Baleshwar district of Orissa covers a total geographical area of 3,706 sq. km. Also known as Balasore, the district of Baleshwar is surrounded in the north by Midnapore district of West Bengal, in the south by Bhadrak, in the east by Bay of Bengal and in the west by Mayurbhanj. Baleshwar district holds a population of 20.23 lakhs as per the census data of 2001.
Located in the north east part of Orissa, Baleshwar district has 81 km of coast line and is at a distance of 204 km from Bhubaneshwar. Geographically, Balasore or Baleshwar comprises of three distinct regions of the north- western hill ranges, coastal area and inner alluvial belt. The main rivers flowing through the district of Baleshwar are Jalaka, Subarnarekha, Sono, Kansabansa and Budhabalanga.
Baleshwar has a hot and humid climate. The district receives rainfall of about 1568.4 mm during the monsoon season that begins from June. The coastal region on the north eastern side of sea of Baleshwar is often referred to as the Granary of Orissa. Blessed with excellent network of drainage system, the region produces large quantity of good quality paddy.
Representing the religious zeal of the local indigenous inhabitants of Balasore, the district houses several notable religious shrines that draw devotees from far and wide who visit the place to seek divine blessings and eternal happiness. Some of the prominent religious monuments of Baleshwar are:
* Ayodhya
* Remuna
* Maninageswar Temple
* Chandaneswar
* Sajanagarh
* Panchalingeswar
One of the most important districts of Orissa, Baleshwar is easily accessible by air, railways and roads. The closest airport of Baleshwar is located at a distance of 215 km at Bhubaneshwar.
