Balighai Beach – Odisha
“Pristine and unexplored” is the best way to describe the Balighai Beach in Odisha. This picturesque beach is located at a distance of about 8 km from Puri on the Puri-Konark Marine Drive Road. Comprising of white sand and surrounded by casuarina trees this beach is situated in close proximity to the renowned Lord Jagannath Temple. Furthermore, this beach is also known to be home to the Olive Ridley Turtles species as well as to a number of exotic migratory birds. It is located at a distance of 21.6 km (via Puri-Konark Marine Dr) from the Puri Beach.
Read More Offbeat Beaches in India truly worth visiting
How to reach Balighai Beach
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Balighai Beach Map
- By train:
The closest railway station to this beach is located in Puriat a distance of 8 km. The Puri Railway Station is well connected via regular train services to major cities in country such as Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad etc.
- By road:
If you intend to drive to this beach then the ideal starting points would be Bhubaneswar,and Kolkata.
a. How to reach Balighai Beach from Bhubaneswar: The shortest route to reach Balighai beach from Bhubaneswar is via NH316 as depicted in the map above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
b. How to reach Balighai Beach from Kolkata: There fastest route from Kolkata to Balighai beach via NH16 and the route map is depicted above. Alternatively, click on the Google Maps link here to view on Google Maps.
- By air:
The closest airport to this beach is located in Bhubaneswar. The BijuPatnaik Airport is well connected to major cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
Climate and the best time to visit the Balighai Beach
The maximum temperature at this beach during the summer season which begins in March and ends in May is about 45 degree Celsius. The rainfall received during the monsoon season which begins in June and ends in September is “moderate”. On the other hand the winter season which begins in December and ends in February is extremely pleasant with the temperature ranging from a maximum of 18 degree Celsius to a minimum of 10 degree Celsius. So the ideal time to visit this beach is from October to February during winter.
Things to do at Balighai Beach
There are number of things/activities to do found in and around this beach worth exploring. They are as follows
- Turtle Nesting:
Found at this beach especially during December and Januaryis the Olive Ridley Turtles. In addition, in close proximity to this beach is the Sea Turtle Research Centre which is worth a visit.
2. Bird watcher’s paradise:
A number of exotic birds arrive at this beach especially during the winter season thereby making it a true “bird watcher’s paradise”.
3. Water Sports:
A number of water sports activities such as water skiing and parasailing are available at this beach.
4. Sunset views:
The magnificent sunset views that this beach provides for is worth experiencing especially for those passionate about photography.
Places To Visit Around Balighai Beach
1. Balihirana Deer Sanctuary:
In close proximity to this beach lies the Balihirana Deer Sanctuary. This sanctuary is popular for possessing some rare endangered deer species such as the Balihirana antelope and the Indian Black Buck.
Interesting facts:
The white sand at this beach called Balighai during full moon nights supposedly “glitters”, thereby making it extremely “magical”. Furthermore, this beach also provides for the magnificent view of the Nuanai River flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
Accommodation – Hotels, Resorts and Home Stays in and around Balighai Beach:
Click on the link here to check out the places to stay near Tajpur beach, West Bengal on Google Maps.
Also Read The Turtle Man Of Odisha-Rabindranath Sahu
