Balighai Beach

Balighai Beach lies about 8 km from Puri on the Bay of Bengal, a stretch of golden sand backed by rows of casuarina trees. Little commercial building has reached it, and it stays quiet and largely free of crowds. Parasailing is offered here for those who want some activity on the water.

The beach is a nesting ground for the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtle. Each year between December and January the turtles arrive in large numbers to lay their eggs in the sand, often coming ashore as the sun goes down.