📍 Location & Distance from Puri
Balighai Beach is located on the eastern coast of Odisha, approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Puri city, along the Puri-Konark Marine Drive. This scenic stretch is well-known for its lush casuarina groves, tranquil waves, and minimal tourist rush, making it a perfect getaway.
- 🧭 Coordinates:
Latitude: 19.8525° N
Longitude: 85.9397° E - 🚗 Travel Time from Puri: Around 15–20 minutes by car or auto-rickshaw.
🌴 What Makes Balighai Beach Special?
Unlike the bustling Puri Beach, Balighai Beach offers a quieter, more pristine experience, ideal for nature lovers, peace seekers, and couples. The beach is known for its golden sands, clean shoreline, and a backdrop of towering casuarina and palm trees.
It’s also ecologically significant due to:
- Olive Ridley Sea Turtle nesting sites (seasonal, especially between December–March)
- Proximity to Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can spot deer and blackbucks.
🏖️ Facilities Available
Balighai Beach is less commercialized, but recent development by the tourism department has ensured the presence of basic and eco-friendly amenities:
- 🚿 Changing Rooms & Toilets (maintained by local authorities)
- 🧺 Picnic spots & resting huts
- 🛣️ Well-maintained Marine Drive access road
- 🅿️ Parking area for two-wheelers and cars
- ☕ Local food vendors and coconut stalls (seasonal)
- 🌿 Nature trails toward Balukhand Sanctuary
⚠️ Note: There are no large hotels or resorts right on the beach, but several accommodations are available in Puri or along the Marine Drive road.
📸 Major Attractions Nearby
- Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary – Explore the unique coastal forest ecosystem.
- Puri-Konark Marine Drive – Scenic route ideal for cycling, photography, and romantic drives.
- Chandrabhaga Beach – Another beautiful and spiritually significant beach, 20 km ahead toward Konark.
- Konark Sun Temple – UNESCO World Heritage Site located 25 km from Balighai.
- Nature Photography – Especially during sunrise and turtle nesting season.
🐢 Turtle Nesting Alert
Between December to March, parts of the beach may be restricted due to Olive Ridley turtle conservation programs. You may witness turtle nesting or hatching events under forest department supervision.
🚶♀️ Things to Do at Balighai Beach
- Take long walks along the serene shoreline
- Watch dolphins (rare, but possible sightings)
- Enjoy beach photography
- Relax under the trees or huts
- Explore nearby nature trails or do light bird watching
🤝 Tips for Visitors
- Best time to visit: November to February
- Avoid late-night visits due to limited lighting
- Carry your own food and drinking water
- Be environmentally responsible – avoid littering
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for a stunning experience
🗺️ How to Reach
- From Puri Railway Station: Hire an auto or cab toward Marine Drive Road (Balighai direction).
- From Bhubaneswar: Approx. 65 km, take NH-316 toward Puri and branch off via Marine Drive.
✅ Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from Puri | ~8 km |
| Travel Time | 20–40 mins by road |
| Known For | Serenity, Olive Ridley turtles, forest trail |
| Nearby Attractions | Konark, Balukhand Sanctuary, Marine Drive |
| Facilities Available | Toilets, huts, parking, food stalls |
| Coordinates | 19.8525° N, 85.9397° E |
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