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Odisha, formerly known as Orissa is a state situated on the eastern side of India. It is the eleventh most populous state of India. It has a 480 km long coastline which faces the Bay of Bengal. Initially, Cuttack was made the capital of this state though later Bhuvneshwar became the capital. Other than the world-famous Jagannath Temple and other famous architecture, Odisha is also famous for its beaches.
Puri is the most popular beach in Odisha. Most of the hotels, food shops and restaurants grew around this one beach. There are several other beaches in Odisha which are worth one’s time. Here beaches will allow one to spend some alone time in solitude. These beaches are perfect for those who are trying to enjoy the beach without its hustle and bustle. Some beaches present the most beautiful view of sunset where the sky turns a shade of crimson and gold. Another special mention would be Chandipur beach where the ebb tides sometimes go up to 4 km and then rhythmically disappear. There are so many beaches here which are still not properly commercialised. These beaches maintain their clean and serene atmosphere.
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Konark Beach of Odisha
Also known as Chandrabhaga Beach, Konark Beach is situated at a distance of 3km from the Sun temple. The name came from the fact that the Chadrabhaga river meets the Bay of Bengal.
Key attractions of Konark Beach
Very clean and well-maintained beach. Due to its clear water and golden beach, it has been awarded Blue fag certification by the Foundation of Environmental Education (FEE).
Konark International sand festival, which takes place from 1st of December to 5th of December attracts a lot of tourists. During this time a lot of sand artists across the world come here to show their beautiful sand art and sculptures.
During January and February, pilgrims take a dip in the sea as a tribute to Chandrabagha.
Best time to visit Konark Beach
December, because of the sand festival.
How to reach Konark Beach
It is 60 km away from Bhubaneswar which is the nearest airport to the beach and 35 km away from Puri railway station. One can take local vehicles or hire cars to reach here from these places.
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Gopalpur Beach of Odisha
On the east coast of the Bay of Bengal Gopalpur Beach is one of the most luxurious beaches in Odisha. The azure waters of the beach present some of the most beautiful picturesque views.
Key attractions of Gopalpur Beach
Gopalpur Beach Festival which is held every year in December is one of the biggest attractions for tourists. Lots of locals, as well as celebrities, dance to western and folk music while enjoying some seafood and shopping for traditional artefacts.
The lighthouse beside the beach is one of the most popular landmarks. The view from the lighthouse is what attracts visitors to this beach.
There are various water sports like speed boating, paddle boat and windsurfing.
Best time to visit Gopalpur Beach
December to January during the festival.
How to reach Gopalpur Beach
Auto rickshaws or cars from Berhampur Railway station which is about 16km away are the easiest way to reach Gopalpur beach. Other than that one can hire cars from Bhubaneswar airport to reach Gopalpur.
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Puri Beach of Odisha
Puri is one of the finest beaches in India along the Bay of Bengal. Puri is World Famous for its Jagannath Temple. Pilgrims across the globe come throughout the year. During Ratha Jatra, The streets of Puri turn into human ocean.
Key attractions of Puri Beach
Lots of tourists come to experience the puri beach festival in November, during this time there happens a wide display of folk dances and local handicrafts across the beach.
One can enjoy camel rides and horse rides along the beach with different water sports like surfing, boat riding etc. They can also take a dip in the sea and enjoy the waves.
Tourists from all over the world come to visit beaches to go through the sand art made by various artists.
Best time to visit Puri Beach
October to March.
How to reach Puri Beach
One can hire cars from Bhubaneswar airport or puri rail station to reach here. Other than that there are several local intercity means of transport to reach this beach.
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Chandipur Beach of Odisha
Chandipur is one of a kind beach in Odisha. it is known for its serene view of sunsets and miraculous behaviour of the sea.
Key features of Chandipur Beach
The peculiar behaviour of the sea during tides brings a lot of tourists here. During low tide the sea recedes up to 5km then comes and fills the void again during high tide. When one can walk upon the sea bed which from afar looks like walking on the sea.
There are many shacks along the beach that provide delicious and succulent seafood.
Due to the receding beach phenomenon, one can see the rare, harmless horseshoe crab on the shore.
Best time to visit Chandipur Beach
October to january.
How to reach Chandipur Beach
Local vehicles from Balasore Railway station which is about 10km from the beach are the easiest way to reach there. Other than that there are intercity buses and NH5 in case someone comes by car from Bhubaneswar airport.
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Bhitarkanika Beach of Odisha
Bhitarkanika beach is one of the most biodiverse beaches of Odisha situated along the coast of the Bay of Bengal.
Key attraction of Bhitarkanika Beach
There is a bioluminescence phenomenon on this beach, it happens due to the presence of different floras and faunas that reside on the beach.
A good place to enjoy some solitary time along the beach.
Best time to visit Bhitarkanika Beach
November to March.
How to reach Bhitarkanika Beach
The nearest rail station is Bhadrak and Paradip and Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport. One can hire cars from these places to reach here.
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Ramachandi Beach of Odisha
Ramchandi beach is situated at a distance of 65km from Bhubaneswar and it is found at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and River Kushabhadra.
Key attraction of Ramachandi Beach
Due to the mild and harmless waves of the sea one can take a swim or enjoy rowing in the waters.
Several water activities like surfing, scuba diving, and motor boating can also be enjoyed here during the Ramchandi Beach festival. During this time visitors can also enjoy watching sand art made by various renowned sand artists.
Numerous corals can be found on the beach which can be collected for memory.
Best time to visit Ramachandi Beach
September to October during the Ramchandi Beach festival.
How to reach Ramachandi Beach
Local transport from Bhubaneswar airport and Puri Railway station is the easiest way to reach here. Other than that there are several intercity buses which do the same job as well.
Rushikulya Beach of Odisha
Rushikulya beach is one of the untouched clean beauties of Odisha. This beach is perfect for the busy hustle and bustle of the city.
Key attractions of Rushikulya Beach
This beach is very much suitable for swimming. The waves are big yet calm which helps the case.
Hatching of endangered species named olive ridley turtles can be witnessed here.
Best time to visit Rushikulya Beach
October to March.
How to reach Rushikulya Beach
Taxis and cabs are available from Ganjam station which is the nearest railway station. Other than hired cabs from Bhubaneswar will do job as well.
Image by: Subhadip Kanjilal, Unsplash
Astaranga Beach of Odisha
Meaning “colourful sunset’, Astaranga is a beautiful beach located in Odisha. This fishing village is known for its picturesque views and breathtaking sunsets.
Key attractions of Astaranga Beach
This beach is famous as a picnic spot among visitors. There are numerous food shacks lined along the beach which serve delicious food which makes the picnic even more enjoyable.
The calming sea waters are perfect for taking a swim.
One can witness the nesting of Olive Ridley turtles on Astaranga beach. A large number of these species can be seen crawling out of the sand.
Best time to visit Astaranga Beach
October to February.
How to reach Astaranga Beach
One can hire cars from Bhubaneswar airport or Puri Railway station to reach here. Otherwise one has to opt for NH316 to come by car.
