The beautiful beach of Puri is a favourite destination for holidayers who combine seaside leisure along with a visit to the holy Jagannath temple. The wide beach stretches for miles along the Bay of Bengal and is dotted with beautiful casuarinas trees. The sea at Puri can be a bit rough for swimming and you can take a dip escorted by the local fishermen (known as nuliahs) who confidently guide you through the waves. Puri has many traditional family hotels on the beach where you can enjoy a peaceful holiday along with freshly cooked fish curries and other delicious food.

Another beach of Orissa where you can have a more peaceful holiday away from tourist crowds is Gopalpur on Sea, located 15 km from Berhampur town. The blue ocean is calmer and safer than Puri, and you can enjoy swimming, surfing and sailing. Gopalpur on Sea was once a seaport and the remnants of the jetty can be seen on the beach. Chandipur Beach off Balasore town, and Paradeep which is also a bustling port, are two other beach destinations of Orissa.