Located at a distance of 125 kms from Paradeep and 94 kms from Cuttack, Paradeep is one of the most serene and tranquil beaches of Odisha. Boasting of golden shimmering sands, indigo blue waters and lined with huge rock boulders, the beach is not a prominent tourist spot but also a major sea port of the country. The beach, laced with emerald green forests, and adorned with a quaint island; is actually and estuary of the river Mahanadi. Besides the commercial angle, the beach invites a lot of tourist to laze and sunbathe in the long stretch of golden sands or just for frolicking in the aqua blue waters of the sea. The dash of rocks at the side offers an amazing marine drive and make for an ideal day-out destination.
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Best Time To Visit Paradeep Beach
Paradeep experiences three basics seasons in the year. While the summers are extremely hot and humid, winters, on the other hand, are equally cold and biting. Therefore, the best time to visit the beach is during monsoons when the weather is pleasant and the forests are sufficiently water fed.
Nearby Places of Interest
1. Bhitarkanika National Park
One of the most popular attractions near Paradeep is the Bhitarkanika National Park. Sprawling over a vast area of 672 km sq., the national park is surrounded by Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Besides the large mangrove species, the park boasts of a rich wildlife with a plethora of different flora and fauna species, the most exotic being Saltwater crocodile, Indian python, King cobra, black ibis, darters etc.
2. Gahirmatha Beach
Located really close to Paradeep Beach, Gahirmatha Beach is ideal for spotting wildlife including white crocodiles, white monitor lizards, sea turtles and several migratory birds. The area also has a park for deer and migratory birds. And the the beach has lately become a hub for nesting for olive Ridley sea turtles.
3. Jhankad
Located at a distance of 60 kms from Cuttack, Jhankad is a holy place dedicated to one of the earliest prominent poets of Odisha- Sarala Das. It also houses the popular temple enshrined by the revered Goddess Sarala and is frequented by numerous pilgrims and tourists all through the year.
4. Temple of Baladev
Temple of Baladev, also known as Tulasi Kshetra is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Baladev. Also located at a distance of 60 kms from Cuttack, this place is visited by tourists and locals alike.
What to do when in Paradeep
1. Paradeep Port
Built in the year 1960, Paradeep Port has become a very important international sea port of the country owing as it receives several direct foreign investments. Initially the area around the sea port was a marshy swampy land originally used by fisherfolks for fishing and collecting firewood. Lately, the government of India has planned to make this magnanimous port even bigger to accommodate more trade and commerce.
2. Light House
A towering light house is also situated on the beach which has been constructed to keep a watch and for other surveillance purposes. However, the tower allows tourist to come have a look from the inside. The light house opens only from 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM. Make sure you plan your trip accordingly so you don’t miss out on the splendid aerial view of the beach and the nearby villages.
3. Paradeep Marine Aquarium
Paradeep Marine Aquarium houses an astonishing collection of vibrantly colourful fish. The in-house museum boasts of 28 splendid tanks with vast varieties of fresh water and marine species of fish and other aquatic animals.
4. Smruti Udyan
Smruti Udyan is a monumental place of respect in Paradeep which has been dedicated to the lives of thousands of people who died during the massive cyclone of 1999 that hit Odisha. The musical fountain at the Udyan play sentimental music to pay respect to the lost souls. The lush green garden at the front blooms with vibrant flowers ideal to spend an evening.
5. Jagannath Temple
Jagannath Temple is only called a temple otherwise it is the most secular spot one can see anywhere in the world. The 60-feet pillar called the Aruna Stambh is constructed at the entrance of the Mandir. This pillar has engraved holy symbols of Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism and Christianity and still, this place is known to have never seen violence. The most popular festival at the Jagannath Temple is the Car Festival where non-Hindus also take part enthusiastically in drawing the chariot and in other festivities.
6. Nehru Bangla
Located at a short distance of 12 kms from the Paradeep Beach, Nehru Bangla is just the guest house where the first Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru stayed at when he came to inaugurate the Paradeep Port. The guest house has now also been converted into a tourism spot for people who want to go have a look.
7. Hanuman Temple
Hanuman Temple is yet another prominent attraction in Paradeep. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the tiny mandir invites pilgrims from the all over the city to pay homage. Tuesdays are the most crowded days of the week at the temple.
Activities at the Beach
1. Spend a day at the beach lazing around in the sun or walking in the golden sands of the beach. Take a pair of binoculars along and gaze at the numerous exotic birds flying around in the area. 2. If you like adventure, then try some outdoor activities at the beach. The least difficult and thrilling of which would be swimming. But if you are planning to get into the water, make sure the tide is low.
3. Do not forget to taste the mouth-watering sea food available at the beach. Prawns being the speciality, you can also try crabs, lobsters and fish etc. 4. Try the famous Paradeep Lassi, also known as the Gaveskar Lassi made from coconut. It is available both at the beach and in the town.
How To Reach Paradeep Beach
The nearest airport to the beach is the Bhubaneswar International Airport which is about 125 kms away from Paradeep. The closest railway station is the Cuttack railway station at a distance of 94 kms. Paradeep is also well-connected to the major cities through state run buses. Bus line NH-5A links other cities to Paradeep.