The thrill of climbing hills on two wheels, the reward of panoramic views, and the joy of brotherhood — our Explore Ride to Balakumari was all that and more. Known for its serene hilltop temple and breathtaking landscapes, Balakumari in Ganjam district offered the perfect escape from the everyday ride routes.
📍 Ride Overview
Start Point: Bhubaneswar
Destination: Balakumari Hilltop, near Chikiti, Ganjam District
Distance: ~195–200 km (one way)
Ride Type: Mixed (Highway + Hill Road)
Highlight: Temple on hilltop, 100+ stairs, panoramic valley view
🌄 Early Morning Start
As with every BBO ride, the day began before dawn. Our team assembled at the usual meetup point in Bhubaneswar, bikes shining, helmets locked, and eyes full of excitement. A short briefing was done — ride formation, speed cap, pit stop points — and by 5:30 AM, we were cruising down NH-16 toward Ganjam.
The cool breeze and open highway were like a meditation. As we passed Khallikote and Berhampur, the roads started weaving through small hills and villages. Every twist brought a new visual treat — golden rice fields, distant hills, and temple silhouettes.
🛣️ The Final Stretch
The last 10 km toward Balakumari was a narrow but scenic uphill climb. Surrounded by green cover and fresh air, the terrain became more exciting. We rode slow and steady, soaking in the elevation and stopping briefly for drone shots and selfies with the rising hills.
🛕 Reaching Balakumari Temple
Parking our bikes at the foothill, we switched from gears to steps — over 100 stairs stood between us and the summit. With helmets in hand and sweat on brows, we climbed together. At the top sat the peaceful Balakumari Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. The silence, the view, the spiritual calm — unforgettable.
From the hilltop, you could see a stunning 360° view of forests, fields, and villages below. The clean air, the sound of bells, and the bond among riders made it all worth it.
📸 Scenic Moments & Drone Views
We spent nearly an hour on the summit — meditating, clicking group shots, flying drones, and sharing personal moments. The wide-angle drone capture of our bikes lined up below the hill and the group seated at the peak became instant favorites.
Some of us spoke with local priests and villagers who shared legends about the hill and its spiritual energy. For many, this wasn’t just an explore ride — it felt like a pilgrimage.
🥪 Breakfast & Ride Back
After descending, we fueled ourselves with simple local breakfast — poori, sabzi, and chai. Refreshed and recharged, we began our return ride through the afternoon breeze. Roads were clear, and our group maintained excellent formation all the way back.
🔄 Back to Bhubaneswar
By late afternoon, we rolled back into Bhubaneswar, ending the day at a local cafe for post-ride discussions and photo review. Tired legs, smiling faces, and new ride memories — the Balakumari trip was stamped as one of the most scenic hill rides in our BBO log.
🛡️ Ride Safety & Coordination
- Riding Jackets + Elbow & Knee Guards
- First-aid kit and tool kit carried in backup
- Slow formation during ghat climb
- Drone and camera team coordinated separately
- Hydration packs recommended for hill hike
💬 Rider Voices
“Balakumari gave me peace and thrill at once.” – Akash, Core Member
“Loved the climb, the view, and the ride vibes.” – Tushar, First-time Hill Rider
“I came for the hills, but stayed for the temple vibe.” – Santosh, Rider & Drone Pilot
🔗 Related Rides
The Balakumari Explore Ride reminded us that riding isn’t just about machines — it’s about the soul, silence, and spiritual moments you find along the way. Until next hill calls us again, ride safe and ride far. 💙