Paradip

Paradip is a remarkable tourist spot in Odisha.

Location of Paradip : Paradip is situated at the confluence of Bay of Bengal and Mahanadi River.

Geography of Paradip : Paradip is about 125 kilometres form Bhubaneshwar and 94 kilometres from Cuttack Odisha.

According to the population census, Paradip had a population of 73,633. Males constituted 58% of the population and females 42%, due to rapid migration of young industrial workers to the area. Paradip has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 79%, and female literacy is 65%. 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. In 2009, the population of this town was estimated at 150,000. The rapid growth is attributed to the migration of workers following the expansion of the port, and establishment of major projects, like Indian Oil`s Paradip Refinery.

Sea food can also be greatly relished here. Popular deserts found here are small cakes known as `pithas` and Chanapora. Paradip is also a significant commercial sea port of India. The time between the months of November and March is considered as best for visiting this beautiful tourist destination.

Paradip Port is an artificial, deep-water port on the eastern coastal belt in India before Visakhapatnam in Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha. Paradip Port is situated at confluence of the Mahanadi river and the Bay of Bengal. It is situated 210 nautical miles south of Kolkata and 260 nautical miles north of Visakhapatnam.

History of Paradip Port : Paradip Port was once a mangrove swamp, used largely by local villagers for hunting, fishing and the collection of wood. In 1948 the Port (Technical) Committee of the Government of India determined an additional port was required between Visakhapatnam and Kolkata. This need for another eastern port became particularly obvious following Partition when the Port of Dhaka was separated from India. The State Government of Odisha started construction work on 15th March 1964, with the Central Government taking over management on 1st June 1965. The construction of Iron Ore Berth was completed and INS "Investigator" had the privilege of maiden berthing in the port on 12 March 1966. Paradip Port commenced operations with the export of a few thousand tons of iron ore, and has subsequently grown to the point of handling more than 50 million tonnes of cargo during the 1st decade of the 21st century.

Administration of Paradip Port : Paradip Port is administered by the Paradip Port Trust (PPT), an autonomous corporation wholly owned by the Government of India. In 1950 the Central Water and Power Commission proposed a Port between the Kolkata and Vishakapatnam, then Chief Minister of Odisha Biju Patnaik suggested construction of port in Paradip on Mahanadi River. The Paradip Port was the brainchild of Biju Patnaik. The foundation stone for Paradip port was laid on 3rd January 1962 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister of India.

Capacity of Paradip Port : Paradip Port has 20 berths with a minimum draft of 13 metres (43 ft). It can accommodate vessels up to 90,000 DWT. Paradip Port has the fully automated coal handling plant that can handle up to 20 million tons of coal imports per annum. A single point mooring system handles very large crude carriers for Indian Oil.

Tourism in Paradip provides the tourists" destination of all sections especially from Kolkata and Jharkhand. 

Olive Ridley Turtles in Paradip
The Olive Ridley Turtles roaming around the beautiful beaches, an attractive lighthouse and a port enlisted among the largest ports of India. One of the most significant and popular activity of the place is fishing, but still the activity does not render much crowd. The most craved tourist attraction of Paradip is the confluence of Bay of Bengal and Mahanadi River which attracts a plethora of tourists from distant places.

Hukitola Building in Paradip
Another attraction of Paradip is the Hukitola Building which displays rain harvesting system utilized in olden days.

Tulasi Kshetra in Paradip
Tulasi Kshetra is also visited by a number of tourists which houses the Baladeva Temple and the Gahirmatha beach which presently serves as the breeding centre of Olive Ridley Turtles.

Temples in Paradip
Paradip has the pilgrimage destinations such as Jagannath Temple and Hanuman Temple.

Other Sites of Paradip
Other sites to be cherished in Paradip are Paradip Port, Light House, Marine Aquarium and Smurti Udyan.

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
Several tourist sites are also located at a little distance from Paradip. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is situated nearby and spans over an area of 672 square kilometres. A vast variety of animals, including crocodiles, sea turtles, water monitor lizard and many more, and birds are the inhabitants of this sanctuary.

Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary
Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the edge of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for Olive Ridley Turtles.

Ratnagiri andUdayagiri
Paradip also has Ratnagiri and Udayagiri caves of pre historic era.

Beach Walk in Paradip
Paradip also offers the evening long walks along the aqua blue water of the beaches, lush green forests and natural creeks of Paradip can be immensely appeasing.

Camel Rides in Paradip
Camel rides on the beaches are also a fascinating experience. Adding to the charm of the beaches, the sun rises and sets picturing a spellbinding view of a golden beach. Boat safari along the mangrove forest can be a memorable experience in Paradip.

Cuisine of Paradip
Sea food can also be greatly relished here. Popular deserts found here are small cakes known as `pithas` and Chanapora.

Visiting Information
Paradip is also a significant commercial sea port of India. The time between the months of November and March is considered as best for visiting this beautiful tourist destination.