Chandipur is a beach like no other in India. It is well-known for a unique phenomenon where twice a day during low tide, the beach recedes upto 5km for four to six hours. The place is home to endangered horseshoe crabs, star fish, sea urchins and other marine animals. Here’s what you should know about this curious place.
Also known as the “hide-and-seek” beach, Chandipur Beach in Odisha is where the confluence of the Buddhbalanga River meets the Bay of Bengal. The scenic spot is popular with locals, who can often be found enjoying a picnic here and marvelling at the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets.
The sprawling stretch of golden sand is surrounded by Casuarina trees, lush coastal vegetation and a mesmerising seascape. When the beach recedes during low tide, it leaves behind shells and allows visitors to walk on the seabed. The phenomenon is thought to be unique to this place. There’s no fixed time when the tide retreats as it depends on the moon cycle, but the local people are familiar with the timings of the low and high tides.
The extreme natural phenomenon has actually enriched the biodiversity of the sea creatures in the area. When the seawater re-appears, it brings along with it horseshoe crabs and red crabs, which otherwise live further away from the beach.
If you're wondering what to do when you visit Chandipur Beach, consider swimming during high tide; sunbathing on the sand; going on banana boat rides and jet skiing experiences during high tide; and being in awe of the crabs, starfish, shells, seaweeds and other creatures that are usually hidden underwater. Be mindful of taking your trash with you and do not litter the area. The best time to come here is from November to March when the weather is cooler and pleasant.
The town of Chandipur is also the location of the Indian Strategic Forces Command's Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island. A number of Indian missiles have been tested and launched from the ITR, including nuclear-capable Prithvi, Agni and Shaurya ballistic missiles.
Take the train to Balasore Railway Station (BLS) in Odisha and cover the 13km to Chandipur by taxi or bus. The nearest airport to Chandipur is Biju Patnaik Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, 212km away.