Offering some of the superb white sand beaches, Orissa occupies 482 km of the total eastern coast belt that is adorned with major, worth seeing beaches. These beaches score the second rank in the tourism circuit after the unmatchable temples of Orissa. Out of the total beaches, several glorious beaches have just been recently open to the tourism world, which were formerly in a veil of secrecy.
The beaches of Orissa are not only significant from the topographical point of view, but exceptionally also from the tourism viewpoint. Enriched with sparkling sands and crystal-clear azure waters, the charm of these unblemished beaches have played a major role in getting maximum travelers annually thus flourishing tourism in the state.
The Puri and Chandrabhaga beaches are the most frequently visited beaches, as Puri is the main gateway for innumerable pilgrims considered as sacred beach site and Chandrabhaga is favorite seaside hangout of many people.
Let’s take a look at the beaches of Orissa.
Gopalpur On Sea
A beloved, pristine, and unspoiled site for beach and water sport enthusiasts located on the Bay of Bengal, this beach is also preferred for a pleasant early morning long stroll or a jog on the glittering sandy track of seaside. Located at 16 km from Berhampur, the beach is also ideal for swimming and lazing around.
A former buzzing seaport, the town of Gopalpur fills all visitors with an experience of tranquility spread in its environs, which makes some space for introspection and cordiality. To understand how important this port would be in the past for its commercial trading, a deep look on the collapsed walls and pillars on the jetty is simply enough. Currently, the strategy is to rejuvenate this ancient seaport to make it robust for the modern transport. The blinking old lighthouse even today shows directions to the sea-vessels in the deep sea.
Famous for its blue beach and the blue bay of backwaters alluring the aquatic offspring, swaying casuarina and coconut trees, sand heaps distinguishing between the beach and blue waters, and never-waning cool breeze, these factors play an important role in maintaining the peace and tranquility in the environs. The beach is simply a surfer’s joy and sailor’s dream come true. The glowing sun spreads its silvery rays over the blue waters at daytime and at night, the everlasting breeze and the musical lap of the waves glitter in the moonlight adding gaiety at holiday and without disturbing the serenity of the surroundings.
Listed below are the fascinating places near the beach.
Chilika Lake
Located at 105 km from Bhubaneswar, 75 km from Berhampur, 35 km from Puri, and 45km from Gopalpur, this is the biggest inland lake in India. It is the home of the migrating birds that come from even far places as Siberia for their winter rest. You can also visit the largest sanctuary hosting the endangered Ridley turtles nearby.
Taptapani
Literally meaning hot water, this is a hot Sulphur spring flowing constantly at a temperature of 55 degree Celsius. Believed to have curative properties, it is located at 67 km from Gopalpur.
Mahuri Kalua
On the way to Taptapani, this is a picturesque spot holding the shrine of Goddess Kalua and is 30 km from Gopalpur.
Jaugarh
This is popular for the Ashokan rock proclamation indicating the place as a vital center at the reign of Ashoka. Further, the Siva temple and Buddhist images are also discovered that suggests the holiness of the place for Buddhism and Saivism.
Taratarni
On the depository of the River Rushikulaya adjacent to Purushottampur, the twin goddess Tara and Tarini temple decorates the top of the hill covering 1000 steps for its accessibility. This shrine is believed to be a Shakti Peetha of Tantra sect.
Reaching Gopalpur on Sea
The best time to visit Gopalpur is from September to March.
By air
Bhubaneswar is the closest airport at 190 km away and Vishakhapatnam at 260 km, which is in the Andhra Pradesh state.
By rail
Berhampur is the nearest railway station on the Kolkata-Chennai line of the South Eastern Railway. This town is well connected to Howrah and Chennai by rail and road.
By road
Gopalpur is well linked by an all season road to Berhampur at 16 km, Bhubaneshwar at 180 km, and Puri at 242 km. The town offers auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws to roam in and around.
Chandrabhaga (Konark) Beach
A worldwide popular place for its Sun Temple thus possessing a historical and religious significance, it is also adorned with one of the most lovely and serene beach. Rated as among the excellent beaches, this beach is also popular by the name Chandrabhaga. Its sparkling sands, divine serenity, swinging casuarina trees, unmatched solitude, and roaring waves taking away all your worries – all just naturally come together and form an ideal environment that present you with a small peaceful world of fun and bliss. On the eastern coast, this beach is among the best holiday retreat for sunbath, long strolls in early mornings and at evenings, and having a splendid view of sunrise and sunset that has an effect of calming you; rather than thrilling you.
The entire environ of this beach is even more appealing at the time of annual Chandrabhaga fair also known as ‘The Konark Festival’. Each year, the Department of Tourism conducts the festival dated from December 1 to 5. At this fair, the performances include classical dance having the Sun Temple as the enchanting background. The performances leave you with an illusion that even the carved images on the temple’s exterior go live to accompany the artists on the open-air platform. People from different areas of Orissa do visit this fair.
So, next time when you visit the Sun Temple, remember there is a natural reliever along with this religious blesser to make you feel tension-free. Listed below are the fascinating places near the beach.
Places to Visit near Chandrabhaga Beach
Sun Temple
Situated at 3 km from the beach on the seashore, it is an architectural marvel and an incredible religious monument not only in Orissa or India, but also across the world. It exhibits the architectural style of Orissa constructed of black stone in the advent of the 13th century. Konark is also called as Arka-Tritha and is dedicated to the Lord Surya, the Sun god. Situated at 33 km away from Puri and 65 km away from Bhubaneswar, the structure of this temple and surrounding portico is still preserved that display itself as a jewel of sculpting in Orissa. However, the Black Pagoda is still in ruins.
Mayadevi Temple
In the southwest region, a small temple is devoted to Goddess Mayadevi, the divine consort of Lord Surya.
Navagraha (Nine Planets) Temple
This shrine holds the nine astrological planets to the right of our entrance – Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu.
Archaeological Museum
Lying just outside the Sun Temple, this museum houses the sculptures and carvings discovered at the time temple excavation.
Ramachandi Temple
This is another famous temple on the bank of the River Kushabhadra located at 10 km from the Sun Temple.
Kapileswar
Located at 12 km on the deserted sand dunes accompanied by casuarina trees, this is a shrine dedicate to Lord Shiva, the perpetuator of truth.
Reaching Konark
There is no specific time to visit this sacred place. However, the fair time is more preferred.
By Air
Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport situated at a distance of 65 km. This airport is well connected with the other major cities of India.
By Rail
Puri is the nearest railway station at a distance of 33 km followed by Bhubaneswar at a distance of 65 km.
By Road
Puri is the nearest stop connected with Konark by Marine Drive covering a distance of 33 km. Next, Bhubaneswar is well connected by National Highway and State Highway covering 65 km.
Paradeep Beach
Known as the chief seaport city of India’s commercial activities, it offers a superb sea beach surrounded by lush green forests, a giant estuary of the River Mahanadi with islets and creeks, and an ideal marine drive. This place also holds religious significance due to its other popular temple ‘Tulasi Kshetra’, dedicated to Lord Baladeva.
One of the oldest port of India, the vast serene beach wherein the murmuring azure waters play hide and seek with the glittering sun-soaked sands is a scene worth to observe. Drenching yourself in the sun or playing in the cool waters should be your favorite time-pass here. As the sun is about to set down the horizon, the native people freed themselves from their busy work schedule and throng to the beach to lighten in cool, fresh breeze.
The preferred time to visit the beach is near October, but you can visit the beach anytime without losing all the fun and frolic. To experience what you have been always longing for, you need to travel a distance of 94 km from Cuttack and 125 km from Bhubaneswar to reach this wish fulfilling beach. The beaches of Orissa are ideally known for their relaxation and worry-free capabilities.
Puri Beach
Since time immemorial, Puri is among the three major sites of the Orissa Golden Triangle and four major sacred pilgrim destinations (Char Dham) in India. The beach is the site for infinite devotees to take the customary dip of purifying one’s mind, body, and soul; as it believed to be the home of Lord Jagannath (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu – the perpetuator of life). Stretching along the coast of Bay of Bengal, the locals, Indians, and foreigners have spread its fame to earn it the title of special rendezvous for religious and holiday purpose.
The superb white sands, roaring waves from the bay, fishermen’s hospitality to provide you with boats and protecting you as a lifeguard on your desire – all this makes Puri to be counted among the excellent beaches across the globe.
Balighai Beach
A well-known picnic site located at a distance of 8 km from Puri, this beach is famous for Casuarina and a Sea Turtle Research Centre located nearby. The strange but splendid sight here is of the combination of casuarinas and deserted ocean coast with yelling breakers. You will be surely lost in the serenity of the beach side. It goes without saying that this beach has the tremendous capability of converting you relaxed vacation into a remarkable holiday time – all thanks to the coast belt of Orissa.
A famous sightseeing here is watching the shy Baliharina deer that dwell in this region.
Chandipur Beach
Another popular beach retreat located at a distance of 16 km from Balasore, it is a perfect site to gather some ever-lasting memories along its shores. One of the distinct features of this sea is that the seawater goes back towards the sea until 5 km at the time of low tide and then comes further to the shore belt at the time of high tide everyday. This simply happens in front of your eyes – a scene that is not worth missing.
For adventurous thrill, take a boat ride on the bank of river Budhabalanga, which is actually the local fisherman’s boat. A dance festival is held wherein the expert groups perform various folk dances such as Chhau, Ghoda Nacha, and Sambalpuri dance.
Astaranga Beach
Literally meaning color (Ranga in Oriya means color), this is a small beach located at a distance of 91 km from Puri. Keeping the honor of its name, the worth watching site here is the sunset time when the horizon pretend to be multi-colored.
Aryapalli Beach
Another ideal site for nature lovers who can soak themselves in sun, surf, and sand in the company of Casuarinas, this quiet and appealing beach is situated at a distance of 30 km from Berhampur and 6 km from Chatrapur. This beach is at Aryapalli where its refreshing and stimulating environs refreshes and calms you largely.
Balaramgadi Beach
Another picnic spot offering boat rides, this place is the junction of the River Budhabalanga and the sea at Balaramgadi, located 2 km from Chandipur.
Baliharachandi Beach
A deserted beach with its twisty sand dunes surely captivating each visitor, this beach is popular for the shrine of the Goddess Harachandi and is at a distance of 27 km from Puri.
Beleswar Beach
Located at a distance of 15 km from Puri, this is famous for its Shaivite shrine and an enchanting beach where its environs are such that you do not even come to know about how time passes – a couple of hours fun filled hours spent here are worth here.
Dhabaleswar Beach
This is a relieving little retreat for the visitors situated close to the Gopalpur beach.
Pati-Sonapur Beach
This is a virgin beach at Pati-Sonapur where the confluence of the River Bahuda and the Bay of Bengal on the right is simply soothing to your eyes. The beach is nearly 20 km from Berhampur, 35 km from Gopalpur, and 4 km from the National Highway No.5 linking Chennai and Calcutta.
Ramchandi Beach
This is a small enchanting beach on the junction of the river Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal. It holds religious significance as the Goddess Ramchandi is the main deity of the Konark area who is revered here. For some few fun hours, this beach is ideal and is located at a distance of 7 km from Konark on the Marine Drive.
Talasari Beach
This is a serene beach at Talasari where one is just captivated from the sight of stretched Bay of Bengal by length and breadth as a carpet of jewels as far as possible.
