Golden Sea Beach
The golden beach of Puri is one of the best inthe countries for Sun, Surf and Sand. The beach area has been a popular seaside resort for decades, and some of the old hotels capture the charm of bygone days. For this shining beach, Puri has got its dual importance of a relaxed seaside resort and of an important pilgrimage centre. A stroll along the beach or a much desired bath here in the sea is very much refreshing. The beach goes festive on occasions like"Kartik Purnima” i.e. The full moon day of the lunarmonth of Kartik when Hindus gather here in the earlymorning to take a holy deep and pray sea God The fivedays long Beach Festival in the months of February inow very popular in the Festival calenderBeach clothes are appropriate for this sea side resort.
Chandra Bhaga
At about 3 kms from the Sun Temple atKonark is the Chandrabhaga beach. The strong currents do not make it either safe or easy for swimming. But the picturesque view of the sunrise and sunset at this place is enchanting. According to a myth, the Sun God is believed to have sought a beautiful sea-maiden named Chandrabhaga. After chasing her up to this point, she is said to have disappeared into the sea. A river by the same name Chandrabhaga is supposed to have existed just 3 kms away from the temple where (as another legend goes), Shamba, the son of Lord Krishna prayed to the Sun God for 12 years to be cured of leprosy.
In memory of Shamba’s successful penance, the Chandrabhaga Mela (festival) is held every year. During the full-moon phase in the month of Magha, the festival.
Chilka Lake
Nesting in the heart of Coastal District Puri, Asia's largest & biggest inland Brackish water lake, Chilika, streching across the length of the three districts of Puri, Khurdha& Ganjam, itjoins up with the Bay of Bengal through a narrow mouth, forming an enormous lagoon of brackish water .Spread over an area of 1,100 sq. km it was declared a sanctuary in 1987. Dotted with many emerald green islands with colorful names such as honeymoon islands and Breakfast island ,Chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna .It is also a sanctuary and winter resort for migratory birds like a bird watcher's paradise. Sun rise and Sun set are memorable experiences here. Winter is the loveliest time at Chilika, with thousands of migratory birds flying in from as far as Siberia to make their winter sojourn in strange waters. The water comes alive with their raucous cries and colorful plumage as the bird’s battle to find space to make their new homes. While the lake's Nalabana Island has been declared a sanctuary for its varied flora and fauna, Kalijai Island is home to Goddess Kalijai and the venue for annual Makar Mela.
Satapada
Satapara, a retreat in nature on Chilika lake,is poened up to the tourists . For its location near the confluence of the lake with the ocean and proximity to puri(48km), it is an ideal spot to enjoy Chilika . The thrilling sight of dolphins round the year and abundance of migratory and resident birds in winter make it a preffered place for a vacation with nature.
