Balighai Beach at Puri, India

It is some (four) kilometers from Puri down town along the spectacular Konark marine drive. If you are driving down from the airport in Bhubaneswar, it is some 60 Kms and on your right just before Puri. The Balighai beach is fringed with tall, whispering Casuarinas, Cashew Nuts, Akasia and Eucalyptus the booming sea and a quiet Nuanai river. It looks prettier than my description. It is a peaceful place away from the hustle and bustle of Puri. The facilities are decent; the Balighai beach is very clean and well maintained.

Just beyond the Balighai beach is the Balihirana Sanctuary. It has the protected Balihirana Antelopes. The Indian Black Bucks. These are endangered but strong conservation measures have ensured a rise in numbers. But they are very shy and rarely seen.

Sunrise and sunsets on the beach are extravagant affairs with dazzling golden hues painting the sky and the sea and the tranquil Nuanai River. It is quite a sight.

This is a private (exclusive right to use by the guests of Toshali Sands Ethnic village resort) beach of Toshali Sands Resort and Yoga sessions and other beach activity, etc. for the guests. They maintain the beach according to the guidelines of the environment and forest department of the Government. The difference, in cleanliness is seen to be believed. Toshali Sands Resort is well known for the green cover of its resort and this would be a future pointer for environmental concerns of corporate entities. The Sea Turtle Research Centre is another attraction of this beach. The regulations are stricter as the beach area falls in the breeding zone of Olive Ridleys. There are talks of developing a cycling trek of the reserve forest right up to Konark along the marine drive. This is very much still on the drawing boards and the only cycling you can enjoy now is outside the reserve area.

There is also a great experience to enjoy the full moon night on Balighai beach. Oh I almost forgot. On moonlit nights when molten silver is poured in the sea and the Nuanai river and mermaids frolic just outside earshot the magnificent Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to lay eggs during November to February. The Sea Turtle Research Centre is nearby (but with drawn by the Govt.). The Olive Ridleys are protected by law and to ensure greater success in breeding some eggs are hatched in the Turtle Research Centre and hatchlings are released. The place is also popular with bird watchers as some winged visitors of the world famous Chilika Lake make their way here.

Toshali Sands, Orissa’s Ethnic Village Resort is where you experience the magic of the Golden Traingle of Puri, Bhubaneshwar & Konark, and the serene beauty of Balighai Beach, to know more visit http://www.toshalisands.com