Showing posts with label India Beaches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label India Beaches. Show all posts

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Top Tourist Beaches in India | Top Beaches to Visit in India | India Best Tourist Beaches

Perhaps Beaches are one of the best nature gifts, where the confluence of sand, sea and sky is at its best as a place to relax and enjoy. Beaches in India provide the most tempting combination of sun, sand, sea and surf that is too hard to resist for any beach lover and water sport adventurer. When it comes to enjoy beach holidays in India the choice is unending.

Beaches of Goa and Kerala are ranked the best Beaches of India. These exotic, gorgeous and sporty Beaches are best place as Honeymoons destination, relaxing places as well as for water sports adventurer in India. Cuisines of coastal area are one of the best foods to have in India. India has a very rich culture in terms of Beaches, natural beauty and landscapes. There are some incredibly scenic and exotic Beaches in India. One can also enjoy sun-bathing in West Bengal Beaches like Shankapur Beach and Digha Beach, lapped by Bay of Bengal with lovely lawns and fresh water swimming pools.

Gujrat: Gujrat has list of Beaches which are famous for its white sand and blue sea water. The most famous beaches in Gujarat are Ahmedpur Mandvi Beach, Chorwad Beach, Somnath Beach, Gopnath Beach, Dwaraka Beach, Kutch Mandvi Beach, Nagoa Beach, Ghoghla Beach and Gomtimata Beach. The best way to start touring the beach journey of Gujarat is from the nearby island destination of Diu. Ahmedpur Mandvi is one of the finest, prettiest and cleanest Beaches on the Gujarat shoreline. The sand and sea water is white and very perfect for swimming and water sports. Beaches at Daman and Diu are also a paradise for those who love soft feeling of wind and water.
 
 

Maharashtra: Maharashtra is another coastal state of India with a good number of seaside resorts and beach resorts. One of the major features of the beaches of Maharashtra is a fact that they live essentially safe waters, making them the perfectly ideal family beach sites. Popular and exotic Beaches of Maharashtra are Juhu Beach, Marine Drive Beach, Madh Island Beach, Ganapatipule Beach, Murud Janjira, Bassein Beach. Konkan Coastal Beaches in Maharashtra are Diveagar, Alibag, Kihim, Harihareshwar, Kashid and Dapoli. Kashid Beach on the shores of the Arabian Sea is one of the most beautiful Beaches among all others. These Beaches are well known for their natural treasures and scenic beauty. Konkan area cuisines are also offers a great attraction for tourist form all around India.
 
 

Goa: Goa is a land of most exotic Beaches in India. These Beaches of Goa are counted as the best tourist destination in India. The beaches of Goa are the highlights of travel in this state, making Goa the premier beach vacation destination. Beaches of Goa are the best for all kind of water sports. Under the lens of the coast guard you can enjoy water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming. Some of the famous Beaches of Goa are Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Condolim, Majorda Beach and Colva Beach. Calangute Beach is one of the most popular Beaches due to its topless beauty, warm sand and sun bath.
 
 

Karnataka: The coastline of Karnataka throws open to the visitors a picture perfect world of fascinating palm-fringed beaches. The 320-kms long coastline offers a perfect excuse for those who are looking for a vacation from their busy work schedule. The scenery and unspoilt charm of the beach areas make Karnataka beaches a must visit beach holiday destinations. Some of the famous Beaches in Karnataka are Mangalore Beach, Devbagh, Murudeshwara Beach, Gokarna Beach, Malpe Beach and Kaup Beach. Ullal Beach is one of the famous Beaches and Mangalore, Gokarna Beaches are the best Beaches of Karnataka, Beaches in Karnataka offers the famous holiday attractions, where one can enjoy with popular water sports as well.
 
 

Kerala: Beaches of Kerala are no doubt the best among the Beaches in India. luxury Beaches in Kerla are Kovalam Beach, Poovar Beach, Yarkala Beach and Light House Beach. These Beaches of Kerala are not only famous for their charm and tranquillity but also known for their delightful cuisines. Beaches and climate of Kerala are perfect for the honeymoon couples to enjoy their moment with nature. Kerala is known for its amazing backwaters, long stretches of Beaches, tropical rain forests and wildlife sanctuaries.
 
 

Lakshadweep: Lakshadweep Islands is known as the ultimate exotic diving location that lies two hundred and fifty miles off the southwest coast of India in the Arabian Sea. This island destination comprise of the 36 islands that are scattered like emerald green jewels in a sea. Lakshadweep Beach Islands and are rich in coral reefs, lagoons and water related sports. Agatti Island Beach is famous for naturally unspoilt, undisturbed and unseen. These Beaches are covered with coconut grove and palm trees and it is the paradise for the tourists.
 
 

Andamans and Nicobar Islands: Andaman & Nicobar is the most unique Island state of India and it’s because of this geographic location the beaches and coastal areas of these islands are still untouched and unspoilt, making it an ideal beach holiday destination. Radhnagar Beach, Harminder Bay Beach, Ramnagar Beach, Nicobar Beaches and Karmatang Beach are few most popular Beaches in Andaman and Nicobar Island. Andamans Island offers one of the most picturesque Sea-Beaches; ideal for sea bathing and sun-basking. The main attraction of the Radhanagar Beach in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is its calm and clean surrounding.
 
 

Tamilnadu: The beaches of Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India have got a charm of their own. A must visit is the second longest beach in the world, Marina Beach. Some of the other good Beaches are Kanyakumari Beach, Mahabalipuram Beach, Beaches in Pondicherry and Rameshwaram Beach. Covelong Beach is clean and away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded city. Apart from this Tamilnadu also offers a densely forested wildlife, alive and rich culture and beautiful temples.
 
 

Andhra Pradesh: The state of Andhra Pradesh is home to some of the most scenic beaches in India. Boasting with a long stretch of nearly 1000-kms of naturally enriched coastline, out of the twenty-three districts of Andhra Pradesh, eight are having direct access to the sea with breath-taking beauty of blue waters. Bheemunipatnam Beach and Manginapudi Beach are considered to be one of the best Beaches in Andhra. Andhra Pradesh also known for caves, pilgrimage centers and monuments.

 

Orissa: Orissa Beaches are famous for their golden sand and blue water. The long coastal belt of Orissa offers some of the finest white sand beaches in the world. The Puri beach is the main venue for countless pilgrims, and makes one of the major religiously sacred beach side spots of India. The seaside beach resort of Chandipur is another favourite seaside holiday hideout among beach lovers. Other exquisite Beaches of Orissa includes Golpalpur Beach, Talasari Beach and Balaramgadi Beach. Orissa Beaches offers finest white sand where the lapping water of Bay of Bengal pays homage to their beauty. Orissa also offers a tribal destination spot, shopping with shell crafts, Chilika Lake boating and some incredible tribal handicrafts.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Andaman Beautiful Beaches | Sandy Beaches of India | Surfing, Rafting, Diving, Trikking and Beach Camping in Port Blair, Andaman

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands in the Bay of Bengal and a main Union Territory of India. This union territory is often abbreviated to A & N Islands, or ANI.
 
The territory is located geographically 150 km (93 mi) north of Aceh in Indonesia and separated from Thailand and Burma by Andaman Sea. It comprises two island groups, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands- which separate the Andaman Sea to the east from Indian Ocean. The Andaman Sealies to the east and the Bay of Bengal to the west. The territory's capital is the Andamanese town of Port Blair.
 
Andaman and Nicobar Islands (6º30'-9º30'N; 93-94ºE) are high islands forming the southward extension of this mountain chain. Floating in splendid isolation, east of the Indian mainland, is the archipelago of 572 emerald islands, islets and rocks known as the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This Union Territory is spread over a distance nearly 800 Kms. from North to South with 38 inhabited islands. A hill range extending from Burma (Myanmar) to Indonesia, these undulating islands are covered with dense forests and an endless variety of exotic flora & fauna.
 
These two groups are separated by the 10° N parallel, the Andaman’s lying to the north of this latitude, and the Nicobars to the south. The capital of Andaman and Nicobar islands is the Andamanese island town of Port Blair. The Andaman and Nicobar island's population as per the most recent (2001) Census of India was 356,152. Added together, the total land area of the territory is approximately 8,249 km².
 
Andaman and Nicobar Islands have also recently been recognized as a world-class eco-tourist destination to discover the under-water treasures of marine life. Andaman & Nicobar Islands has many sandy crystal clear beaches and it’s an eco-friendly tourist destination with all sorts of comforts ranging from five star accommodations to cheap youth hostels.
 
Andaman & Nicobar Island offers beautiful island vacations and beach tours. Each island in Andaman’s has its own uniqueness and beauty. The beaches in Andaman’s are very clean &crystal clear. In no place, we can find both island vacations and beach tours in a same place.
 
 
The surrounding seas are equally rich in marine bio-diversity. They harbour more than 1,200 species of fish, 350 species of echinoderms, 1000 species of mollusks and many more other forms of life, among vertebrate’s dugong, dolphin and whale are common. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is rich in corals, verities of colourful fishes, sea turtles, etc., besides other marine life, Andaman is also a bird's paradise.
 
Sandy beaches of these islands are famous for turtles nesting. Important species of turtles that are present on these islands include leather back turtle, green sea turtle, hawksbill turtle and olive ridly turtle. Water monitor lizard, salt-water crocodiles, reticulate python, etc are also seen here. Corals and coral reefs are the most fascinating part of marine eco-system here.
 
The emerald islands-Andaman and Nicobar Islands
 
This union territory stretches over a length of more than 700 kms from north to south with 36 inhabited islands. Once a hill range extending from Burma to Indonesia, these undulating varieties of exotic flora and fauna, beautiful rain forests, clean roads as well as unpolluted fresh air may attract any nature lover, who seeks absolute peace and tranquility. Busty adventure tourism like trekking, island camping, snorkeling, diving, etc is also major attractions here.
 
Forests are the green gold of these islands. The reserved and protected forests extend over 86% area of the territory and the forest cover is more than 92%. About 50% of the forests have been set aside as tribal reserves, Natural parks and wildlife sanctuaries, which are inviolate. The union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands consisting of about 293 islands [39 of which are inhabited] is situated in the Bay of Bengal.
 
Places to visit in Andaman and Nicobar
 
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a veritable Garden of Eden and a naturalist's heaven. The clean environment, roads, greenery as well as unpolluted fresh air attract all nature lovers. The tropical rain forests and waters of Bay of Bengal are the home of a vast collection of plant, animal and marine life. Topographically the islands are hilly in places fringed with coconut palm, covered with tropical jungle and interspersed with flat stretches of crescent shaped beaches. Adventure tourism like trekking, Island camping, snorkeling, SCUBA diving etc. and other water sports are the real attractions. A marvelous mix of nature's most precious delights, the Andaman& Nicobar Islands are a once in a lifetime holiday experience.
 
Sandy Beaches
 
Sandy beaches of these islands are famous for turtle nesting. Important species of turtles include: Leather Back Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle and Olive Ridley Turtle, Water Monitor Lizard, Salt Water Crocodiles, Reticulate Python. Some of the popular beaches which are frequently visited by the tourists are followings:
 
Port Blair’s Beaches
 
There are several beach places for visiting around Port Blair, the main city of Andaman like Corbyn’s Cove, Chirya Tapoo, Wandoor Beach, North Bay Beach, Jolly Buoy etc.
 
Corbyn's Cove
 
The unspoiled soft sandy beach is near to Port Blair in Andaman. One of the most picturesque sea-beach is set in the background of lush green coconut palms and is ideal for swimming, sun basking and surfing. The Waves Restaurant, The Peerless Resort nearby and the Hornbill Nest Guest House at a stone's throw, provide a kaleidoscopic view of the blue water front.
 
 
The main attractions in this beach are the inviting water sports activities. This beach and the water close to the beach are perfect location for surfing, scuba diving and boating. Many bunkers established by Japanese add the attraction of the beach.
 
Corbyn's Cove is the best beach within easy access of the capital Port Blair in Andaman & Nicobar island. Corbyn's Cove beach in Andaman & Nicobar lays 10-km southeast of Port Blair. The beach is very popular among the locals equally.
 
Chirya tapoo
 
Chidiya Tapu is the southernmost tip of South Andaman, around 35 Km south of Port Blair. The lush green mangroves, forest cover with numerous chirping birds and the Sylvan Sands and Munda pahar beaches make it an ideal picnic site. The forest guesthouse situated on top of a hillock provides a fabulous view of isolated islands, submerged corals and the breath-taking sunset. Conducted tours are available from Andaman Teal House, Port Blair.
 
Wandoor Beach
 
The beautiful Wandoor beach is situated at Mahatma Gandhi marine national park, around 30 Kms from Port Blair. For travelling to Jolly buoy and Red skin islands, people have to reach this place by road and board the ship (port charter boats).
 
 
Nearly 15 islands are located surrounding this stretch of pristine coastline. The Mahatma Gandhi National Marine part stretches about 282 Sq.Km. Small ships (port charter boats) start from this Wandoor beach towards Jollybuoy and Red Skin islands.
 
North Bay Beach
 
North Bay Beach is located nearer to Phoenix jetty of Port Blair. This beach is also very famous for under water corals, snorkeling and scuba diving Sports. All sort of facilities are available around the beach like food, clothes for rent, lockers, huts for taking rest etc. The coral at North Bay are rather good and spread over large area. The one day package trip includes North Bay, Viper Island and Ross Island. Some travelers prefer to stay more time in North Bay to enjoy the sea corals through snorkeling and scuba diving. Unlike Jolly buoy and Red skin beaches, the North Bay coral beach is more crowded.
 
Jolly Buoy
 
An island in Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, it offers a breath taking underwater view of coral and marine life. It has a golden shining beach with a canopy of hanging branches of dense bushes. The underwater marine life is fantastic and indicates a sharp reflection of the corals and sea weeds in the beautiful designs of plants and flowers. It is an ideal place for snorkeling, sea bathing and basking on the sun kissed beach.
 
Collinpur Beach
 
Situated near Tirur, 36 Kms. from Port Blair, this place has a beautiful sandy beach with shallow water. It is suitable for swimming, sun basking and sunset viewing. It is a suitable spot for those who find pleasure in retreat and natural environs. Well connected through road, the beach can be easily reached from Port Blair.
 
Havelock Island’s Beaches
 
Radhanagar and Vijaynagar Beach in Havelock are real exposures of unpolluted nature for an environment lover. Vijaynagar beach is just infront of Dolphin Yatri Niwas and Radhanagar beach is 7km away from Dolphin Yatri Niwas.
 
Radhnagar Beach
 
The Radhanagar beach is the favorite among all nature lovers who love to explore the nature of different places. Radhanagar Beach offers a wide range of fauna and flora for exploration.
 
The main attraction of the Radhanagar Beach in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is its calm and clean surrounding which offers you a soothing environment, relieving from all worldly worries. The beach is also a favorite hangout of love birds as the place has nothing to hinder their privacy.
 
The beach is good for spending time for swimming, fishing and trying some hangout with water sports. The sun bath is equally good just for having relaxation. Tourists from across the globe frequent this beach in search of peace and relaxation under sun on a serene beach.
 
Vijaynagar Beach
 
Located on Havelock Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Vijaynagar beache is known for its stretches of clean water and white sand. These beaches are recognized as the intimate spots for environment lovers.
 
 
Vijaynagar Beach (Beach No.5) is one of the best suited places for family holidays. The beach is located amidst nature. It is isolated from the city crowds and good place for peaceful relaxation.
 
Hut Bay Island - Harminder Bay Beach
 
Harminder Bay Beach is counted amongst one of the most exquisite beaches of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These beautiful beaches are situated at Hut Bay Island at a distance of 100kms from Port Blair and are connected by Inter Islands shipping services.
 
The local residents have played extravagant role in attracting tourists towards it. The sandy beaches are unspoiled and have not any large development such as parks, restaurants, etc. but it is still one of the favorite tourist hangouts.
 
Harminder Bay Beach of Andaman and Nicobar Islands not only just offer you scenic pleasure but also offer you opportunities to explore the nature. You can check out the marine life in the waters of the sea or go out for fishing. If you like adventurous sports, then Harminder Bay Beach are the perfect venue.
 
Karmatang Beach- Turtle Nesting Beach
 


Karmatang beach, a turtle nesting ground is being developed as tourist complex. The beach which is famous for the turtles is a perfect retreat for the city dwellers who visit the beach for small vacations. The weather of the Karmatang Beach is very pleasant. Situated at Mayabunder, northern part of Middle Andaman, 240 kms by road and 136 kms by boat from Port Blair.
 
Diglipur Island - Ramnagar Beach
 
A sandy beach situated at Diglipur Island, Ramnagar Beach is a picturesque beach. It is connected by two daily boat services from Mayabunder and from Port Blair twice a week.
 
The beach has tourists flowing in from not only India but from throughout the world. The beach which is famous for its widely scattered grains of sand offers the travelers a chance to spend some quality time there and rest on the sandy beach.
 
Ramnagar Beach is the abode of the turtles. And you can also explore the marine life by going for a scuba diving or snorkeling. These two adventurous water sports activities are very famous.
 
Little Andaman - Butler Bay Beach
 
Butler Bay Beach is a beautiful beach of Little Andaman. The northern side of this beach provides an excellent site for surfing. It is also an ideal site for camping. A picturesque waterfall and coconut plantations are some of the nearby attractions of this beach. The beach is also featured in the documentary film “Thicker than water”.
 
Butler Bay is a beautiful beach suitable for Sun Basking, Coral Viewing, Tourist huts are available right on the seashore flanked by the coconut plantation.
 
Little Andaman island is the fourth largest of the Andaman Islands with an area of 739 km², lying at the southern end of the archipelago. It is home to the Onge tribe and has been a tribal reserve since 1957.
 
Red Skin Island Beach
 
The Redskin Island offers the lure of underwater coral gardens and unspoiled beaches. If you are really lucky you might even end up catching a view of the dolphins merrily playing in the emerald waters of the sea. This island is a great place for swimming, scuba diving and snorkeling.
 
A boat departs Tues to Sun from Wandoor village to Red Skin and Jolly Buoy islands at 10 am (1½ hr) and returns around 5 pm. The boat should be booked in advance. It can be approved through a travel agency or your hotel.
 
Neil Island – Sitapur Beach
 
Sitapur beach is one of the best beaches of Neil Island Neil Island. It is a long shallow beach basically used for timbering operations as it is exposed to open sea and thus prone to high tides.
 
Cinque Island
 
The lure of underwater coral gardens and unspoiled beaches, especially a sand bar joining two islands is irresistible. Cinque Island in Andaman is the best place to relax and rejuvenate and a super place for scuba diving, swimming, fishing and camping.
 
Cinque Island is very rapidly developed into a favorite tourist center. Best known for its coral and beach, this pristine island provides excellent views of nature nurtured in the calm and tranquil ambience untouched of the daily clamors and clutters of urban India. Situated about South of Chirya Tapu, Cinque Island is Andaman’s uninhabited place. It is very ideally surrounded by finest coral reefs located few hundred meters into the deep sea.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Puri Krishna Dham | Puri Jagannath Temple | Puri Sea Beaches | Puri Places of Attractions | Puri Rath Yatra - Lord Jagannath

 
Puri is a city of God and the district headquarters of Puri district, situated on the Bay of Bengal. The city famous for its best swimming beaches and is approximately 65 kilometres south of the state capital Bhubaneswar in the Indian State of Orissa. It is also known as Jagannath Puri after the 11th century Jagannath Temple located in the city. Puri is a one of the holy city of the Hindus faith as a part of the Char Dham pilgrimages. According to Hindu teachings, a pilgrimage of the temples of India is not considered complete unless the journey to Puri made.
 
Puri is endowed with one of the best beaches for swimming in India with its fine white sands, roar of breakers rolling in from the Bay of Bengal and countless devotees flocking the place for a purification dip. It is one of the popular beach resorts among the tourist. The beach is continued to be a sacred venue for an endless number of pilgrims coming to pay homage to Lord Jagannath.
 
 
In the month of November, annually there is organized beach festival which has become a favorite haunt both for Indian and foreign beach lovers. The beach is geographically positioned in such a way that both sunset and sunrise can be viewed from the beach. A comparatively clean and quite place for sunbathing and a relaxed swim can be found at the eastern end. On the Chakratirtha side, the long stretch of golden sand is more tranquil and pleasant place to stroll. However, the swimmers to take enough precaution while swimming as the currents can be treacherous in Puri.
 
The beaches of Puri are also renowned for the sand sculptures created particularly by the internationally famed Sudarshan Patnaik. The subjects are generally inspired by sculptures covering the temple walls, characters and episodes from the mythology and also the contemporary events. An entire beach stretch can be completely yours given the immense number of beaches in Odisha (Orissa) and a comparatively lower number of fun lovers, the city being a popular pilgrimage point for Indians.
 
Places of attraction in Puri:
 
Jagannath Temple: The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a famous Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath and located in the coastal town of Puri. The name Jagannath (Lord of the Universe) is a combination of the Sanskrit words Jagat (Universe) and Nath (Lord of) . The temple is an important pilgrimage destination for many Hindu traditions, particularly worshippers of Krishna and Vishnu, and part of the Char Dham pilgrimages that a Hindu is expected to make in one's lifetime . The temple was built in the 1135 AD atop its ruins by the progenitor of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. This shrine is elaborately shaped with high shikhars. Internal chamber of the temple is sustained by 16 pillars. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or Chariot festival, in which the three main temple deities are hauled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars. Since medieval times, it is also associated with intense religious fervour.
The temple is sacred to the Vaishnava traditions and saint Ramananda who was closely associated with the temple. It is also of particular significance to the followers of the Gaudiya Vaishnavism whose founder, Chaitanaya Mahaprabhu, was attracted to the deity, Jagannath, and lived in Puri for many years.
 
Puri – Rath Yatra (Car Festival): Ratha Yatra, the Festival of Chariots of Lord Jagannatha is celebrated every year at Puri, the temple town in Orissa, on the east coast of India. According to legends Lord Jagannath expressed his desire to visit his birthplace “Gundicha Ghar” ones every year. Moreover Subadra wanted to visit her parents place –Dwarka, therefore his two brothers Jagannath and Balbhadra took her there on this day. Another legend is that Lord Krishna and Balram went to Mathura on this day to participate in the competition on the invitation of king Kans.
 
 
Puri Rath Yatra festival comes in the month of June – July of every year. It starts on the second day of bright fortnight of month Ashada according to Hindus month calendar. On this day three chariot Nandigosha (Yellow colored), Taladwaja (Blue Colored) and Deviratha lined up in front of Jagannath Temple. The presiding deities of the main temple (Sri Mandira) Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, with the celestial wheel Sudarshana are taken out from the temple precincts in an elaborate ritual procession to their respective chariots. The huge, colourfully decorated chariots, are drawn by hundreds and thousands of devotees on the bada danda, the grand avenue to the Gundicha temple, some two miles away to the North. After a stay for seven days, the deities return to their abode in Sri Mandira.
 
Markandeshvara Tank: as per Legends of India Lord Vishnu become the Neem tree situated close to the temple. This religious spot is having some more temples surrounding such as Gundicha, the Sunaragauranga, the Lokanath, the Tota Gopinath and the Daria Mahabir temples. Religious people visit the temple regularly and dip into this holy tank.
 
 
Sudarshan Workshop and Museum: Tourist here can watch the replicas of the holy chariots. God idols in different shape are also available at this workshop.
 
Excursion near Puri City
 
Konark (35 kms away): Konark is the very well-known place for the only big Sun Temple in India. The Sun Temple was built in the 13th century and designed as a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, Surya, with twelve pairs of ornamented wheels pulled by seven horses. Some of the wheels are 3 meters wide. Only six of the seven horses still stand today. The big 12 pair wheeled chariot tired by seven strong horses is the dignity of this small city.
 
Balighai Beach: The incredible beach where the tourist can take pleasure of most alluring beach side ornaments is Balighai, though visitors have to travel 8 kms to reach the destination. The beach is situated by the side of the Bay of Bengal and at the mouth of the river Nuanai, Balighai, provides wonderful opportunity to experience confluence of the calm river with the turbulent sea. Most part of this place is fringed by lovely causarina trees. This place is also famous for shy Baliharina deers who reside in this area. Now its very rare to sopt a deer in this area, if you are lucky then you will be able to catch a glimpse of the Baliharina deer. Another special attraction of this beach is the Sea Turtle Research Centre, where you can watch the large turtles fluttering around in their tanks.
 


Balighai sea beach attracts lots of domestic and overseas visitors to enjoy the natural scenery. The magnificent sunrise and sunset site of the beach is an unforgettable experience for tourists’. Tourists can also enjoy sunbath on the neat and clean sea beach and explore the gift of nature by boat riding on the Nuanai River. The scenic beauty of this place is ideal for group picnic with family, friends and your beloved.
 
Sakshigopal Temple: The next wonderful spot is the temple of Lord Sakshi Gopal located at distance around 20 Kms from Puri. The legend is that Lord Gopal who came to bear witness known in Sanskrit as Sakshi is worshipped in the Temple. This Lord Krishna temple is world-known for architectural grandeur.
 
Raghurajpur (10 kms away): the next famous Indian tourist place near Puri is Raghurajpur where a tourist can enjoy paintings and art galleries.
 
Pipli (36 kms away): the craft and handmade items at Pipli are most demanding even in abroad. The cloth pouches and various craft items are supplied to different countries as well. The embroidered covers with obscure appliqué are fine examples of work done by Puri workers.
 
Best time to reach puri is between Octobers to April as the temperature in summer season goes to 30 degrees or more, whereas winter average temperature is 17 degrees.
 
Reaching Puri City:
 
By Air: BPA (Biju Patnaik airport) situated at Bhubaneswar is the big air head to reach Puri. This airport is only 56 kms away from the city. Bhubaneswar airport is directly connected with almost every big airport of India such as Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.
 
By Train: the big railway station of Puri junction is connected with almost every city of India. Frequent and direct trains from the different cities allow travelers to reach the spot easily. The big railheads connected to Puri are New Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai.
 
By Bus: OTDC (Orissa Tourism Development Corporation) buses are available linked with diverse cities of Orissa to Puri. Direct and regular buses from Bhubaneswar, Konark and Cuttack are attainable for the tourist.