Checking out the list of the next ‘hot spots’ that are opening doors in the vibrant state of Odisha.
There is something extraordinarily balmy about a beach. The calming rhythm of continuous lapping waves, the sun peeking through the pillowy tuft of white clouds making the soft sand shimmer in gold; the pleasant cackle of birds taking flight and the soothing music of swaying coconut trees afar, causing tiny ripples in the brochure blue sea. It is nature’s finest masterpiece painted for effect.
Little wonder that, for most travellers, a day at the beach is about restoring their soul. Luckily, when it comes to the state of Odisha, we have not one but many beaches where nature wands this magic every single day. Here are the five exquisite beach destinations that you would want to visit this year for both the mesmerising painting and the whole nine yards of beach fun on offer right from adrenaline-pumping water sports to dining by the sea and the bespoke experience of wellness. And this includes the Blue Flag certified beach at Puri as well.
GOPALPUR-ON-SEA
Established during the British rule, this port town was the defence unit during the Second World War. This explains why it is such a draw for history buffs thanks to the several bungalows and mansions (now in ruins) once home to European merchants and the majestic red-and-white striped lighthouse, one of the oldest in the state. It also gives us a glimpse into the former glory of this golden sand beach. Host to the biggest Kartika Purnima fair where people congregate to celebrate our rich maritime history with boats made of paper and bamboo stem, Gopalpur-on-Sea is a splendid retreat for avid beach lovers. The jewel blue waters along with miles of cascading waves make the beach an idyllic place to relax, play and even have a fresh perspective of life. Home to some of the freshest seafood and snacks that would leave you puckering up with happiness, Gopalpur beach is among the few places where you can discover the golden curve at the horizon and, every morning, you can walk into the stunning sight that welcomed the Kalinga sailors when they set sail on the sea they ruled.
TALSARIUDAYPUR
Shoe-horned around the culturally rich district of Balasore, TalsariUdaypur is best known for its long stretches of soft white sands, red crabs and towering casuarina trees, which makes it the ideal destination for those looking at tranquillity with a smidgen of waterway adventure thrown in. In fact, the beauty of the Talsari beach is its backwaters that make it an idyllic destination for fishing, boating and even spending a few days exploring and admiring the sea life. The place is also known for its seafood delicacies and is every fish-loving gourmand’s dream destination.
CHANDIPUR
Famous as the ‘hide and seek’ beach thanks to the unique phenomenon of the sea receding as much as five kilometres every day, Chandipur is perhaps the most fascinating beaches not just for its picturesque beauty but also for the wide range of biodiversity and lush coastal vegetation. Equally famed for its generous offering of the horseshoe crabs and red crabs, the beach dotting the little fisherman village of Balasore has remained a wonderment for both marine enthusiast and ardent travellers alike.
CHANDRABHAGA
Easily amongst the most breathtaking beaches of eastern India, Chandrabhaga Beach is located on the foot of one of the oldest fishing hubs of the state and has a closer proximity to the iconic Konark Sun Temple. But these aren’t the only things that make this ancient pleasure port one of the finest eco offerings of the state – Chandrabhaga beach has long been the perfect destination world over for water sports, including surfing, kayaking and many more. As the beacon of responsible tourism, the beach is home to unique marine biodiversity, including star fish and sea urchins. Not surprisingly, it is referred to as the Disneyland of the Waterworld.
PURI
Its proximity to the Jagannath Temple has earned the Puri Sea Beach popular among sand artistes, the moniker of being the Sacred Beach. Serene in its effect, Puri Beach has for the longest time been the finest showcase of not only the scenic beauty of our beaches but our cultures too. However, those in the know say it is just the preview of one of the fish-rich stretch of Odisha. The beach plays home to a variety of traditional fishing communities with the best sea fare – both fresh and cured – coming from this coast. On the beach fun side, Puri Beach is perhaps one of the few beaches in the world that has it all – water sports, boating, sand art, crafts, food and even spiritualism.
The Golden Beach, a 900m stretch of this beach recently won the coveted Blue Flag Certification – amongst the first eight in India. Driven by this achievement, the Government of Odisha has embarked on a mission to develop five more beaches for the tag – Pir Jahania, Niladri and Muhan in Puri District and Haripur and Pati Sonapur in Ganjam District.