Bhubaneswar: Odisha marks the tourist map for its eclectic combination of natural and cultural attractions. This pilgrim-cum-traveller haven attracts scores of tourists for its breathtaking wonders. Odisha is the state that shares about 450km of the Indian coastlines. Lined up with an array of coconut and palm trees make the beach splendid and nothing spells beach paradise better than the calm waters and golden beaches of Odisha’s un-dramatised shoreline.
Here is the list of the top five beaches in Odisha
Konark Beach
Located 3 km from the world-famous Konark temple, dedicated to the Sun god, Konark Beach is marked for its luminosity after sundown. It is a sight to behold and glows at nighttime, much to the wonder of the visitors. There are a few food vendors at the beachside selling coconut water and puchkas (golgappas). An ancient temple, called Devi Ramchandi, is also close to the beach and is worth visiting.
Chandipur Beach
About 16km away by road from Balasore railway station on the South Eastern Railway route, Chandipur lies in the inter-tidal zone. Hence, the sea recedes from the shoreline for about five km, twice a day. But visitors with boundless energy go chasing the sea by day. But if you are not one of them, wait for the sea to flow back during high tide. In the meantime, you can have fun chasing the red crabs on the beach or collecting driftwood.
Gopalpur Beach
Around 16km by road from Brahmapur (Berhampore) town, Gopalpur-on-Sea is relatively less crowded than Puri. Once a port, it became popular as a beach resort dotted with retirement homes of Anglo-Indians working in the Bengal-Nagpur Railway, it began to attract the elite of Calcutta (as Kolkata was then known as) after Rai Bahadur MS Oberoi bought the Palm Beach hotel, in 1947, from an Italian lady to start his third hotel after those in Shimla and Kolkata. But even that is history now. Enjoy the blue waves of the Bay of Bengal receding into the horizon and the surf washing up the shore, watch the fishermen coming in with their catch in the early morning and late afternoon, go boating in the lagoon; Gopalpur-on-Sea is truly a place to rest and recuperate.
Puri Beach
This is the most visited of all the beaches in Odisha and for a good reason. Situated in close proximity to the very famous Jagannath Temple, this beach attracts many pilgrims thronging to take a holy dip in its waters. It is also safe for swimming due to its calm waters on most days. All in all, it is a must-visit beach in Odisha.
Astaranga Beach
Astaranga, the name means ‘The colour of setting sun’. The beach living up to its name colours to the horizon in different shades of yellow, orange, and reds that make the entire sky a canvas of colour with the sun as an orange ball disappearing in the sea. The long beach with sun-kissed sands and clear waters has a charisma that can mesmerize anyone.