The beaches in Odisha, with their ethereal beauty and serenity, can bring out the holiday spirit in a person. Watching the waves climb over each other while you sit idly, lost in contemplation, or take a stroll along the beach even as the waters of the sea caress your feet, every moment provides an extraordinary experience.

The moderate sun overhead and the white sands below participate in equal measure in one’s frivolity and merrymaking. What sets apart Odisha’s beaches from the rest is the settlement of various tribal communities with their aboriginal lifestyle, on many of them.

With a vast coastline stretching across 402km, Odisha houses many beautiful beaches that are still unexplored.

Puri Beach

For centuries now, Puri Beach has witnessed the arrival of countless pilgrims, all eager to take the traditional purification dip. Puri, being the abode of Lord Jagannath, is considered to be one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage destinations.

However, for decades now, this beach is also filled with countless beach lovers. 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. 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.

Astaranga Beach

91 km from Puri lies the tiny but peaceful Astaranga Beach. The panoramic views that this beach offers to absorb you entirely, both body and mind. The name owes its origin to the multicolored horizon which can be witnessed here during sunset. Astaranga is also famous for being a major fishing centre.

Aryapalli Beach

Aryapalli Beach is located in beautiful Odisha, 6km from Chhatrapur and 30km from Berhampur. Step away from your daily life into this serene paradise – feel like you’re worlds away as you relax while being hypnotized by the peaceful ambiance of nature’s finest gift here: giant waves rolling onto its coasts.

A small fish market sits next to the beach where the fishermen sell their catches to the impatient vendors. In the morning, one can witness the boatmen returning from the sea, their nets dangling over their shoulders. The people of Odisha are simple and warm-hearted and will invite you to share their catch over a home-cooked meal.

Aryapalli Beach is the perfect place to watch breathtaking sunrises and picture-perfect sunsets. Enjoy some time in the seawater while exploring activities like swimming, surfing, or just laying back and tanning on this lovely casuarina fringed beach – sights that will take your breath away as soon as they appear before your eyes!

Baliharachandi Beach

Baliharachandi Beach, located 8km from Puri, is a famous picnic spot. This beautiful beach can be defined by its unending stretches of golden sandy beaches accompanied by the salubrious weather, along with a terrific view of the roaring sea ahead.

Causrinaplants which stand adjacent to the desolate ocean coast lend an enchanting aura to the entire beach. Besides its splendid beauty, this beach is also famous for containing the religious shrine of Goddess Harachandi. One can also catch a glimpse of the shy Baliharina, a kind of deer, which inhabits this area.

Chandipur Beach

Chandipur Beach, at first sight, gives the impression of sharing the same characteristics as the other beaches in Odisha. However, Chandipur Beach is particularly fascinating, because here, the sea water recedes away from the shoreline about 5km twice a day.

The sea gives the impression of literally vanishing before one’s eyes, before reappearing rhythmically at regular intervals, as if playing a game of hide and seek. When the waters have receded, one can also take a jeep ride. The beauty of this beach is also enhanced by the presence of small red crabs.

Chandrabhaga Beach

Chandrabhaga Beach, set in the village of Chandrabhaga in the Puri district of Odisha, is one of the best beaches along the eastern coast of India. The beach lies close to the famous Sun Temple of Konark.

The beach is known for its extraordinary beauty and solitude, but, it also holds great importance in the cultural and traditional identity of Odisha. It is also known to have witnessed the rise and fall of the Konark Temple. Chandrabhaga Mela, a seven-day fair, is organised at the beach to honour Lord Surya.

Gopalpur on Sea

Gopalpur Beach is a tranquil paradise waiting to be discovered! Once part of the Kalinga Empire and formerly known as Paloura, this 14 km beach in Orissa’s Ganjam district promises an escape from busy city life. With its historical significance – it was named after the 18th-century temple dedicated to Lord Krishna – and potential for eco-tourism, Gopalpur has something special in store for everyone who visits!

It offers the perfect getaway with its secluded setting and views of the rising sun over the Bay of Bengal. From yachting to surfing, you can sharpen your skills in a variety of exciting water sports or take advantage of lessons from experienced trainers!

For those wanting a more leisurely vacation, take a stroll and absorb the captivating beauty of Gopalpur beach with its nearby hamlets boasting stunning orange orchards. Admire an exclusive view from a lighthouse that once helped guide merchant ships centuries ago – watch as dawn breaks and bask in the sun’s glorious goodbye into the Bay of Bengal!

Just 45 km away from Gopalpur, lies the wildlife haven of Chilka Lake, which is a must-visit. This lake is home to spectacular Irrawaddy dolphins and an abundance of resident as well as migratory birds. Tourists are offered a multitude of activities such as fishing and angling amidst its rich aquatic kingdom! Another 67 km down south you will find Taptapani – famous for its healing power due to sulfur-rich warm water springs that have been known for ages in curing skin ailments like trouble.

Come discover these wonders tucked within Odisha’s scenic beauty!

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The rich culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu brings to life incredible pilgrimage and eco-tourism sites and creates a destination that is distinctive in every way

Tamil Nadu’s development is not linked with economic growth alone. The state’s development is inseparable from the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu.

The state is home to the world’s oldest cultures, historical monuments, and sites, some of the most outstanding temple architecture, and has two clusters of World Heritage sites.

With its distinctive and ancient Dravidian culture, plus its myriad attractions, the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu draw tourists, pilgrims, and business travellers.

Beaches, Hills and Wildlife

Tamil Nadu is home to some of South India’s best beaches.  Marina Beach is a
12-km long stretch of fine sandy shore and is known as the Pride of Chennai; Kovalam Beach offers solace while Elliot’s Beach is the preferred destination for many; Mamallapuram Beach is famous for its stone sculpture, especially Arjuna’s Penance and the Five Rathas, which are an ode to the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu.

For tourists with a yen for the hills, Tamil Nadu offers excellent hill stations in Ooty, Kodaikanal, Yercaud, Yelagiri, Javvadhu Hills, Kolli Hills, Sirumalai Hills, Valparai, Top Slip, Kalrayan Hills and Pachamalai Hills.

Ooty’s most popular attractions include the 22- hectare Government Botanical Gardens, boating on Ooty Lake, and climbing Dodabetta Peak for an excellent view of the Nilgiri Hills.

Adding another feather in its cap owing to its diverse natural heritage, Tamil Nadu’s wildlife tours and national parks are a rage among tourists.

A glimpse of Tamil Nadu’s diverse wildlife can be obtained by a stopover at some of the following sanctuaries – The Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park houses a range of wild animals, including the macaque, tiger, panther, elephant, gaur, etc. Other sanctuaries include Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Mukkurthi National Park, amongst others.

There is a wonderful network of eco-tourism attractions with many integrated facilities at the hill stations, waterfalls, forests, bird sanctuaries, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to woo tourists.

Awesome Heritage

The rich culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu is a major draw. The state is blessed with five World Heritage Sites, the highest for any state – The rock-cut monuments at Mamallapuram, the Big Temple at Thanjavur, the Iravadiswara Temple at Darasuram, the Brahadeeswarar Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram, and the Nilgiris Mountain Railway.

Heritage building owners are encouraged by the Tourism department to convert heritage buildings into heritage hotels.

Kanadukathan, a Chettinad village, 15 km from Karaikudi, is a heritage village, with unique architecture, expansive courtyards, intricate woodwork and a peaceful ambience. Chettinad Mansion offers a variety of rural activities, including distinctive Chettinad cuisine, plus a cycle or bullock cart ride and to see the 170-odd mansions in the Chettinad area.

As many as 48 tourist places in Tamil Nadu are Heritage Places. Many of these are linked with temples in Trichy, Madurai, Chidambaram, Rameswaram, Tiruvannamalai, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Nagapattinam, Tirukadaiyur, Gunaseelam, and six abodes of Lord Muruga. No wonder culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu draw not only the spiritual but the history and cultural buffs.

Tiruvannamalai expends a profound spiritual energy, attracting both pilgrims and spiritual seekers. Rameshwaram is a peaceful little pilgrim town, where devotees pay obeisance at the Ramanathaswamy Temple.

Ancient Madurai in Tamil Nadu is home to the most impressive and important temple in South India – the Meenakshi Temple. Kanyakumari, located on the furthermost tip of India, houses the Swami Vivekananda Memorial and the towering statue of Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, located on a rocky island off the shore.

Kanchipuram, the “City of a Thousand Temples,” is a tribute to the ancient culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu. It is also famous for its handicraft and silk weaving industry and its amazing silk saris. Kanchipuram, Mamallapuram, and Chennai are often referred to as Tamil Nadu’s Golden Triangle for tourists.

Adventure Activities

There are wonderful opportunities for adventure activities. Trekking in low altitude hill areas, paragliding in Yelagiri, water sports offered by Muttukadu and Mudaliarkuppam Boat Houses are some of the excellent sports activities you can enjoy.

Refreshingly Rural

Go for the unknown, off-beat places that are in picturesque rural areas like Navabashanam, Theerthamalai, Vadanemmeli, and Tirupudaimaruthur. These villages are ideal destinations to enjoy rural life, savour rural cuisine, see the culture and heritage of Tamil Nadu, explore nature, trekking, and visiting temples.

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