Baliharchandi Beach

Swaying casuarina trees, an unending stretch of golden sand and the turbulent sea form the picturesque landscape of Baliharachandi Beach. Located 27 km away from Puri, the beach is a popular round-the-year picnic spot. A swim in the tumultuous sea is a delight for those seeking adventure.
Besides the clean blue sea, the beach is famous for the temple of goddess Harachandi close by. The temple’s sanctum sanctorum houses an asta bhuja (eight-armed) Mahisamardini Durga, who is worshipped as goddess Harachandi. She is regarded as the goddess of water and navigation who protects fishermen. All tourists coming to the beach make it a point to pay obeisance to the deity. A small river flows into the sea just 200 m away from the temple, and can be crossed in a boat for just Rs 5. On the other side of the river, there is a massive sandy dune with casuarina trees that makes for an ideal picnic spot for travellers.

While the summer in Baliharchandi is extremely humid and hot, the beach experiences a tropical monsoon climate. The best time to plan a visit to Baliharachandi Beach is between the months of October and March. The beach is accessible with good roads, with the nearest railway station at Puri.