Odisha is located on the eastern coast of India along the Bay of Bengal. It is known for its indigenous cultures, temples, wildlife sanctuaries, and of course, its beaches. While Puri Beach is the most famous and popular beach in Odisha, attracting millions of tourists and pilgrims every year, many other beaches in Odisha are equally beautiful and worth visiting. Let us explore some of the best beaches in Odisha other than Puri Beach that deserve your attention.
Chandrabhaga Beach is located on the eastern side of the Sun temple of Konark in the Puri district of Odisha. It is the first blue flag-certified beach in India, which means it meets the highest standards of environmental management, safety, and services. The Beach is famous for its scenic beauty, golden sand, and clear water.
Chandrabhaga Beach is less crowded compared to other popular beaches in Odisha, which makes it a perfect spot for visitors seeking peace and solitude. It is also a place of religious significance, as many devotees come here to take a dip in the sea and worship the sun god. It is a great spot to witness the sunrise and sunset and enjoy various water sports and activities.
Gopalpur Beach is just 16 km from Berhampur town in the Ganjam district of Odisha. It is one of the cleanest and most serene beaches in Odisha, offering visitors a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. Gopalpur Beach is famous for its golden sands and the clear blue waters of the Bay of Bengal. The beach is lined with coconut and palm trees, adding to its tropical charm.
It was once a bustling port and a trading hub, but now it is a quiet fishing village. Remnants of this history, such as crumbling warehouses, lighthouses, and the old jetty, still exist and add a sense of nostalgia to the area. The beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, boating, and strolling along the palm-fringed shore. It is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as many migratory birds can be spotted here.
Chandipur Beach is located 16 km from Balasore town in the Balasore district of Odisha. The most striking feature of Chandipur Beach is its sea which recedes up to 5 kilometers during the low tide and comes back during the high tide each day. For this reason, the beach is also called the Vanishing Sea. This unusual phenomenon creates a unique opportunity for visitors to walk on the seabed, exploring its rich marine biodiversity.
During the low tide, the beach reveals a variety of marine life such as horseshoe crabs, starfish, red crabs, and a range of shells. It offers a fantastic opportunity for nature enthusiasts and biologists to study marine life up close.
Astaranga Beach, located in the Puri district of Odisha, India, is a lesser-known yet a lovely beach destination. The name 'Astaranga' translates to 'colourful sunset', and as the name suggests, the beach is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful sunsets. Unlike more popular beaches in Odisha, Astaranga Beach is relatively untouched and less commercialized, offering a tranquil and pristine environment.
It's a perfect getaway for those seeking peace and solitude amidst natural beauty. Astaranga Beach is also a fishing and salt trading centre and one can see the local fishermen and salt workers going about their daily activities. The area around Astaranga Beach is a haven for birdwatchers, as it attracts a variety of migratory birds. The nearby mangrove forests and wetlands contribute to the rich avian biodiversity.
Talasari Beach is located 88 km from Balasore and 6 km from Digha in the Balasore district of Odisha. It is one of Odisha's most pristine and untouched beaches, with a calm and serene ambience. This is one of the less explored beaches in Odisha. Its name, 'Talasari', is derived from the Odiya language where 'Tala' means palm and 'Sari' denotes a row, in this case a low of palm trees that line the shore.
This beach is distinct for its pristine and tranquil environment, offering a serene and picturesque escape.. Talasari Beach has golden sand dunes and is home to numerous red crabs, which can be seen scurrying around on the beach, adding to its natural charm.
Numerous splendid beaches beyond the well-known Puri Beach deserve the attention of travellers due to the variety of experiences they offer, from adventure to spirituality, from culture to nature, and from fun to relaxation. So, when planning your next visit to Odisha, ensure to include these diverse and captivating beaches in your travel itinerary to fully experience the splendour and diversity of Odisha's coastal landscape.