Chandipur is the best base for embarking on an excursion to Khiching, Simlipal and other nearby areas.
Panchalingeswar: Located in the midst of the verdant Devgiri mountain range is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Known as the Panchalingeswar temple , the temple as the name suggest has five lingams , all of whom are regularly washed by a natural spring that flows over them. One has to lie flat on the rock parallel to the stream in order to touch and worship the lingams. These lingams are said to have been enshrined by Sita, the consort of Lord Rama during the period of their exile. Panchalingeswar is also identified with the kingdom of Virat where the Pandavas lived in disguise during their exile and also as the place where King Jarasandh built a fort. 85 km from Baripada and 30 km from Balasore, the place is known for its natural scenery and for its nine days Magha Saptami fair and Maha Shivratri fair. (Feb/March). There is a Panthasala of Orissa Tourism Department Corporation (Reservation - Tourist Officer, Balasore, ph. 0674-280430)
Nilagiri: A quite charming place in the lap of nature, it is ideal base for trekking the Nilagiri hills and one can visit the Kuldiha Elephant Sanctuary and the Jagannath Temple.
Sajanagarh: The seat of Shakti cult (Bhudarachandi) and an area rich in archaeological find.
Remuna: The seat of Vaishnavite culture, Remuna, located some 9 km from Balasore is famous for its 19th century temple of Khirachora Gopinath (Butter stealing Krishna). Legend has it that Lord Rama during his exile in the Chitrakoot Mountains had inscribed an image on a piece of stone to show Sita his incarnation as Krishna in the Dwapar Yug. The renowned Vaishnav saint Sri Chaitanya, his teacher Madhavendra Puri Goswami and disciple Jeevaswami Goswami are said to have visited the shrine and worshipped the lord.
Chandaneswar: A temple is dedicated to Lord Chandaneswara, 88 km from Balasore, 40 kms from Jaleswar and 11 kms from Digha.
Talasri: A beautiful unexplored beach that is yet to capture the imagination of the people. 90 km from Balasore & 5 km from Chandaneswar , an OTDC Panthasala is the only hotel that provides accommodation(06781-232528)
Khiching: 149 kms from Baripada and 205 kms from Balasore, Khiching is famous for its 10th century Chamunda temple and the 7th century Kichakeswari temple. Said to be constructed on the ruins of an old temple, the Kichakeswari temple has some beautiful sculptures that reflect the remarkable sophistication and deftness of touch of the days of yore.
Similipal (100 km):
One of the 18 Project Tiger reserve, this 2750sq.km national park is also one of the loveliest. Besides, Tigers Simplipal is also home to Leopards, Elephants, Sambar, barking and spotted Deer, Mugger Crocodiles and Reptiles. It also has 231 species of birds and the forest is full of Sal trees, lush grasslands (Bachhurichara), waterfalls (Barehipani-450 mts; Jaranda-150mts), mountains (Meghasani peak-1158 mts) and tribal settlements. The park can be visited as a day trip from Chandipur. November to June is the ideal time to visit the park; Jashipur on NH6 and Lulung on NH5 are the two entry points.
Deokund: It is an enchanting place with a series of waterfalls and a Shakti shrine. 65 km froim Baripada and 110 km from Balasore.