The shore already starts glittering as if it were a mirror even before you step into the sea. Escape from the central market’s bustling lanes and you’ll find a stretch of coast which looks like a real wonder of nature. This is Golden Beach Puri, at the heart of Puri Odisha India. It is not like other parts of the shore where locals and tourists shout and horses run. This part of the Puri sea beach was kept very clean and well maintained. When the sunrays are directly falling on the sand at noon, it appears like someone has dropped a bag filled with gold coins and scattered them all over the place.
Older generation people in the temple town don’t simply refer to the sea as a beach. They rather say that the sea is Ma, hodadhi, the great holy water. There is a tale from the old priests. They claim that the sea is Lord Jagannath’s father in law. Each wave coming to the Golden beach puri is considered to be like a hand stretching to the feet of the Lord. Internally it is thought that the sea here is angry because it desires to go into the temple. The inhabitants have a profound, quiet awe and love for the water. They don’t only swim; they salute the first wave. The heart understands what the signs don’t reveal that the ocean here is a living person with a very ancient soul.
This area’s topography is quite unique. The sand here is granular and dense. It doesn’t get into your eyes like dust would. Since it is a “Blue Flag” beach, the local surroundings are fenced and very clean. Small paved walkways and wooden benches are featured in the setting. The horizon can be seen perfectly without any plastic bags or trash blocking the view. If you glance southward, you will observe the lighthouse that appears like a tall soldier standing. The Golden beach timing is a crucial thing to keep in mind. It usually begins at 5:00 in the morning and lasts till 10:00 at night. The water’s color is a deep, purple that gradually shifts to a vibrant blue with the sun’s ascent.
If you are coming up with Puri sightseeing ideas, please don’t keep temples only on the list as beach recreation and sand sitting are great ideas too. On the shore, you can watch local sand artists create their masterpieces. It is amazing how they only apply their fingertips to sculpt faces and castles out of the wet sand. They don’t ask for anything. They just create art and throw it to be taken away by the sea. It is a very simple lifestyle. The whole climate here is pretty different from the big cities. People are slow. The coconut sellers are not shouting. They are waiting for you to notice them. In one smooth cut, they take the fruit with a big iron knife. They give you the straw with a slight nod. It’s a gesture of silent hospitality.
If you want to experience the real magic, try to be here by 4:30 AM. The Golden beach gives you an opportunity to enjoy the sunrise and the sunrise view before the heat sets in. Puri beach air is so salty that it also stings a bit of your skin. It is a nice feeling. Wear light cotton garments. The Puri Odisha India humidness can be as if a damp blanket is thrown on you in the afternoon. Head over to the less crowded side, the one which doesn’t have any life jackets or ropes. Allow the water to gently touch your feet, but please be very careful. The slope of Puri sea beach is usually very steep.
Moreover, the sea is very strong. The waves will be able to take you aside before you know it. Observe the fishermen bringing their wooden boats into the shore. They form a long line and in unison they pull the nets along with the boats while at the same time singing a low rhythmic chant. It is a noise that hasn’t changed for a thousand years. Where you go, you just don’t take sand in your shoes.
