Soro, India
Region: Odisha
Geographic Coordinates: 21.290000, 86.690000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 40.0°C (59°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 150000
Language: Odia
Soro is a small town located in the Balasore district of Odisha, India. It is situated on the National Highway 16, Which connects Kolkata and Chennai. The town has a population of around 20, 000 people and is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. One of the major attractions of Soro is the Jagannath Temple, Which dates back to the 17th century. The temple has unique architecture with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict various stories from Hindu mythology.
It attracts thousands of devotees every year who come to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Jagannath. Another famous tourist spot in Soro is the Khirachora Gopinatha Temple, Which was built during the reign of King Langula Narasingha Deva in the 15th century. The temple houses a beautiful idol of Lord Krishna along with his beloved Radha and Gopis. The temple also hosts an annual Rath Yatra festival that draws huge crowds from all over Odisha. Apart from these temples, Soro also boasts some stunning natural landscapes like Simlipal National Park and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary.
These protected areas are home to several endangered species like tigers, Elephants, Leopards, Deer etc., Making it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The town has a rich history as it was once ruled by various dynasties like Kalinga Empire, Mughals and Britishers. This can be seen in some historical monuments like Barabati Fort which was built by King Mukunda Deva during his reign in Odisha. Soro is also famous for its traditional handicrafts such as brass metal works, Stone carvings etc., Which are sold at local markets throughout the year.
In terms of cuisine, Soro offers some delicious local delicacies such as Chena Poda (cottage cheese cake), Rasagolla (syrup-soaked sponge balls), And Macha Ghanta (fish curry). These dishes are a must-try for anyone visiting Soro. Overall, Soro is a charming town that offers a blend of history, Culture, And natural beauty. It is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the rich cultural heritage of Odisha while also enjoying some breathtaking landscapes.
- Agriculture: Soro is well-known for its agriculture industry, with farmers growing crops like rice, pulses, vegetables, and fruits.
- Textile: There are numerous small-scale textile industries in Soro that specialize in producing cotton fabrics and sarees.
- Handicrafts: The town boasts a rich tradition of handicrafts such as bamboo crafts, palm leaf crafts, and terracotta pottery.
- Retail: Several retail stores can be found throughout Soro offering various products including groceries, clothing, electronics etc.
- Education: Soro has several schools and colleges providing education to the local population.
- Healthcare: The town also has hospitals and clinics offering healthcare services to residents.
- Transportation: As an important transportation hub for nearby towns, Soro offers bus services connecting it to other parts of the state.
- Hospitality industry- Hotels & restaurants cater to travelers & tourists visiting nearby attractions like Chandipur beach & Panchalingeswar temple complex which contributes significantly to the local economy
- Soro Raja: During the British Raj era, Soro was ruled by a local king known as the Soro Raja.
- Freedom fighters: Many freedom fighters from Soro played an active role in India’s struggle for independence, such as Gopabandhu Das, Madhusudan Das, and Prafulla Chandra Ghadai.
- Educational institutions: Several educational institutions were established in Soro during British rule, including Kshatriya High School (1910) and Kshatriya College (1929).
- Jagannath Temple: The Jagannath Temple in Soro is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.
- Jaleswar Rebellion: In 1942, there was a rebellion against British rule that broke out in nearby Jaleswar that also affected parts of Soro.
- Biju Patnaik: Biju Patnaik visited and addressed public meetings in Soro during his political campaigns when he was the Chief Minister of Odisha and an important political figure in Indian history.
- Cyclones: In recent years, several devastating cyclones have hit coastal areas near Soro causing significant damage to property and loss of life.
- Famous personalities from nearby areas include Sarojini Naidu – poetess; Fakir Mohan Senapati – writer; Utkalmani Gopabandhu Das – social reformer; Madhusudan Das – lawyer & social reformer
- Jagannath Temple – A famous temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath and his siblings.
- Bhitarkanika National Park – A wildlife sanctuary famous for its mangrove forests and crocodile breeding center.
- Simlipal National Park – One of the largest national parks in India with rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.
- Chandipur Beach – A unique beach where the sea recedes up to 5 km during low tide.
- Panchalingeswar Temple – A popular pilgrimage site known for its five Shiva lingams and natural waterfalls.
- Bhadrakali Temple – An ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali with intricate carvings and architecture.
- Udayagiri and Ratnagiri Buddhist Monasteries- Famous Buddhist monasteries with ruins of stupas, chaityas, viharas, etc., dating back to the 7th century AD.
- Soro Palace – An old palace built by a local king now turned into a museum showcasing artifacts from ancient times till now.
- Gopinathpur Mela- It is an annual fair held at Gopinathpur village near Soro which attracts thousands of visitors every year showcasing local culture & traditions.
- Dhamrai Jagannath Roth Yatra- It is a traditional chariot festival held annually in Dhamrai village near Soro where Lord Jagannath’s chariot is pulled by devotees amidst much fanfare & celebrations.
- Rath Yatra: A grand chariot festival celebrated in Puri, Odisha.
- Durga Puja: A 10-day long festival dedicated to Goddess Durga.
- Konark Dance Festival: A five-day classical dance festival held at the Sun Temple in Konark.
- Raja Parba: A three-day-long festival celebrating menstruation and fertility.
- Makar Sankranti: Celebrated on January 14th every year to mark the end of winter solstice.
- Pana Sankranti: Celebrated on April 14th every year to mark the beginning of a new year as per the traditional Hindu calendar.
- Chandan Yatra: A 21-day-long festival celebrated at Lord Jagannath temple in Puri with sandalwood paste and water sports activities.
- Holi: The famous Hindu spring festival of colors is also widely celebrated across Odisha including Soro town.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and there might be other local or regional festivals specific to Soro or nearby areas that are not included here.
- Biju Patnaik Park – A beautiful park with lush greenery, a jogging track, children’s play area, and a musical fountain.
- Aradi Park – A serene park with a lake where visitors can enjoy boating and fishing.
- Gandhi Park – A large park with walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground for kids.
- Hanuman Temple – A famous temple located in the heart of Soro town that attracts many devotees from nearby areas.
- Trekking & Hiking – The nearby hills offer excellent trekking opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.
- Beaches – The nearest beaches are Chandipur Beach (40 km) and Balaramgadi Beach (30 km), which are popular among tourists for their scenic beauty and water sports activities.
- Wildlife Sanctuaries – The Simlipal National Park is located around 100 km from Soro town which is known for its rich flora & fauna including tigers, elephants etc.
