Gopalpur On Sea

Hardly 16 km from Berhampur, the club of Southern Orissa, is the tiny town of Gopalpur on the Bay of Bengal. Enjoying the reputation of being a popular Beach Resort of Orissa, the deep and clear blue waters instantly provoke those who are good swimmers. The temptation of bathing here is irresistible. Not-so-good swimmers take the hands of the Nolias (local fishermen who help bathers) and enjoy a pleasant bath. White surf splashing on the golden sands makes Gopalpur-on-Sea as one of the finest beaches on the eastern coast. A fascinating haunt for avid beach combers and sea worshippers, it is a splendid retreat.

Watching the life on the beach is also exciting. The fishermen pulling their catch or mending their nets add local colour. Beautiful objects made of seashells available in abundance are worth buying souvenirs for decorating a Drawing Room or giving some one a Present. Sand sculptures here and, there made by some local artists are a feast to the eyes. Mouth watering sea food, especially fish from the deep sea, satisfy the hungry stomach. Green-coconuts quench the thirst.

Gopalpur was once buzzing with maritime activities which Orissa is known for ages. It was one of the outlets through which early settlers of South East Asia sailed off. It was a famous and popular seaport during the British Rule till about 1942 when it ceased to operate due to the second world war and separation from Bunna (now Myanmar). The crumbling walls and pillars and the. light house stand witness to the past port. Remains of several bungalows and mansions belonging to the European merchants give the place a colonial look. A modern port is being developed here to revive the lost glory.

Chandipur Beach

Chandipur is one such beach, but with a unique distinction on its own. Unlike other beaches, the sea water here recedes away from the shore line about five km twice a day, an unusual phenomenon, rarely found anywhere. ?You can see the sea literally vanishing before your eyes and also watch it coming back rhythmically at regular intervals, as if playing hide and seek. 

Elsewhere, the waves come and go dashing on the shore like madcap but here they are like a musical fountain, soothing to the eyes and ears. Elsewhere, the waters wait for the visitors but here the visitors have to wait for the waters. Elsewhere, the waves go wild and the visitors calm but here the ecstasy of visitors will go wild while the waves remain calm. 

This marvel of Nature gives the bathers an unexpected pleasure of fearlessly walking into the sea and happily playing with the waves. When the waters disappear, you can even take jeep ride on, the widest beach. The beauty of the exposed bosom of the beach is further enhanced by the small red crabs. If a beach comber, you will be delighted with its abundant wealth of sea shells and drift wood. 

To enjoy Chandipur in all its entirety, a minimum stay of twenty-four hours is recommended. 

Hardly 2 km away is Balaramgadi where the river Budhabalang meets the sea. A trip through the mouth of the meandering river on a fisherman's boat is a pleasant experience. Watching them cast their nets and pull their catch of fish is memorable

Konark Beach

Konark is the world famous site of the most exquisite Sun temple one can ever come across. While visiting this religiously and historically famous site, do check out the lovely bliss and serenity of its beach Only 32-km from Puri on Marine Drive, one could find a sprawling beach at Konark rated as one of the finest in the world. With a long stretch of cleans sands - cool blue sea making rapids in rolling waves - the beach claims to be one of the best in the eastern coast for having a lovely serenity of its own.
At a strolling distance one finds the famous architectural splendour of the Sun Temple - Konark, a world heritage monument. The Sun Temple Museum of the Archeological Survey of India has a good collection of sculptures from the temple ruins.


Paradeep Beach

Paradeep is a large seaport in Orissa. It also has a beautiful beach and a marine drive, and islands and creeks in the estuary of the Mahanadi River. It is also known for the temple of the deity, Lord Baladeva.

Puri Beach
For centuries now, the beach at Puri has been the venue of countless pilgrims taking the traditional purification dip for Puri is the abode of Lord Jagannath and considered one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage destination. However, for decades now, both Indian and foreign beach lovers have made it their special haunt.

The fine white sands of Puri beach and the roar of the breakers rolling in from the Bay of Bengal have fascinated visitors throughout the ages. As it is with all the beaches of Orissa, overcrowding is never a problem and the sight of holiday-makers having entire
stretches of the beach to themselves is not uncommon. The local fishermen, with their catamarans and wide brimmed cane hats are welcomed by tourists for they not only provide you with a ride on their boats but also act as lifeguards if you wish. And yes,they are also expert masseurs.

Balighai Beach

Situated 8 km from Puri, this is beach is fringed by cashurina trees and has a tranquil ambience. Once visited this beach can never be forgotten.