Tourist Places of Berhampur
Brahmapur (old name Berhampur) nicknamed "The Silk City", is a major commercial town of the Ganjam district. It is famous for its quality silk variety, its temples and its culture. It is a rewarding experience to see weavers sitting at their looms in the busy bazaar and shop for silks. Besides elegent brass work, carpets of Gopalpur and beautiful horn work of Paralakhemundi are among the few things in the shopping list of each tourist. Berhampur serve as a gateway to visit the other tourist attractions in the Ganjam district of Orissa.
Gopalpur-on-sea – Located at about 16 km from Berhampur, Gopalpur-on-sea is most pristine beaches of Orissa. Once an active sea port it is now quite and calm place. One can relax and enjoy the cool breeze flowing through the palm trees and rhymes of the waves. It is a perfect place for surfers and sailors. Today it serves as the most coveted beach resorts in india.
Aryapalli – Aryapalli offers the most charming beaches. The golden sand and deep blue water casts magical spell on the tourists. The scintillating sunrise and sunset provides the ever desired peace of mind. Visitors can enjoy a sunbath on the clean beach of the Aryapalli. Its bracing and pleasent weather adds freshness to the soul. A keen nature loving tourist can enjoy the sun-sand-surf among the lush green plantations. Aryapalli is located at a distance of 30 km from Berhampur.
Taptapani – True to its name Taptapani is a hot water sulfur spring situated on top of a hill. It is situated at a distance of 50 kms from Berhampur. Trip to Taptapani is filled with full day action and adventure of dense and lush green forests and once you come out of jungle the hot spring of water soaks all your aches and tiredness. the temperature of this hot water varies between 90 degree to 100 degree Fahrenheit.
Mahendragiri – Produing the most exotic and panoramic view the Mahendragiri is surrounded on three sides by hills and wild trees. The free flowing rivulet of Mahendra Tanaya and the pleasant weather represent the beautiful place of Mahendragiri. The mammoth range of granite hills on north-west and south provides enchanting view. The hill finds its mention in mythological stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Poets Kalidas and Radhanath Ray has written many poems in praise of the beauty of Mahendragiri. At an altitude of 5000 feet above the sea level, Mahendragiri gives an opportunity to witness a breathtaking view of the charismatic surroundings of the regions.
Taratarini – The Twin sister Goddesses Tara and Tarini are presiding deities of the region and are worshiped as manifestations of Adi Shakti. The Taratarini Hill Shrine is one of the oldest pilgrimage centers of Mother Goddess and is one amongst the four major ancient Shakti Peethas in India. Taratarini is a famous pilgrimage place in Southern Orissa where the twin Goddess adorn the sanctum situated on the top of a hillock.
How to reach : Excellent road and rail network make this place easily accessible. By road Berhampur is on N.H. 5. Most express and super fast trains between Kolkata and Chennai and between Secunderabad (Andhra Pradesh) and Kolkata serve Berhampur.
Best time to visit : October to June
Gopalpur-on-sea (16 km) – The sea shore town of Gopalpur with her blue beach attracts visitors round the globe and offers 'Sun - Sand - Surf' to them. The back waters of the Blue Bay enhances the beauty of the quiet beach. Far from the maddening crowd, the sea side resort makes every moment a cherished experience. Gopalpur is frequented by regular bus service from Berhampur.
Aryapalli (30 km) – 30 km from Berhampur and 6 km from Chhatrapur, the district headquarters of Ganjam, the beach at Aryapalli is quiet and charming where the waves talk. Its bracing and invigorating climate adds freshness to the soul. A nature loving tourist can enjoy the sun-sand-surf among the green casuarina plantations.
Chandaneswar (88 km) - The holy shrine of Lord Chandaneswar is a religious centre for the people of not only the district of Balasore but also of places adjacent. It is a unique sight to see the devotees flock together in hundreds everyday and in thousands on festive occasions like Nilaparva (April) for darshana. About 4 km from Chandaneswar and 4 km from Digha in West Bengal is the tranquil beach at Talasari, surrounded by casuarina groves. A jeep drive on the beach to negotiate both the places is a pleasant and memorable experience.
Taptapani (50 km) - 50 km from Berhampur, amidst lush green forests is Taptapani where there is a hot water spring. The hot water is channelised to a pond nearby to facilitate fascinating baths. Regular bus service operates to this place from Berhampur. A Panthanivas of the OTDC provides accommodation to the tourists. A pipeline drawn from the hot spring provides the natural hot water inside the bath rooms of this Panthanivas.
Mahendragiri (185 km) – Amidst rich scenic beauty of the evergreen forests, Mahendragiri, 5,000 feet high, stands in its unrivalled glory in the Parlakhemundi subdivision of the district of Gajapati. The hill is associated with mythological stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. It finds mention in the works of poets Kalidas and Radhanath Ray. The rivulet Mahendra Tanaya flows down the hill with her usual trickling note. Archaeological remains at Mahendragiri make an interesting study for the scholars. Sivaratri is the main festival here which draws a large crowd. Mahendragiri can be approached from Parlakhemundi which is frequented with bus service from Berhampur (125 km) via N.H. No. 5 or via Taptapani and R.Udayagiri (176 km). One can go from Parlakhemundi to Kainpur (46 km) by bus and then to Burkhat pass (5 km) by jeep and finally proceed to the Mahendragiri hill (10 km) on foot.
Taratarini (32 km) - The temple of Taratarini, the twin Goddesses, is situated on the top of a blue capped hill. The beauty of the place is enhanced by the encircling river Rushikulya. The shrine draws huge crowd throughout the year especially on every Tuesday in the month of Chaitra. The place is well connected by regular bus service from Berhampur.There is a Revenue Inspection Bungalow here for accommodation whose reservation authority is Tahasildar, Chhatrapur.
