Chandipur in the Balasore district of Odisha, one of the best places in our neighbourhood to spend few days of the weekend. Nature displays its unique characteristics at full swing here. Visitors enjoy the hide-and-seek of the ocean waters during the high and low tides and of course, the place has some interesting places in its neighbourhood worthy of visit. It has history, culture and nature to unfold before the visitors who come from far and wide to experience and spend a few days of their life here.
Attractions and activities
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| Chandipur-on-sea |
Even though the sea beach not that populated, but beyond any doubt, once you are here it would attract your attention. The tranquil beach gives an opportunity to those who want to search their heart and soul in a tranquil atmosphere for some time. Watch the waves coming and retreating consistently one after the other, notice the glory of the rising sun, the beauty of the setting sun, queues of the red crabs and the horse shoe crabs near the seashore, fishers in the small wooden boats with nets, other small sea creatures, etc., and these would keep you engaged for long hours.
To visit the nearby important spots of Chandipur you may hire an auto or a car. The hire charges may vary around RS 1000 to RS 1200 and RS 1800 to RS 2000. To visit the places you have to spend six to seven hours.
The Bramhamgari Fisheries Port lies two kilometres away at the banks of the Buribalam river. It is here that the river mixes with the waters of the Bay of Bengal. The DRDO or the Defence Research & Development Organisation missile testing centre locates close to the confluence point of the river and the sea. The river is also significant because of the Indian freedom fighter Bagha Jatin who fought bravely on its riverbank for the Indian freedom struggle.
Located 20 Kilometres away from here in Remuna town is the Khirachora Gopinath Temple. It is also known as the Brindaban of Odisha. According to the locals, Lord Sri Krishna's avatar Gopalnath lived here years ago. The place is also famous for khira or sweet dish prepared with milk and rice. So don't miss the opportunity to taste it once you get here.
The Panchalingeswar Temple in the Nilgiri hill located 44 kilometres away from Chandipur. It would test your physical fitness for sure since you have to climb more than 250 steps to reach the hilltop. Here, the five Shiva Lingas are hidden under the stream water and you may touch the Lingas with your hand under the water.
Devkund located 90 kilometres away from the Chandipur is a natural place of scenic beauty. Besides, the Devkund waterfall attracts volumes of visitors here.
Since, it's not possible to visit so many places from the Chandipur in a single day make sure to keep a spare day under your sleeve to visit Devkund. The view of the five waterfalls here give the visitors an illusion of a natural beautiful flower vase. The car charges to visit Devkund ranges from RS 1800 to RS 2200. However, before visiting here make sure to carry your own food and water as these are not easily available here.
How to reach
As the distance between the Howrah station and Baleshwar/Balasore railway station is 239 kilometres, it takes around four to five hours to get there. If you are travelling from Kolkata board any train going via Puri or Bhubaneswar and get down at the Balasore station. Trains like the Coromondel express, Chennai mail, East Cost express, Falaknuma express, Yeshwantpur express, Dhauli express, etc., available from the Howrah station. Besides, the distance from the Bhubaneshwar to Baleshwar is 196 kilometres. Buses, autos and cars available from the exit point of the Baleshwar station for Chandipur which locates at a distance of 16 kilometres from the station. The auto fare is RS 200 and car fare is RS 500. Alternatively, AC buses available from the Dharmatala to Baleshwar as well. However, bus journeys are tiresome and costly too.
Lodging/stay
It would be advisable to book your stay before you come to visit the place. Some of the hotels for suitable lodging at Chandipur as given below:
Hotel Anandamayee – Rent for the double bedroom ranges from RS 1000 to RS 1200, AC-double bedrooms ranges from RS 1500 to RS 2000. Three bed, four bed and dormitory available as well.
OTDC – Pantha Nivas – Rent for the double bed non-AC is RS 900, AC RS 1150 to RS 1400, Suite RS 2750 and AC Deluxe RS 1700.
Hotel Shantinivas – Rent for AC-double bed RS 800
Hotel Pacific – Rent RS 1000.