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Orissa Beaches
Puri
Abode of Lord Jagannatha, literally Lord of the World, Puri is one of
the four holy places in India. Located on the shores of Bay of Bengal,
it has one of the finest beaches in the world. The population size of
Puri is 125,000. Puri is situated at sea level. It has an equitable type
of climate, with maximum temperature varying between 25-33 degree Celsius
and minimum temperature varies from 18-26 degree Celsius. November to
March is the best time to visit Puri.
Chandipur
An ideal beach resort of Orissa situated 16 kms. from Balasore, 200 km
from Cuttack and 230 km from Bhubaneswar, awaits you for a memorable experience
along its shores. It is a unique sea beach where seawater recedes about
5 kms. during low tide and advances to the shoreline again during high
tide , each day.
For assistance contact: Government of Orissa Tourist Office, SPA Marketing
Complex, Block-B, Station Square, Balasore. Tel: (06782)-62048.
How to get there
Air: Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar, 214 km.
Rail: Neelanchal Express, Puri-Howrah trains stop at
Balasore, from where Chandipur is 16 kms. away and is approachable by
road.
Road: Balasore (16 kms). NH5 links the town with Bhubaneswar
in the south and Calcutta in the north. Accommodation Hotel Shubham, Tel
06785-72025 OTDC Pantha Niwas, Tel 06785-72251
Gahirmatha Beach
The Gahirmatha beach in Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary is the
largest breeding ground of `Olive Ridley' turtles in the world. The temple
of `Nahak Babu', is a renovated Khakara temple and enshrines Durga, Uma
Maheshwar and other sculptures. Another small but compact and beautiful
temple built in sandstone of reddish hue is found closeby.
Gopalpur-on-sea
On the Bay of Bengal lies this favourite spot for sea lovers.
Warm and gentle sunshine greets you and the golden beach is an ideal place
to swim or laze around. Once an ancient seaport, today Gopalpur-on-sea
is a modern beach resort fringed by sand dunes attracting tourists from
all over the world. Nearby are the ruins of an old jetty from where sailors
set out to Indonesia in medieval times.
How to get there
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar,
186 km away.
By Rail: Berhampur, 16 km away, is the nearest railhead
and an important one on the South Eastern railway, linking Vizag in the
south and Bhubaneswar to the north.
By Road: Berhampore -16km from Gopalpur-on-sea and 180
km from Bhubaneswar ; Balugaon - 110 km from Gopalpur-on-sea and 2.5 hr
drive from Bhubaneswar, Barkul - 113 km and Rambha - 60 km short of Gopalpur.
Taxi fare from Bhubaneswar - Gopalpur is Rs. 1,200 -
1,500. Accommodation The Oberoi Palm Beach, Dist. Ganjam, Tel: 0680-82021/3,
fax: 0680-82300 Hotel Mermaid, Tel. 0680- 82050 Song of the Sea, Tel.
0680-82347
Bolighai Beach
8 km from Puri, this is a sea beach and Sea Turtle Research Centre. Witness
tranquillity turning into an unforgettable vacation along this quaint
beach along the coastline of Orissa. The beach is bordered by casuarina
plantations. Its serene environs are an ideal getaway from the tensions
of the city life.
How to get there
By Air : Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport.
By Rail : Puri is the nearest railhead.
By Road: Puri - 8 km Konark Beach
Konark Beach
The place is famous for it's sun temple. The population size
of this small town is 12,000. Although most people make a day trip to
Konark from Puri or Bhubaneswar, it's a wonderfully peaceful place to
spend a few days. However, there isn't a lot of accommodation here as
yet.
Paradeep
Paradeep offers evergreen forests, a huge estuary of the Mahanadi
with islands and creeks, a good marine drive and beach. This is a major
commercial seaport of
the country. It is 94 kms. from Cuttack and 125
kms. from Bhubaneswar.
How to get there
Air: Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar, 125 kms.
away.
Rail: Connected with Cuttack, 94 kms. away.
Road: NH-5A links Paradeep to the 3 major tourist towns
of Udayagiri, Lalitgiri and Ratnagiri, all within a 100 kms. radius. The
drive along the coastal belt is fascinating.Accommodation The Golden
Anchor, near Officers Club. Tel 22647-8. OTDC Pantha Niwas at Panthasala
at Dhabaleswarpith. Tel 20264.
