Chandipur: Where the Tide Comes in

Chandipur Beach really doesn’t make a good first impression. The sands aren’t golden and the sea isn’t even blue. However, twice everyday, the waters touch the beach only to move far back, leaving behind a brown, sandy seabed that appears to stretch endlessly. At low tide, the sea recedes by as much as an astonishing 5 km.

Walking on the empty seabed is a fascinating experience. There are small puddles of water with tiny fish, seashells scattered here and there, and red crabs that quickly disappear into the sand at the sound of an approaching footstep. As the tide rises, the waters start trickling towards the shore. This is a signal for you to walk back to dry land. The water is brown and muddy, but it’s absolutely safe for swimming – there are no undercurrents or quicksand.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Although the time of the tide changes every day, evening is when most visitors come to the beach. Depending on the position of the water, people either sit on the beach or walk into the sea. A few vendors sell tea and snacks, and a couple of shops stock shell items. You can go on long walks or just laze around.

One can also visit the fisherfolk’s village, Balaramgadi (2 km), where the River Budhabalanga flows into the sea. Here fishermen can take you on a boat ride at ₹500 per hour approximately. Take a cruise towards the mouth of the river and enjoy the lovely views of the green countryside around and cattle grazing in the fields.

Interesting places to visit from Chandipur include Nilagiri Hills (40 km) with a Jagannath Temple and a 400-year-old palace and Sajangarh (45 km) with a 15th-century temple of Chandi.

Revellers at Chandipur making the most of the tide when it is in

Courtesy Orissa Tourism

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

OTDC’s Panthanivas (Tel: 06782-270051; Tariff: ₹900-2,750) is located right on the beach with justabout-average rooms. The restaurant offers delicious grilled pomfret and golden fried prawns.

There are a few decent hotels a little away from the beach, with dining halls that specialise in seafood and tandoor items. You can also try Torrento Resorts (Cell: 09937013157; Tariff: ₹1,500-2,500), Hotel Shubham (Tel: 270025; Tariff: ₹600-3,500) or Hotel Anandamayee (Tel: 270012; Tariff: ₹850-2,700)

When to go October to April Location In northeast Odisha, by the Bay of Bengal, Chandipur Beach curves inwards like the letter ‘C’ Air Nearest airport: Bhubaneswar Rail Nearest rail: Balasore