Tourist Places in Berhampur

Berhampur, also known as Brahmapur, is a small city adorning the beautiful eastern coastline of India in the district of Ganjam in Odisha. The city derives its name from the primary deity worshipped at a temple in Lathi, Lord Brahmeswara. Its emergence can be traced back to 1672 AD when the Dera community chief led his people to migrate and settle in Berhampur and practice their traditional art of weaving tussar silk products.

In 1936, it became a part of the province of Odisha (then Orissa). The total area of this place is 86.82 square kilometers, with an average elevation of 24 meters above sea level. This plain region has its eastern and southern sides open, which direct slope down into the sea, while Mohiri or Kerandi hills border it from the north and west. It is very close to Andhra Pradesh, and therefore, one can find an amalgamation of Telugu-speaking and Odia or Oriya-speaking communities. This place is not just culturally rich, but it also has some amazing spots that are waiting to be explored. The list of top tourist places in Berhampur is as follows-

1. Gopalpur Beach

Gopalpur Beach, situated on the Eastern Coast of India, is a beautiful beach in Odisha. It is a popular spot for Olive Ridley Turtle nesting. It is nestled among coconut and casuarina trees and makes for a great weekend getaway. This beach is also known as "Gopalpur-on-Sea" and has a tranquil and peaceful coast. Gopalpur beach festival is one of the major highlights of this beach. Apart from this, there are numerous aqua sports for you to enjoy.

The lighthouse is a popular landmark on the beach. It offers spectacular views of Gopalpur, the Bay of Bengal, and the entire city. You can also see the red crabs strolling along the lonely beach coast. Gopalpur Beach offers ample opportunities for making your visit worthwhile. You can take a nice walk among the cashew trees or thrill yourself by participating in water sports.

2. Shopping in Berhampur

This city is a great place to shop if you feel like going on a shopping spree, whether it be for clothes, handicrafts, or food. Berhampur is known for its silk sarees with a large diversity and glittering jewelry that sparkles to make the eyes twinkle.

Tourists love the variety of delicious fruits found in the city, especially mangoes. Pickles, Papad, and Badis, are also popular. Local artisans spend many nights crafting artifacts that are exquisite. It is worth purchasing to preserve their culture. The city has a market area that hosts other small markets such as the Sana bazaar, Hanuman bazaar, and Bada bazaar. The bustling shops and glittering lights of Annapurna Market can be enjoyable for many people until late at night. Also, there is a famous street food joint down the Ramalinga tank, which serves delicious food that will surely leave you licking your fingers.

3. Potagarh Fort

Potagarh fort is also known by the name "The Buried Fort", as its wall measures 18-20 feet high and appears to have been dug. This historical specimen of architecture, which includes the remains of fort homes and buried tunnel specks, features deep water streams on its three sides.

Potagarh is a popular destination for those who enjoy flipping the pages of history. They can run their hands on ancient carvings or explore other avenues. The aura is enchanting due to the charm of the greenery, ruins, fresh water, and the confluence of river Rasikulya and the Bay of Bengal. There are many horror stories linked to this fort. One of them revolves around the goddess of the fort attacking the King and the King fleeing through the tunnels.

Timings: Open 24 hours

4. Aryapalli Beach

The beach at Aryapalli, known for its serene beauty and striking currents, is a great place to see. It is one of the marvelous beaches on the eastern coast. It is located 30 kilometers from Berhampur and 6 kilometers from Chhatrapur. The beach is a great diversion from bustling city life. You can find moments of tranquillity here. If you wish to extend your stay, you can easily find accommodation at Berhampur, which is only 28km away as well as Gopalpur, which is 12 kilometers away. Aryapalli beach is located in the rain shadow of the region, so there's no need to worry about inclement weather.

Tourists can sunbathe on the beach's golden sandy shores. It is a relaxing and easy spa treatment for their bodies. You'll definitely love the tan! One can relish the clear like crystal water with its deep blue gigantic waves washing the shore. It's a peaceful place if you want to sit in serenity and spend some quality time with yourself or your loved ones. You can also witness the ever-beautiful sunrise and sunset at this place.

5. Taratarini Temple

Taratarini Temple, one of the oldest temples dedicated to the Mother Goddess, is a fascinating pilgrimage site located in the Ganjam district. Taratarini Temple, located on the banks of Rushikulya River at the Kumari Hills, is known to be where Sati Devi's breasts fell. It is also called the Breast Shrine. The temple is also known for being one of four ancient Shakti Peethas in India and Tantra Peetha. The temple's principal deity was Tara Tarini, according to some legends. The temple's stone idols of Tara and Tarini are decorated with silver and gold ornaments. Tourists always visit in large numbers throughout the year, particularly on Tuesdays during Chaitra (March-April).

The temple hosts Chaitra Parba/Chaitra Yatra/Chaitra Mela during this month. The shrine also hosts the ancient practice of "Mundan", where newborn babies have their hair shaved with the belief that goddess Tara Tarini will protect them from all evils. The temple is situated on a hill and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding hills and valleys.

Timings: 5 AM to 12:30 PM; 2:15 PM to 9:45 PM

6. Maa Siddha Bhairavi Temple

Mandriti Siddha Bhairavi Temple, dedicated to the goddess Bhairavi is found in Mantridi near Berhampur in the district Ganjam. This temple's highlight is the idol of the presiding god, which features four hands and only one leg. According to legends, the temple's idol of goddess Bhairavi was found by a farmer while plowing. In 1937, the idol was moved to a new temple in Berhampur. Before setting out on an excursion, sailors and voyagers visit this temple to seek blessings and pay homage to the goddess. This temple is thronged with many devotees on a daily basis. It is believed that whoever makes a wish before the goddess will come true.

Tuesdays and all Sankranti days are considered highly auspicious. Apart from the shrine of Goddess Bhairavi, the temple complex also houses 108 smaller shrines that devotees may visit. This is also inclusive of a small temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath and a Bhoga Mandap. Yatri Vishram Grah, another attraction in the area, offers tourists the opportunity to stay. The garden is full of diverse kinds of flowers that encircle the entire area. Mandriti Siddha Bhairavi Temple, in general, is a great place to visit in Berhampur. It'sIt's not only for religious people but anyone who wants to have a peaceful time.

Timings: 5 AM to 12 PM; 1 PM to 8 PM

7. Maa Buddhi Thakurani temple

Located near the Big Bazar, Maa Budhi Thakurani Temple is a highly revered religious site in Berhampur. Dera, a weaving community, worships the temple's presiding deity. The temple has been worshipped since its inception by both mainstream Hindus and low caste people. This allows it to provide strong links between the two communities. The priests are of the barber caste. The temple is well-known for hosting the Thakurani Yatra, which is one of the largest festivals in southern Odisha. The celebration lasts for a month and is held every two years during the Hindu month of Chaitra (April to May). According to historians, this celebration begins on the day of Mahashivaratri. This festival is organized by the hereditary chief of the festival, also known as the head of the Dera community. It remains crowded with devotees from all over the country but majorly those from nearby cities and districts.

The head of the festival, dressed in traditional attire, leads the procession with his wife to the temple of Maa Budhi Thakurani. A large chariot, adorned with flowers and decorations, transports the idol of goddess Thakurani from her marital home, which is the Budhi Maa Temple, to her parent's home. The heads of the weaver community also visit Kalika Temple. A Changudi Puja is performed to welcome the deity. After the welcoming, flowers are taken from Desibehera to Maa Budhi Temple. The sight of thousands of devotees moving with all their zeal and ardor throughout this procession gives rise to a special aura that can only be witnessed through one's own eyes. The goddess is portrayed as a married daughter who pays a visit to her father's house every two years. This festival celebrates her presence at her paternal home.

Timings: 5:47 AM to 10 PM

8. Dhabaleshwar Beach

Dhabaleswar Beach is situated at an approximate distance of 4 kilometers from Cuttack if the water route is chosen and 12 kilometers if you prefer to travel via road. Dhabaleswar is an amazing island located on the Mahanadi River. The beach's specialty is that it is serene yet exciting at the same time. The name Dhabaleswar comes from Lord Shiva, who is known as Lord Dhabaleswar among the locals of the area. The place is well-known among tourists due to its ability to provide a tranquil atmosphere to those who want peace and an environment of adventure for people with an adventurous spirit. A stunning 11th-century temple that is dedicated to Lord Dhabaleswar (Shiva) is located close by and draws tourists all through the year. In addition, the Dhabaleswar Water Sports Centre is an additional attraction in the area. Visitors visit it from outside and within India alike.

9. Biranchi Narayan Temple

The Temple is situated in the Badadanda Sahi area of a town called Buguda, situated about 1/2 kilometers to the southwest of Palasara Chowk. The nearest major railway station is Berhampur. The Temple's presiding deity is a two-armed Surya (sun) Bhagwan standing on a chariot seated by the platform. The Temple is notable because of its wooden carvings as well as murals that tell the tales of Ramayana, Sita-vivaha, Krishna Lila, Bali vadha, Setubandha-nirmana, Mayamirga-vadha, and Rama-Ravana, among others. Other interesting things to be observed in the Temple are the ten incarnations of the Lord Vishnu and Kanchiabhijana (the most famous stories about Jagannath and King of Puri). Major festivals such as Makara Sankranti, Sambadasami, Magha Saptami, Ramnavami, Janmashtami, and others are celebrated in the Temple with great enthusiasm.

The Temple was built around the year 1790 A.D., during the period of the Bhanjas of the ex-Ghumsar state. According to the legend, God Biranchinarayan, who is considered to be the holiest god of the Temple, was found in the ruin of Malatigarh. The image was transported across the river to Buguda before the Temple could be built. After that, the Temple gained fame as Biranchinarayan Temple.

Materials used for the building of the Temple are Khandolite stone and lime plaster and are constructed using the Ashlar masonry construction method.

Timings: 6:30 AM - 11:30 AM; 5 PM - 8:30 PM.

10. Ujjaleshwar Shrine

The monument is situated 19 kilometers from Digapahandi and 45 kilometers from Berhampur. You will surely enjoy exploring a place with unique and beautiful details. The Temple of Ujjaleswar was created from the cave temple located on a hill that is accessible via steps. A massive stone that shadows the god is the backside of the Temple. It has also been carved into steps that allow for a circling within the sacred area. When you reach the location, it is possible to view the tranquil surroundings of Ghodahada Dam, which has submerged a fort called Vijayanagar and its Temple.

The reservoir offers a home to crocodiles, elephants, and pythons, as well as sub-soil waters for the horticulture farm made of tube roses. But there are also lively monkeys, deer parks, and a pond filled with lotus blooms. You can take a cautiously driven bike or a jeep into the Temple. If a bus is taking place, visitors will be required to walk for 3/4 kilometers.

11. Khasada Waterfall

Khasada Waterfall is one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Brahmapur, Odisha. It is a stunning hot spring waterfall that lies in thick forests. It is situated within Kamalapur, Gajapati district. It is about 90 kilometers away from Brahmapur. Tourists can access this hidden secret by hiring a private taxi or using automobiles.

Khasada falls one of the tiny waterfalls that is located in dense forest. This is a natural waterfall that sits on a hilltop. It is necessary to walk a few miles to get there. Since it is surrounded by lush greenery all around, it is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you're looking for peace and tranquillity, it will be ideal for your requirements. There are many visitors from across the world who visit the waterfall each year.

Tourists should plan to spend at least an hour or more at this waterfall, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding. It is possible to take a bath in the hot springs. It's a great place to picnic and enjoy time with your family and friends. Photographers will enjoy this location because it offers plenty of opportunities to see wildlife in the nearby forests as well as other stunning autumn views. Visitors can also visit Jiranaga Monastery from here, another hidden gem in Odisha. It is worth a visit if you happen to be in the vicinity.

This waterfall is accessible every day of the week. There aren't any specific times for visiting this waterfall, but during the daytime, it is ideal. It may not be safe in the evenings and nights.

How to reach Berhampur?

Berhampur has good accessibility via roadways. It also has a railway station by the name of Brahmapur with station code BAM. However, this place lacks an airport. So, if you wish to travel by air, then you can take a flight to the nearest airport in Bhubaneshwar and then travel to Berhampur by road. The total distance between Bhubaneshwar airport and Berhampur is 172.1 kilometers and can be covered in less than 4 hours.

The best time to visit this city is from October to June as the weather happens to be pleasant during this time. Also, during this time, a number of festivals are celebrated, which will give you the opportunity to have a close look at their rich cultural practices and relish them.