Inhabited by the shy Baliharina deer, the Balighai
beach is located about 8 kms from the temple town Puri. This famous
picnic spot is equally popular amongst the tourists and locales due to a
rare blend of a gentle river lined by Casuarina trees and a desolate
crashing ocean coast. The Sea Turtle Research Centre is another
important attraction of this beach.
At the mouth of river Nuanai, the beach is in close proximity to
Chaurasi- a site of the shrines dedicated to Laxminarayanan, Amareshras
and Barahi. Barahi is a fierce deity with the face of a boar. Its origin
dates back to 9th century AD and is worshipped according to tantrik
practices.