Odisha is that treasured place lying on the east coast of India, holding secrets of many natural wonders and cultural heritage. Among them, one such jewel that stands out, promising a perfect blend of spirituality and sea-side serenity for the visitors, is the Markandi Sea Beach and Temple. Such a lesser-known spot, located in the Ganjam district near Berhampur, is shortly coming into recognition as one of the most captivating tourist places in Odisha.
One of the Odisha visit places that you should not miss including in your planning is Markandi. A refreshing glimpse will give you a good chance to retreat from the more crowded beaches and temples that dot the coastline, making it a great addition to any ecotour Odisha itinerary.
Attractions of Markandi Sea Beach
Imagine yourself standing on a length of unsoiled, golden sand as the azure water of the Bay of Bengal stretches up to what the eye can reach-that is the magic of Markandi Sea Beach. Unlike some of the better-developed beaches in Odisha, Markandi retains its natural charm and offers its visitors a tranquil retreat from the bustling strand of life.
Good for long walks, sunbathing, and even a refreshing dip in the sea-but always under proper supervision, of course. Early risers must have it-you wouldn’t see more spectacular sunrises anywhere else, detailing the sky with a myriad of colors that reflect off the calm morning waters.
For those lovers of beaches interested in marine life, the beach is a great spot to collect shells. Keep a look out for interesting specimens that wash up on the beach-they make great souvenirs for your visit to Odisha
The Mystique of Markandi Temple
Located just a stone’s throw away from the beach, this ancient Markandi Temple of Odisha also speaks volumes of the combined Odyssey about how rich Odisha’s culture is. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is said to have been built nearly in the 15th century; however, the locals of that region claim it may be even older.
It is a fine example of Kalinga style architecture; carvings adorn the walls, and a deal-the curvilinear spire-intrinsically seems to be the hallmark of Odishan design. Even while going around exploring the premises of this temple, one realizes that nothing but the symbiotic blending of religious symbolism and artistic craftsmanship differentiates Odisha temples from other places of worship.
According to local legend, the temple was constructed by a pious king who, upon being blessed with a vision of Lord Shiva, was told by the god to construct the temple at this place. He assured the king that the land and its people would always be protected from natural calamities. Be a believer or a cynic you may, but there is no denying the ethereal aura exuding from this ancient temple.
Beyond Markandi
The town itself is a great destination, but there is much more to see around it. Nature lovers will enjoy the Tampara Lake, a freshwater lake, that hosts bird species galore. The best place for birdwatching and picnic outings, it makes an excellent addition to your ecotour Odisha experience.
Hearty history lovers can visit the Gopalpur-on-Sea, which is a former port town. Colonial-era buildings and a lighthouse give an idea of Odisha’s maritime past.
Local food cannot be totally evaded during the tour. The seafood preparations especially with Chungudi malai tarkari, and Machha Besara drive the Ganjam district off its popularity.
Making the Most of Your Visit
To appreciate Markandi to the fullest and enjoy the surrounding beauty, plan your visit between October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for all outdoor activities. The monsoon months, from June to September, are quite wet, but it still has an impressive look with its landscape embracing a lush green cover.
It can be reached easily, for the nearest big city is Berhampur, which is very well connected both by road and rail with the rest of Odisha. From Berhampur, it is some 30 kilometers by road. While there are a few accommodation options close to the beach, many people stay in Berhampur or Gopalpur and make a day trip to Markandi.
Markandi: An Important Component of Tourism in Odisha
With destinations like Odisha gaining popularity, places like Markandi assume huge importance in being destination items that the state can offer. Not merely the Jagannath Temple of Puri or the sun temple of Konark but the numerous other lesser-known gems of the state – that provide visitors with experiences unique in many respects.
Markandi, with its immaculate sandy beach and ancient temple, epitomizes the spirit of ecotourism, as boasted by Odisha. It offers the visitor an opportunity to meet with nature and explore local history while getting a peep into the spiritual essence of land by leaving minimal on the human element of the environmental footprint.
Conclusion
Markandi Sea Beach and Temple is a place that should definitely be included in one’s Odisha travel itinerary if they are a lover of beaches, historical milestones, spiritual explorations, or anyone looking forward to traveling offbeat. Here the rhythmic sound of waves mingles with chants from temple priests; here ancient legends breathe to life set against some of the most natural beauty.
So the next time you plan that Odisha tour, do remember to step out of your usual tourist pockets and look for a surprise that Markandi has in its quiet quietness and rich heritage. Indeed, it is often these little hidden treasures that are left as an impression after travel.
Pack your bags, and adventure dress, and get ready to uncover one of Odisha’s best-kept secrets in Markandi. Memories for a lifetime await!
Destination Facilities, Transportation, Destination Attractions, Accessibility, How to Reach
Opening Time
Markandi Beach opening time is Monday to Sunday 8 am to 5 pm
Best Time to visit
The best time to visit Markandi Beach is from October to June and the winter season.
Nearest Bus Stand for Markandi Temple
The nearest Bus stop is Berhampur, which is located around 23 KM distance from Markandi Temple
Nearest Railway Station
The Nearest Railway Station is Berhampur, which is located around 20 KM distance from Markandi Temple
Nearest Airport
The nearest Airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, which is located around 188 KM distance from Markandi
