While most people buy gold from jewellery shops, the residents of one coastal village in Andhra Pradesh are finding it naturally – on the beach. It may sound unbelievable, but it’s true. A fascinating “gold rush” is currently underway on Uppada Beach, located in the East Godavari district, where locals are combing through the sand for precious gold particles and beads that have washed ashore.
This unusual phenomenon captured the attention of both residents and visitors alike. Locals, including fishermen, have been sifting through the beach sand using combs, hoping to find gold nuggets, grains, and even ornaments. While you may not expect to find gold just by walking along the shore, the secret lies beneath the surface, hidden in the sand. The true treasure hunt begins when the sand is disturbed after storms, and the shimmering gold appears.
The beach in question is Uppada, which falls under the Kakinada revenue division. Recently, the area gained attention not only for its unique gold deposits but also for its potential to become a major tourist attraction. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan recently suggested turning Uppada and other beaches in the region into international tourist destinations, capitalising on the local charm and natural beauty
This beach, however, is famous for another reason – its rich history of gold discoveries. Villagers from nearby areas, including Uppada and Suradapet of U Kothapalli block, have been finding gold particles and beads in the sand for generations. Often, the fishermen of the region find not just small gold grains but sometimes whole ornaments or solid gold pieces.
The phenomenon is tied to the region’s ongoing coastal erosion. Over the years, many houses and even temples have been swept away by the sea, and with them, the gold items they once contained. These pieces, heavy and durable, are now being washed back ashore during strong waves – especially after storms.
The recent “gold rush” was triggered by Cyclone Nivar, which hit the southern coast in November this year, causing significant damage and fatalities. The cyclone’s high tide stirred up the seabed, carrying gold particles and beads to the beach. Local fishermen were the first to spot the glittering treasure, and as news spread, hundreds of people flocked to the beach in hopes of finding gold
According to reports, some locals were lucky enough to collect gold worth approximately Rs 3,500 each. This phenomenon led to speculation that the gold washed ashore may be relics of ancient temples, which have long since eroded into the sea. It is believed that small gold beads were once buried during the foundation ceremonies of homes and temples in the region, only to be carried away by the sea over time. When the storm stirred the ocean bed, these gold particles resurfaced.
Local legends also suggest that the gold found on the beach may be remnants of old temples that were submerged under the sea centuries ago. According to Assistant Sub-Inspector Lovu Raju, it was customary in the area to bury small gold beads during the construction of houses and temples. As the coastal structures crumbled over time due to erosion, these gold particles were carried away into the sea. With the intensity of Cyclone Nivar, the waves likely deposited some of these particles onto the beach Residents have been engaging in the search for gold whenever fishing trips are less fruitful, particularly during storms when the dark sands make it easier to spot the gold. This tradition has been carried out for centuries, and while not every search is successful, those who do strike gold can make a significant profit. The traders who buy the gold pay between Rs 300 and 400 for small finds, with larger or more valuable pieces fetching up to Rs 2,000.
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