Beaches of Odisha

 Lying on the eastern peninsular region of India, Orissa is a state that shares about 450 km of the Indian coastline. Sharing its coastal front with the Bay of Bengal, Orissa is home to some of the most brilliant beaches on the east coast of the country. The silver sand, the crystalline blue skies and the calm waters make the beaches here laid back and relaxing. Here is the list of some beautiful beaches for enjoy.

Puri Golden Beaches :

One of the most popular and hence the most crowded of all the beach resorts in Odisha is Puri. It is also the seat of Lord Jagannath, the guardian deity of the state.The grand Marine Drive road running parallel to the beach is a popular spot for long walks. The fine sands of Puri beach and the roar of the waters from the Bay of Bengal fascinate visitors throughout the year. The local fishermen with their wide-brimmed cane hats, along with excellent hotels and guesthouses, make Puri beach an ideal holiday spot with plenty of things to do here. The beach's choppy waters are also an ideal choice for surfing enthusiasts.

 Chandrabhaga Beach :

Chandrabhaga is one of the cleanest beaches in Odisha and it is the first Indian beach that was awarded Blue Flag certification. The clean blue water and the shimmering sand are perfect for a relaxing day. A plethora of festivals and fairs are organized at this beach and it attracts a lot of pilgrims every year. To get acquainted with the mythological story behind this beach, you must visit it at the time of a festival and interact with the locals. If you like uncrowded beaches then you should not plan your visit while festivals and fairs are taking place on this riveting beach. Get ready to soak in the gorgeous view of the sunset while the cool breeze touches your face.

Gopalpur beach :

Gopalpur Beach, Odisha is a great beach for one to collect shells and first-sized peal-white conch. One can also surf and sail in the waters at this beach.There is also an old lighthouse which is open to visitors in the afternoon. One can experience breathtaking views from the top of the lighthouse. Gopalpur Beach Festival takes place every year in the month of December. There are various aqua sports organized at the beach.

Lakes and Waterfalls

 Chilika Lake :

Chilika, the largest costal lagoon and favorite destination of millions of migratory birds. Every year Chilika Lake hosts more than 160 species of birds during the peak migratory season, birds from various places like Lake Baikal, Caspian Sea, Aral Sea and some other remote parts of different countries like Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and Southeast Asia and Ladakh come here for spending winter season. Also from our country from Himalayas many types of birds come to Chilika.Dolphins and migratory birds are the prime attraction in Chilika for foreign tourist. Wildlife lovers around the globe like to visit Chilika and stay here to experience the finest eco-system of this place and the varieties of wild life those are leaving here. Chilika is nearer to Puri, so the tourist those Visited Puri they also like to Visit Chilika Lake.

The scenic beauty of Chilika Lake attracts tourist toward this wonderful tourist site, here at Rambha Bay that is situated at southern end of the lake, many beautiful islands are present The Becon Island, The Breakfast Island, Honeymoon Island, Birds island etc. Parikud and Kalijai Island are most visited islands in Chilika. Kalijai Island is famous because of Maa Kalijai Temple every day many devotees coming to Chilika with the purpose to worship Maa Kalijai and along with that experience the extraordinary beauty of Chilika Lake.

Bada ghagara Waterfall :

Bada Ghagara is a famous waterfall situated at Kendujhar. Dropping from a height of 60 m, Badaghagara is a special part of the Ghaghara River which itself is a tributary of River Baitarani. Badaghagra reservoir which was raised on Machakandana river during the Kingdom era is the major source of water supplies to the Keonjhar town. The spot is rich in exotic Flora & Fauna and rare place for study of tribal life.

Khandadhar Waterfall :

Khandadhar Waterfall is situated at Nandapani, Bonaigarh in the Sundergarh District of the Indian state. It is one of the highest waterfalls in India. The Khandadhar Waterfall lies at a distance of 15km from NH-215 near Lahunipara. It is an enchanting sword-shaped waterfall that drops on the ground from a height of 244 m. The waterfall resembles a sharp sword, hence it has been named Khandadhar. Khanda means sword, and Dhara means the flow of water.