CHANDIPUR
Chandipur is a coastal town with a sea beach situated north east of the Indian state of Orissa in Balasore district. Chandipur is such a destination that offers tourists with all tastes of natural splendor. One of the main attractions of Chandipur is its widespread sea beach with mud flats which is spread over miles. The characteristic of the sea at Chandipur is somewhat unique from that of other coastal towns of Orissa. As the coast lies on a plain mud flat land, at Chandipur during low tide water recedes up to 5 kilometers during the ebb tide or flows inland due to flood currents away from the shore. The sea of Chandipur is often referred to as ‘The Vanishing Sea’. Again during high tide the water reaches the shore within a very short span of time. The golden sandy beaches along with the silent sea offers a relaxing sight for tourists at Chandipur. As one side of the beach is naturally beautified by endless sea beaches where tourists can prefer to have a long walk while the other end has dense thick natural Casuarina trees which sway rhythmically making a rustling noise as the cool breeze blows through them. The golden sea beach of Chandipur mainly attracts tourists for its abundance of red colour crabs and Horseshoe Crabs. As tourists step on the sand of the beaches one will find these crabs disappearing in their holes made on the beaches. Chandipur forms one of the best weekend destinations of Orissa lies on the coasts of Bay of Bengal located within close distance from Kolkata. Tourists visiting Chandipur are advised to keep clear information of the timings of low tide and high tide. During low tide tourists can enjoy a bike ride or a long walk on the sea beach. From Chandipur tourists can prefer to either walk or sail towards Budhabalanga River Estuary which is also referred to as a sea mouth. The OTDC Panthaniwas is so far the best staying option at Chandipur, but apart from this there are few hotels and resorts operated here which also offers a pleasant staying option to tourists. For those who are sea bath enthusiasts, they are advised that the sea of Chandipur is not suitable for bathing. But nonetheless the flat beach, sight of the small sea waves on the horizon, the casuarina plantation, flights of birds and their chirping symphony, the soft light of the dawn and the colorful sky will make the tour memorable. The sunrise and sunset at the Chandipur beach is worth remembering.
Local watchable around Chandipur:
Chandipur is not only popular for its natural wonders to offer, but it is also rich in history, religious shrines, cantonment area and research center. Some of the local attractions of Chandipur are described below.
Balaramgadi Beach: Balaramgadi is mainly known as a fishing harbour located around 02 km away from Chandipur. The fishing harbour of Balaramgadi is worth visiting as one can witness the constant activity of the local fishermen who are busy with their chores. Balaramgadi is also popularly known as the confluence or the estuary of Budhabalanga River with Bay of Bengal. At Balaramgadi the river Budhabalanga has taken a meandering turn and meets the sea.
Panchalingeswar: Located around 25 km away from Chandipur is a religious site sanctified by five Shiva Lingams which are placed high on a hill top guarded by waterfall. The surrounding ambience and the scenic beauty are worth admiring as the spot is located on the Nilagiri Hills offering panoramic views. One has to lie flat on the rock in order to touch the lingams. Occasionally herds of Elephants are seen in and around here.
Remuna Khirachora Gopinath Temple: Located around 25 km away from Chandipur, this Gopinath temple is famously known as a pilgrimage site for the Vaishnavis. Famous Vaishnav preacher Sri Chaitanya, his teacher Madhavendrapuri along with his disciple Jeevaswani Goswami is said to have visited this temple and worshipped the Lord.
Deokund: Deokund is an enchanting place located around 140 km away from Chandipur known for a series of waterfalls and a Shakti Shrine of Goddess Ambika. Deokund is set on the outer periphery of Similipal covered with thick green forests.
Nilagiri: Located around 40 km away from Chandipur. Nilagiri is an ideal base for trekking harbouring the Kuldiha Sanctuary. The scenic beauty of the surrounding landscapes also attracts tourists. Nilagiri was an ex- princely state set against the lush green mountains. The Nilagiri Royal Palace and the Lord Jagganath Temple are other attractions of this site.
Sajanagarh: Located around 45 km away from Chandipur. Sajanagarh is a religious site for being the seat of a Shakti cult Bhudara Chandi that dates back to the 14th century. Sajanagarh is located around 05 km away from Nilagiri.
Similipal National Park and Tiger Reserve: Simlipal National Park is one of the largest forests in India and also one of the few Tiger Reserves in the Indian state of Orissa. Similipal is located around 100 km away from Chandipur and 80 km away from Balasore. Simlipal Forest is spread over an area of about 2750 sq km and is situated in the Mayurbhanj district of Orissa. Simlipal Forest is referred to as a National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, Elephant Reserve and Tiger Reserve. Similipal is home to more than 1076 species of trees and shrubs and 94 species of orchids along with wide varieties of mammals, reptiles and birds.
ITR Chandipur: At the cantonment area of Chandipur, there is a ‘Missile Development Centre’ maintained by the Ministry of Defense. Integrated Test Range (ITR) of Indian Strategic Forces Command at Abdul Kalam Island, formerly known as Wheeler Island is the site from where a number of Indian missiles have been tested and launched from the ITR.
How to reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Chandipur is Bhubaneshwar which is located around 212 km. Several flights operate from major cities of India reaches Bhubaneshwar. From Bhuneshwar by hired vehicle or bus tourists can reach upto Chandipur.
By Train: Balasore railway station of Orissa is the nearest rail head to Chandipur located around 16 km away. Balasore railway station is well connected by strong rail networks with other major cities of India and Orissa. From here by hired vehicles tourists can reach Chandipur.
By Road: Chandipur is well connected by strong motor-able road connectivity with Balasore, Bhubaneshwar and Kolkata along with other tourist destinations of Orissa and major locations of India. Regular buses and Taxis ply from these three major destinations with that of Chandipur.
Best time of visit: Though Chandipur can be visited throughout the year; it is best visited from October to March.