Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk on the sea bed? To explore the marine life and witness the changing scenery as the tide comes and goes? If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable beach experience, then you should visit Chandipur Beach in Odisha, India. This is the beach where the sea disappears and reappears every day, creating a natural phenomenon that will amaze you.
What is Chandipur Beach and Why is it Special?
Chandipur Beach is a beach located in the Balasore district of Odisha, about 200 km from the state capital Bhubaneswar. It is also known as the “Vanishing Sea” or the “Hide and Seek Beach” because of its ebb tides, where the sea recedes up to 5 km during low tide and returns during high tide. This phenomenon occurs twice a day, usually in the morning and evening, and lasts for about 4 to 6 hours.
The ebb tides of Chandipur Beach are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on the earth’s oceans. The shape and orientation of the coastline also play a role in creating this effect. The ebb tides of Chandipur Beach are one of the rarest and most spectacular in the world, as they reveal a vast expanse of sea bed that is normally submerged under water.
The ebb tides of Chandipur Beach offer a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the sea bed and discover the marine life that lives there. You can see crabs, starfish, shells, seaweeds, and other creatures that are usually hidden under water. You can also enjoy the changing scenery as the sea changes its color and mood with the tide. You can witness the sunrise and sunset over the horizon, creating a magical atmosphere.
How to Reach Chandipur Beach?
Chandipur Beach is easily accessible by air, rail, and road from different parts of India. The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to Balasore, which is about 200 km away. Alternatively, you can take a train to Balasore Railway Station, which is well connected to other railway stations in India. From Balasore, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to Chandipur Beach, which is about 16 km away.
The Best Time to Visit Chandipur Beach
The best time to visit Chandipur Beach is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the ebb tides are more visible. The average temperature during this period ranges from 15°C to 30°C. The ebb tides usually occur in the morning between 8 am to 10 am and in the evening between 4 pm to 6 pm. However, these timings may vary depending on the lunar cycle and the season. You can check the tide timings online or ask the locals before planning your visit.
What to Do at Chandipur Beach?
Chandipur Beach is not only a place to witness the ebb tides phenomenon but also a place to enjoy various activities and attractions. Here are some of the things you can do at Chandipur Beach:
Swimming: You can swim in the shallow and calm waters of Chandipur Beach during high tide. The water is clean and safe for swimming. However, you should be careful of strong currents and waves during certain times of the day.
Sunbathing: You can relax on the golden sand of Chandipur Beach and soak up some sun during low tide. The beach is spacious and serene, with casuarina trees lining the shore. You can also enjoy some coconut water or sweet corn from the local vendors.
Water Sports: You can indulge in some water sports at Chandipur Beach during high tide. You can try jet skiing, banana boat riding, parasailing, surfing, etc. There are some operators who offer these services at reasonable prices.
Walking on the Sea Bed: You can walk on the sea bed during low tide and explore the marine life that lives there. You can see crabs, starfish, shells, seaweeds, and other creatures that are usually hidden under water. You can also collect some souvenirs from the sea bed such as shells or corals.
Witnessing the Changing Scenery: You can witness the changing scenery as the sea changes its color and mood with the tide. You can see how the sea transforms from blue to green to brown to silver as it recedes and returns. You can also witness the sunrise and sunset over the horizon, creating a magical atmosphere.
Some tips and suggestions for making the most of the ebb tides phenomenon are:
1. Check the tide timings online or ask the locals before planning your visit.
2. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that can get wet and dirty.
3. Carry water and snacks with you as there are no shops or restaurants on the sea bed.
4. Be careful of sharp objects and animals that may be on the sea bed, such as crabs, jellyfish, etc.
5. Do not litter or harm the marine life or the environment.
Where to Stay Near Chandipur Beach?
There are some lodging options near Chandipur Beach that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation for visitors. Some of the examples are:
Pantha Nivas: This is a government-run guest house that is located near the beach. It has 32 rooms with basic amenities such as TV, AC, geyser, etc. It also has a restaurant that serves local cuisine. The price range is from Rs. 800 to Rs. 2000 per night.
Hotel Golden Anchor: This is a 3-star hotel that is located about 2 km from the beach. It has 40 rooms with modern amenities such as TV, AC, Wi-Fi, etc. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a gym, etc. The price range is from Rs. 2500 to Rs. 4000 per night.
Sagarika Beach Resort: This is a beach resort that is located on the beach. It has 20 cottages with basic amenities such as TV, AC, geyser, etc. It also has a restaurant that serves local cuisine. The price range is from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 3000 per night.
What to See Near Chandipur Beach?
Chandipur Beach is not only a destination in itself but also a gateway to some other places of interest nearby. Here are some of the places you can visit near Chandipur Beach:
Talasari Beach: This is another beach that is located about 36 km from Chandipur Beach. It is known for its serene and scenic beauty, with palm trees, sand dunes, and fishing boats. It is also a good place for swimming and boating.
Remuna: This is a town that is located about 25 km from Chandipur Beach. It is famous for its Khirachora Gopinath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is believed that the temple was visited by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a saint who propagated the Bhakti movement in India.
Baleshwar: This is a city that is located about 16 km from Chandipur Beach. It is known for its historical and cultural significance, as it was once the capital of the Kalinga kingdom. It has some ancient temples, such as the Baleshwar Temple, the Chandaneswar Temple, and the Panchalingeswar Temple.
Dagara Beach: This is another beach that is located about 60 km from Chandipur Beach. It is known for its red crabs that cover the sand during low tide. It is also a good place for fishing and camping.
Jaleswar: This is a town that is located about 30 km from Chandipur Beach. It is known for its Jaleswar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple was built by Lord Krishna himself after killing Kansa, his uncle and tyrant king of Mathura.
Panchalingeswar: This is a hill station that is located about 45 km from Chandipur Beach. It is known for its Panchalingeswar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple has five lingams (symbols of Shiva) that are submerged in a stream of water.
If you are feeling adventurous, go for the coastal trek.
Some tips and suggestions for visiting these places are
Plan your itinerary according to your time and interest.
Hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to travel to these places from Chandipur Beach or Balasore.
Carry some cash with you as there may not be ATMs or card machines at these places.
Respect the local customs and traditions at these places.
Conclusion
Chandipur Beach is a beach where the sea disappears and reappears every day, creating a natural phenomenon that will amaze you. You can also enjoy various activities and attractions at this beach, such as swimming, sunbathing, water sports, walking on the sea bed, witnessing the changing scenery, etc. You can also visit some nearby places of interest, such as Talasari Beach, Remuna, Baleshwar, Dagara Beach, Jaleswar, Panchalingeswar, etc.
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