The long stretches of uninterrupted sandy beaches and the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal have made the small beach town of Puri in Orissa a favourite holiday destination. The ancient Jagannath Temple has also made this town a pilgrim spot. A little away from Puri is the Ramchandi beach which lies on the Konark-Puri Marine Drive. While Konark is just seven kilometres away from the beach, it is a 45-minute drive from Puri to reach the beach.
The clear blue waters and the dancing waves of the Bay of Bengal play hide-and-seek along Marine Drive. Apart from a few scrubby bushes, small chai shops and resorts, this calm stretch of beach remains hidden from tourists. chai As the waves rise and fall, fishermen from the nearby villages are busy casting their nets in the sea.
The Ramachandi beach lies at the confluence of the Kusabhadra River and the Bay of Bengal with the undulating waters of the river meeting the temperamental sea. The locals claim, the beach has healing powers that take away the negative energies from the body. Indeed, the silence and the isolation of the place take you into another world. Listening to the sounds of crashing waves at night is almost therapeutic. The resorts offer a clear and panoramic view of the uninterrupted sands and vast blue sea. Apart from watching the sunrise and sunset, and taking long walks on the beach, one can learn surfing as well from The Rangers Adventure Foundation which is situated nearby.
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The Sun Temple of Konark is not far away. The giant chariot of the Sun god with 12 pairs of wheels, pulled by seven horses, the temple is an architectural splendour. Constructed by Raja Narasimha Deva I of the Ganga dynasty, the intricate carvings on the stone and the sculptures narrate numerous stories. The small town of Pipli, located between Konark and Bhuvaneshwaris famous for its traditional appliqué handicrafts in bright colours.
Getting there
Bhubhaneshwar has the nearest airport. The beach is well connected to Konark, Puri and Bhubhaneshwar. Cabs, buses and autos are available from all the three places to reach the beach.
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What to do
The beach is isolated so you can swim, walk and jog along the beach. You can also learn to surf at the Rangers Adventure Foundation.
Where to stay
The Lotus Resort is located right on the beach. You get a clear view of the beach and the Bay of Bengal from the cottages.