What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear of a beach destination in India? It is for sure, Goa or Pondicherry. But there are plenty of hidden beaches in the long coastline of India, which are unexplored and pristine. Here is one of the offbeat coastline destination that you should definitely explore!
Odisha, is home for a magical coast that very few people have discovered so far. It is not so popular destination for beaches, but the scenic beauty will surely capture you forever. Don’t believe? Take a look at this list of 10 captivating shorelines of Odisha -
1. Konark Beach/Chandrabhaga Beach
The Chandrabhaga beach in Odisha is one of its biggest assets both from the aspect of the tourism industry and the history of the place. The golden sand and the casuarina trees add to the natural glamour of the beach. But the biggest claim to fame for the Chandrabhaga beach is the Konark Temple or the Sun Temple. Originally, the waters of the Chandrabhaga beach used to flow towards the celebrated sculpted wheel on the Konark Temple but today, the sea has shifted and it is almost 2 kms away from the temple.
2. Puri Beach
Puri Beach is one of the busiest beaches of Orissa for its close proximity to the temple of Jagannath Puri, which is one of the Chaar-dhaams of the Hindus. The beach here is famous for the purifying dips that the pilgrims take while in the city. Also the long stretch of the sea and clear waters makes swimming a feasible option. A number of kiosks run around the beach and gives an opportunity to shop and spend some quality time by the sea.
Chandipur is one of the most popular tourist destinations and has its own unique character which sets it apart from all other beaches of India. The most interesting feature of the sea at the Chandipur beach is the way it retreats almost 5 kms twice a day. As the sea recedes back, the horizon broadens and the soft, moist, tempting sand becomes an ideal place for the tourists to sit back and enjoy the tranquil aspect of nature. The rare sight of the waves caressing towards the shore and the dazzling sunlight are sure to captivate anybody who visits this place.
4. Ramchandi Beach
Ramchandi beach gets its name from the temple of Goddess Ramchandi that is situated on the beach and draws a lot of devotees to this beach. Situated about 7 km away from Konark, Ramchandi beach is calmer than other beaches of the state. The clear waters and the sun-kissed sand make the aura of the place more divine. The row of palm trees that are towering parallel to the shoreline of the beach sway in accordance with the winds while the water provides the musical notes.
The beach of Gopalpur is a sailor’s paradise. The serene quiet beach with the remnants of the pillars of an old jetty and a port, this beach is secluded and has calm surroundings. The beach is safe for both surfing and sailing because of its smooth sands that unify with the deep blue waters of the Bay of Bengal effortlessly. With coconut trees lined up along the beach, the beach provides a striking view of the horizon. Also one can see the fishermen involved in their daily activities with their nets full of fresh sea-food.
6. Rushikulya Beach
Treat the sand and sea lover in you, take a break from the routine and explore the serenity amidst the blue waters of Odisha. Rushikulya Beach is one of the most beautiful and serene seashores that will make you feel like you are at the paradise already. A hub for all the nature and landscape lovers, this beach is sure to delight you beyond limit.
7. Astarang Beach
This little beach, about 19 kms from Konark, presents a panoramic view, especially during sunset on a multi-coloured horizon as though seeking to justify its name as Colourful Sunset. It is near the mouth of the Devi River and lies on the Bay of Bengal coast.
8. Bhitarkanika Beach
Bhitarkanika Beach makes it to one of top, if one is looking for offbeat destinations! This surreal beach is surrounded with lush greenery and amazing sceneries the will keep you engaged just in the music of waves. You wouldn’t wish to come back from here no matter what!
9. Paradip Beach
Spreading its aquatic magic and magnetism, Paradeep Beach lies at the unifying point of the Mahanadi and Bay of Bengal. The beach here is an important port of Orissa which lies on an estuary of the Mahanadi, Paradeep. The scintillating blue water of the amalgam of the two water bodies and the shimmering golden sands of the beach make it a heaven for any nature lover. The beach relaxes the mind and the soul.
10.Balighai Beach
Lying 8km away from the famous Puri Beach, the waves of this beach look dynamic and provide a soothing feeling while swimming. The beach is very natural surrounded with facilities fof the tourists coming over.
11. Pati Sonapur Beach
The virgin beach of Orissa, Pati Sonapur is a delightful beach. The untouched and unexplored beach is raw temptation to the beach lovers. The beach lies at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal with the Bahuda River. The backwaters here separate the main land of Sonepur from the sea. This beach is solace for people who want to spend some lone time or with their ‘someone special’.
12. Baliharchandi Beach
Lying 27 kilometers away from Puri, it is a great place to experience the natural beauty of Odisha and is also quite an adventurous spot. Temples are also here which are visited by devotees every year and the great coastline here is what makes the beach a perfect holiday destination.
13. Balaramgadi Beach
Lying 2km away from the chandipur beach, it provides with an opportunity to experience the deep blue seas of the Bay of Bengal. This beach is flooded with tourist throughout the year. Enjoying the sunset while walking on the cold sand is the best thing one can do .
14. Aryapalli Beach
Lying near the town of Chatrapur, Aryapalli beach is a quiet and composed beach. Overlooking the clear deep waters of Bay of Bengal the beach is a perfect blend of sand and surf. The Sand Mineral Project is a major attraction on the beach. The arrays of Casuarina trees provide a perfect vibrancy to the place. The trees swaying rhythmically with the wind and the gushing waves speak volumes. The dusks and the dawns are spectacular while the climate is fortifying, the beach makes the natural phenomena more serene.
P.S. - The photos have been taken from online sources.