Puri Beach is one of the finest coastlines in East India, bordering the Bay of Bengal and is located at a distance of 35 km from the Sun Temple. With the sun gleaming on the pristine waters of the beach, the place is ideal for holiday makers looking for some solitude. It is often flocked by devotees visiting the beach for a purification dip who come to Puri to pay their homage to Lord Jagannath. The beach is also renowned for the sand sculptures made by internationally known sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik. The sculptures are usually inspired by the art covering the temple walls or other mythological character or episode.
Adorned with fine golden sand and gushing waves, Puri Beach is quite renowned for its peaceful and calm surroundings. You can get a taste of the local life of Puri as well, as it is a favourite haunt of the natives of this place. Tourists can easily distinguish the local fishermen by their triangular straw hats and dhotis. These fishermen also serve as the lifeguards on the beach and take visitors out in the sea on their boats to look at the mesmerising sunset. The stretch on the Chakratirtha side is much more tranquil and pleasant for a long stroll, and if you're feeling a little adventurous you can also go into the waters for a swim.
Puri Beach Festival
Interestingly, the Puri Beach plays host to the annual 'Puri Beach Festival' which is a colourful celebration of culture and heritage held in the month of November. It is conducted by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha (Orissa) (HRAO), co-sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha (Orissa), Development Commissioner of Handicrafts and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Center, Calcutta. The festivities include kaleidoscopic displays of various classical and folk dances of India, an exhibition of handicrafts, handloom and sand art, which is perhaps the highlight of this festivals. Sand sculptors from all over the country participate in this event. The celebrations are carried forward by events such as fashion shows and rock shows are also held which add another element of fun to this celebration. Traditional sporting events like beach volleyball, kabaddi, malkham, regatta boat or yacht races are also quite popular.
Puri Beach Activities
A coastline as picturesque as that of the Puri Beach is always the perfect place to enjoy a quiet walk as the sun goes down, or looking out to the beautiful horizon of the landscape. However, this attraction has a lot more to offer its visitors. Tourists can have great fun with camel rides and horse ride at the beach side, which is the perfect way to get a better look at the wonderful sceneries of this place. In addition to these, scuba diving, surfing, swimming and sun bathing are popular activities in Puri Beach.
How to Reach Puri Beach
To visit Puri Beach, the best option is local transportation. You can opt for a taxi or a bus ride available almost everywhere.