Chandipur Beach: The Jewel on Orissa’a Coast
Located 294 kms away from the state capital Bhubaneshwar, Chandipur Beach is considered by many to be Orissa’s most prolific beach. Often deemed to be the jewel on Orissa’s coast, the Chandipur beach is perhaps most known for its high tides and low tides, during which the water-line shifts by as much as 5 kms. This shift would in any other place be deemed worrying, but in Chandipur, it is a part and parcel of daily life. During low tide, the sea water recedes by as much as 5 kms, leaving behind seashells, conches, red starfishes, etc.
Places to visit in Chandipur Beach
The Chandipur Beach is among Orissa’s premier tourist destinations, and is located in a region that is lush with historically significant cultural and tourism sites. There are many temples in the region surrounding the Chandipur beach, and quite a few of these are among the most prominent temples in Hinduism. Prominent among these temples are:
- The Khirachora Gopinath Shrine in Remuna (25 kms)
- Bhudara Chandi Shrine in Sajanagarh (45 kms)
- Jagannath Temple in Nilagiri (40 kms)
- Shakti Shrine in Deokund (126 kms)
The region surrounding the Chandipur beach is also belessed with many natural sites such as the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary (40 kms) and the Simlipal National Park and Tiger Reserve (100 kms).
Chandipur Beach- Travel tips, languages spoken, cuisine
Oriya and Bengali are widely spoken in the region surrounding the Chandipur beach, and as such communication should not be a problem. English and Hindi, too, are spoken by a significant number of people. Cuisine catering to all tastes and stomachs is readily available in Chandipur beach. Many tour operators cover the Chandipur beach as part of their Orissa tours and east India tours. The waters surrounding the Chandipur beach are rich in aquatic life and make for excellent fishing points. Nevertheless, perhaps the most important thing to do when visits Chandipur Beach is to take a jeep ride all over and across the beach when there is low tide and the waters have receded.
Best time to visit Chandipur Beach
The Chandipur beach can be visited any time of the year. However, during the monsoons, that is, between the months of June and September, one may not be able to soak up a whole lot of sun. Further, as the Chandipur Beach is decently accessible from the major towns and cities of the region, it has become one of Orissa’s and neighbouring West Bengal’s premier weekend getaways. Consequently, the Chandipur beach is not so secluded during the weekends. However, it must be noted that the Chandipur beach is at its colourful best during the month of January when it plays host to the Chandipur Beach Festival, a cultural and dance extravaganza dedicated to the promotion of regional and local folk dances such as Chhau, Ghoda Nacha and Sambalpuri. The festival also includes many performances from neighbouring and other Indian.
Best way to visit Chandipur Beach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Kolkatta, which is a good 206 kms away. Kolkatta is among India’s most prominent international airports and as such is well-connected to many major cities across the globe and within the country.
- By Rail: The nearest railhead is Balasore (located some 16 odd kilometres away), which is one of the more important railway stations in the region and as such is well-connected to the major cities in the region. Balasore lies on the Chennai-Kolkatta mainline, and many express trains passing through have a halt here.
- By Road: The Chandipur beach is well connected to all the important cities and other beach resorts in the region. Local transport largely consists of non-metered auto rickshaws.
Accommodation
Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets. The Chandipur beach abounds in family holiday beach resorts, vacation homes, vacation villas and beach houses. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via beach vacation packages, beach tours and beach holidays.