Category: Beach Tourism

Rivers in Srikakulam District:

Srikakulam is a riverine district. The four rivers in Srikakulam district are the Vamsadhara, the Nagavali, the Mahendratanaya and the Bahuda river. Out of these the two major ones are Vamsadhara and Nagavali rivers. Together they cover 5% of the total area of Srikakulam district. All the rivers have their course in Andhra Pradesh as well as the adjacent rivernine state Odisha, where they have their origins too. Both Vamsadhara and Nagavali confluence with the Bay of Bengal at two different regions in Srikakulam which are popular beaches and prominent tourist destinations in the state.

Vamsadhara River:

The Vamsadhara river has its course between Rushikulya and Godavari rivers. Originating from the border of Thuamul Rampur in the Kalahandi and Kalyansingpur in Rayagada district of Odisha, the river flows for a stretch of 254 km in the states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. 154 km flows in Odisha,29km has its course at the border of the two neighbouring states and 82km lies entirely in Andhra Pradesh. it confluences with the Bay of Bengal at Kalingapatnam in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. 

The Vamsadhara river basin has a catchment area of 10,830 km. The river witnesses an average rainfall of 40 mm. Since Vamsadhara flows through both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, an agreement has been made to enable both the states to use equal share of water. The banks of Vamsadhara river in Andhra Pradesh hosts two major tourist destinations. One being the Kalingapatnam where it confluences with the Bay of Bengal and the other being Mukhalingam , quite proximal to Kalingapatnam. One of Vamsadhara’s important tributaries is Mahendratanaya. It originates from the Mahendra hills of Gajapati district of Odisha, flows 90Km and merges with the Bay of Bengal near Baruva in Andhra Pradesh. An irrigation project across the vamsadhara river of an estimated amount of Rs127 crores which was launched by the former chief minister of Andhra pradesh,YS Rajasekhar Reddy is yet to be completed.

Srikakulam Nagavali River:

The Srikakulam Nagavali river, popularly called Langulya , originates from a hill in Kalahandi district of Odisha and flows from Southern Odisha to Northern Andhra Pradesh. Nagavali is an independent river and the river basin has a catchment area of 9510 km. Though the total length of the river is 256Km, 161Km of the river flows in Odisha and the rest flow in Andhra Pradesh. It receives an annual rainfall of 1000 mm. The Nagavali river has its course in vizianagaram, Srikakulam and finally merges with the Bay of Bengal at Kallepalli, Srikakulam.

Bahuda River:

The Bahuda river’s origin is located at Goniya Bosa hills in Orissa state and it flows through the villages of Ichapuram mandal, Srikakulam.The Bahuda river assists farmers of Ichapuram with the cultivation of their majestic paddy crop. Bahuda River connects the borders of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. The Bahuda river bridge has been there for ages and surprisingly trains pass through the bridge till date. People throw coins on it as a symbol of their devotion. The river finally merges with the Bay of Bengal at Donkuru village.

Telineelapuram and Telukunchi are small villages, situated at a distance of 65 km and 115 km from Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh respectively. Every year from September to March, these villages become the abode of a large number of migratory birds who reach here after covering miles. The avian mates fly all the way from Siberia to escape the harsh winter and find warmth, food and a suitable breeding ground.

The Telineelapuram and Telukunchi Bird Sanctuaries primarily host the painted storks and spotted billed pelicans. Villagers find the arrival of the winged visitors extremely auspicious and give them a warm welcome. Over the years there has developed a connection between the birds and the villagers. Often the people find it joyous to feed the birds nesting in their region. The incessant humming and chirping of the birds brings life to the quiet environment and drips merriment and excitement into the hearts of the villagers.

The birds flock in a peculiar manner, in the shape of an arrowhead. They build their nests very tactfully, especially on tamarind and mesquite trees. Only 10% of a bird’s weight rests on the tree. This allows flocking of a large number of birds on the same branch without breaking it.

The super long journey takes a toll on the health of the birds. They lose fat and appear frail. The abundance of food in these two regions makes up for the loss .

Moreover, Telineelapuram and Telukunchi serve as excellent breeding grounds for the winged visitors. They lay eggs and feed and train their young ones before embarking on their return trip to Siberia. Some younger birds however fall off the nest or fail to show impressive progress and are thus rejected by their mothers.

These birds are taken care of by the concerned authorities of the sanctuaries and are left free when they can fully spread their wings and take flight.

Telineelapuram Bird Sanctuary:

There cannot be a better place for bird lovers and ornithologists. A watch tower has been erected at the Telineelapuram Bird Sanctuary to boost convenience of the visitors and impart them a clear vision of the flocking birds. Surrounded by an abundance of flora and fauna, the bird sanctuaries proudly recite how nature in its pristine form can be.

How To Reach Telineelapuram Bird Sanctuary:

Travel Guide:

Telineelapuram is easily accessible by all three major modes of transport, roadways, railways, and airways. Which will come as a source of relief to the many travel enthusiasts ready to visit Telineelapuram!

By Rail:

Telineelapuram doesn’t have a railway station but Naupada and Palasa stations are nearby it. It’s a very small yet teeming railway station. Telineelapuram is an important region of Sompeta at a distance of 3 kms from it.

By Road:

Separate buses run between Tekkali and Telineelapuram more frequently. Some of the bus stations near Telineelapuram are Naupada, Tekkali and Srikakulam bus stations. 

By Flight:

It is obvious that you cannot reach Telineelapuram directly by flight. The nearest airports are Biju Patnaik Airport , Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam Airport, Andhra Pradesh. Once there, you can easily travel to Telineelapuram by rail or road.

Telukunchi Bird Sanctuary:

There cannot be a better place for bird lovers and ornithologists. A watch tower has been erected at the Telineelapuram Bird Sanctuary to boost convenience of the visitors and impart them a clear vision of the flocking birds. Surrounded by an abundance of flora and fauna, the bird sanctuaries proudly recite how nature in its pristine form can be.

How To Reach Telukunchi Bird Sanctuary:

Travel Guide:

Telukunchi is easily accessible by all three major modes of transport, roadways, railways, and airways. Which will come as a source of relief to the many travel enthusiasts ready to visit Telukunchi!

By Rail:

Telukunchi doesn’t have a railway station but Ichapuram and Berhampur stations are nearby it. Telukunchi is an important region of Ichapuram at a distance of 4 kms from it.

By Road:

Direct buses between Telukunchi and Ichapuram are not available but separate autos run between Ichapuram and Telukunchi more frequently. Some of the bus stations near Telukunchi are Ichapuram, Kanchili and Berhampur bus stations. 

By Flight:

It is obvious that you cannot reach Berhampur directly by flight. The nearest airports are  Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam Airport, Andhra Pradesh. Once there, you can easily travel to Berhampur by rail or road.

Kalingapatnam Beach:

With the roads burying their heads in the lap of the golden sea bed, the Kalingapatnam beach witnesses an enthralling transition from the bustling town to a tranquil atmosphere. Situated 30 Kms away from the district headquarters in Srikakulam, it is the meeting point of the Bay of Bengal and the Vamsadhara. The convergence of water bodies, the vibrant sky, palm groves and the loose sand push the location to the cusp of scenic beauty. 

During the colonial period, Kalingapatnam beach Srikakulam was an important port. Europeans leveraged this expanse to engage in trade, dealing in cotton, paddy and textiles. It was a dockyard for ships sailing from Singapore, Myanmar, Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries. However, with the end of the colonial rule, the bustling port lost life and eventually ceased to exist. But a lighthouse at Kalingapatnam beach stands tall against the skyline as a testimonial edifice to colonial rule and entices tourists in large numbers. 

Kalingapatnam:

Kalingapatnam is also the proclaimer of the rich Buddhist history of the place. A number of Buddhist stupas enlighten visitors about the culture of Buddhism. The Salihundam Buddhist complex is not much away from Kalingapatnam beach Srikakulam and is therefore a ‘must visit’ site for the tourists. 

Since Kalingapatnam beach Srikakulam attracts tourists from nooks and corners of the world, the Andhra pradesh government has recognised Kalingapatnam beach as a prime tourist destination and strives to bring about development. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to invest in projects related to the purpose. It has come a long way in these years with the sincere efforts of the concerned authorities.

Kalingapatnam Beach Festival:

Once a year, for consecutively two days, the Kalingapatnam beach festival is celebrated with great pomp and show. The festival feels resplendent with the convergence of sports, music and dance performed by Tollywood celebrities and Jabardasth artists. This Kalingapatnam beach festival will be celebrated for two days in which dandia, kolatam, and robo dances will be the special attraction. Various stalls arranged as a part of the beach festival are attracting people.

Kalingapatnam beach Srikakulam can be accessed from Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam by public as well as private transportation. Tour packages of Andhra Pradesh also cover Kalingapatnam beach, kalingapatnam beach resorts. It portrays a peaceful unification of exotic and indegenious cultures. So, get ready to bask in the sunshine on the sprawling beach, the following vacation season.

Kalingapatnam Beach Resort:

Kalingapatnam beach resorts have been constructed nearby to facilitate lodging of the tourists. Sea sports like surfing is a great delight to the visitors and sea foods never fail to pamper the tourist’s taste buds.

How To Reach Kalingapatnam Beach:

Travel Guide:

Kalingapatnam beach is easily accessible by all three major modes of transport, roadways, railways, and airways. Which will come as a source of relief to the many travel enthusiasts ready to visit Kalingapatnam beach Srikakulam!

By Road:

Gara APSRTC bus station, Srikakulam APSRTC bus stations are the nearby bus stations to Ichapuram town. APSRTC runs a number of busses from major cities to Kalingapatnam beach.

By Rail:

Rails in India are the most affordable and most preferred modes of transportation. Srikakulam railway station, Tilaru railway station are the very nearby railway stations to Kalingapatnam beach.

By Flight:

The place does not have its own airport. The two nearest airports to this town are Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam Airport at a distance of 330 kms and 135 kms from the beach, respectively.

Baruva:

Baruva village is located in Sompeta Mandal is at a distance of 110 km from Srikakulam district. Baruva has one of the oldest beaches in Andhra Pradesh state and is known for its idealistic beauty and historical importance. The Mahendra Tanaya River and the Bay of Bengal merge into one here at Baruva.

It is a coastal village and has a fishing port, nature has blessed this magnificent region with bountiful beauty. Baruva village stands proud, surrounded by the shining beach and the golden sands as well as luscious green paddy fields and coconut groves. Many travel enthusiasts have referred to Baruva village as the ‘ Goa of the East ‘ or ” Second Goa”

When one thinks of Goa, they think of sandy beaches, amazing parties, beautiful little villages, delicious food, and a magical holiday experience. That’s right, Goa is rightfully known to be the most popular tourist destination on the West Coast of India, and trust me it’s not just because of its scenic beaches, but also due to its serene and tropical climate and filled with a taste of its rich heritage, which one can still find lingering on to this day in small remnants in some small corners of the town. Now let us see how Baruva beach village is similar!

Baruva Beach Ship History:

In the year 1917, during the month of July, a ship loaded with goods sank in the sea here. The tragic event was commemorated with the erection of a pillar in the area. The Baruva harbour is now dysfunctional yet, as a memorial to the tragic incident that had taken place in these waters, our ancestors had erected a lighthouse as a memorial to those whose lives were taken that day as well as an ode to the bustling seaport of Baruva.

This historical lighthouse stands tall and proud to this very day! Baruva village is not only a popular tourist destination that houses a beach and lighthouse but given a great deal of religious significance due to the location of Durga Temple, Kotilingeswara Swamy Temple, and the Janardhana Swami Temple. 

Every year a huge group of people gather at the Janardhana Swami temple to celebrate the grand festivities of the Sivaratri festival. Mother nature has blessed the Baruva Beach area in every possible way. With its rich silken stretches of sands, the deep blue waters lapping the shores gently, the secluded privacy for along with the pleasant proximity of the beach to the picturesque village of the same name, all add up to create a peaceful coastal ambiance comparable to none other than the seaside getaways of Goa. Baruva village is also home to the Durga Temple, Kotilingeswara Swamy Temple and Janardhana Swamy Temple which is situated near the beach.

Places To Visit In Baruva and Baruva Beach :

Baruva Lighthouse: 

The Baruva lighthouse had been constructed next to the beach resort. The Baruva beach is one of the oldest in Andhra Pradesh. This commemorative lighthouse is a source of pride and tragedy, and represents a deep root of the history of Baruva village, and acts as a beacon of pride to the Baruva villagers. 

Haritha Beach Resort:

Haritha Beach Resort (APTDC) in Baruva beach, Srikakulam will almost give you the feeling of Goa in Andhra Pradesh. It is a tourist magnet in Baruva. The beach view from the resort is breathtaking and is a people’s favorite. If you are at Haritha, then the combination of the bustling beach and your personal space in the resort will take you to a different realm altogether.

Baruva Kotilingeswara Swamy Temple:

The Kotilingeshwara Swamy Temple was built to honour Lord Shiva, as he is the Kotilingeshwara God. This temple presides so close to the seashore. Many devotees of Lord Shiva who visit Baruva beach are also sure to make a stop at Kotilingeshwara Swamy Temple to seek his blessing. (It is said that 99,99,999 Lingas appeared here that is why it is known as Kotilingeswara Swamy Temple).

Baruva Janardhana Swami Temple:

Janardhana Swami is a God that is ferociously worshiped in the Srikakulam district and brings forth pride to the people of Baruva, which is often used as a religious pilgrimage spot. Everyone makes sure to plan a visit to Janardhana Swami temple. It is highly venerated by the fishermen folk. The faith is rooted in ancient tales.

Baruva Durga Temple:

In Sompeta Mandal there is a  most famous Durga temple that is very close to Baruva beach, which is meant to honour goddess  Durga Devi. Durga Temple is adjacent to Baruva beach and those who visit this temple are assured a blessing from Durga Mata, and good fortune would be bestowed upon them.

Baruva Jagannadha Swamy temple:

It is believed to have been built around 700 years ago. Lord Jagannath is primarily worshipped here. This temple is a repository of the Odiya architectural techniques. The outer walls are covered with gorgeously carved figures of Gods and Goddesses, flaunting the artistic mastery of the sculptors.

How To Reach Baruva:

Travel Guide:

Baruva is easily accessible by all three major modes of transport, roadways, railways, and airways. Which will come as a source of relief to the many travel enthusiasts ready to visit Baruva!

By Rail:

Baruva doesn’t have a railway station but Sompeta and Palasa stations are nearby it. It’s a very small yet teeming railway station. Baruva is an important region of Sompeta at a distance of 5kms from it.

By Road:

Separate buses run between sompeta and baruva more frequently. Some of the bus stations near Baruva are Palasa, Ichapuram and Sompeta bus stations. 

By Flight:

It is obvious that you cannot reach Baruva directly by flight. The nearest airports are  Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam Airport, Andhra Pradesh. Once there, you can easily travel to Baruva by rail or road.