Place Details:
Relatively less popular, Chandipur beach in Balasore district of Odisha is known for its pristine charm and scenic beauty. One of the widest beaches in the country, the seawater recedes almost five km twice everyday due to the gradual gradient of the beach.
Popularly known as the ‘land of hidden treasures’, the beach is about 16 km from Balasore in Odisha. Due the gradual gradient, the seawater flows in at a slow pace unlike other beaches where the water rushes in with a great force. The slow advance of the sea is very soothing to watch. In moonlight, the sandy beach shimmers which lends the beach its name ‘the town of the silvery moon’.
The calm waters give tourists an unexpected freedom to play with the waves and walk on the beach without fear of being swept away. When water recedes to its farthest point, you can take a jeep ride. The beach has an abundance of sea shells, drift wood, King crabs and tiny red crabs. A day’s stay is required to enjoy the unusual phenomenon of seawater during tides.
Chandipur and surrounding places have high religious importance. Panchalingeshwara near Chandipur is known for the temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with its five lingams. Chandi Temple, Jagannath temple in Nilagiri and the Kuldiha Sanctuary can be clubbed with a visit to Chandipur.
Most tourists who visit Chandipur also visit Balaramgadi beach which is about two km away from Chandipur. You can enjoy a rejuvenating walk on the beach as you enjoy the sunset.
Chandipur is also known for its cuisine. Prawns curry is a popular local dish. Being on the coast, seafood especially prawns are available very cheap and tourists can have to their heart’s content.
About 70 km from the beach is India’s missile testing range Chandipur-on-sea. It shot into limelight in 1989 with the launching of AGNI missile from Wheeler Island. The island and army cantonment area is off limits to civilians.
There are a couple of government guesthouses near the beach that offer budget accommodation. Budget hotels, about four km from the beach, offer decent facilities. A few mid-range hotels are on the road to Balasore.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BHUBANESWAR
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Bhubaneswar is as given below. The best time to visit Bhubaneswar is also specified.