A WELL laid out town from the time of the Maharajas, Balangir still possesses the charm and serenity of the old days fashion. It is one of the major commercial towns in the western part of Orissa.

Ranipur-Jharial, 104 km from Balangir, house one among the four existing Hypaethral Temples, dedicated to sixty-four Yoginis in India a wonder in the world of archaeology and a cluster of other temples.

On the southern slope of Gandhamardan hills, Harishankar, 81 km from Balangir is a place of pilgrimage and rare scenic beauty with gurgling waterfalls.

Patnagarh, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Patna, has somee unique momuments – 38 km from Balangir.

Also Sonepur, on the confluence of rivers mahanadi and Tel, known as Paschima Lanka is scriptures, is a nicely laid out town. 48 km from balangir, it has a cluster of temples, each having a story of its own.

Hot to get there : Balangir is 327 km from Bhubaneswar and has direct road connections to major towns of the State. It is also a railhead on the S. E. Railway.

Where to staty : Hotel Rajmahal, Tel. 22433/22211; Hotel New Paradise, Tel : 22627, Ashok Hotel, Tel : 22744; Hotel Surya, Tel : 22394, Hotel Old Paradise, Tel : 22735; Hotel Tara, Tel : 22380; and Tourist Home, Tel : 22726.

Assistance : Balangir Tourist Office, Tel: 22432, Gram : ORISSATOUR.