children’s play area.
- Badheibanka Park is a scenic park situated on the banks of River Suktel. It offers breathtaking views of the river and surrounding hills.
- Patnagarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located about 50 km from Balangir city. It is home to various flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer.
- Harishankar Temple & Waterfall is a famous pilgrimage site situated about 80 km from Balangir city. It features a beautiful waterfall and temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Khariar Road Deer Park is another wildlife sanctuary located about 40 km from Balangir city that houses several species of deer such as spotted deer and sambar.
- Turekela Dam serves as an ideal spot for picnics and boating located approximately 30 km from Balangir city that offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
- Samaleswari Temple stands as one of the most important temples in western Odisha dedicated to Goddess Samaleswari which lies in Sambalpur district near by balngir
- Budharaja Hill remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in balngir with an ancient shiv temple at its top that attracts many visitors every year.
