If you are looking for a different kind of experience on the sea, Chandipur in Odisha is the place to visit. For here, the sea literally plays hide-and-seek with you.

Unlike anywhere else in India, sea water at Chandipur recedes about 5km from the shore to return again, twice every day. So you can sea gaze only at certain hours.

At other times, large sand dunes stare at you, in place of water, looking like a veil for the bashful sea. You can walk right into the sea then — without being washed away! — and enjoy the balmy breeze and the scenic beauty.

Play a game of football or enjoy a jeep ride on the beach and not bother about getting wet. When the sea returns, the mild waves that kiss the shore are equally enchanting. The serenity of the place is what earns Chandipur the brownie points.

Pass some tranquil hours sitting along the sea bank and get transported to another world. The water is not too deep here. So don’t hesitate to wade in during low tide and feel the sea bed.

The red crabs on the shore and their disappearing act at the slightest sound make an amusing sight.

Chandipur is most beautiful on a moonlit night. As the moon illuminates the waves, you might want to stay here forever and never return to your frenetic city life.

Feast your eyes on the beautiful landscape dotted with casuarina, pine and other trees during the 45-minute drive from Balasore to Chandipur. Enjoy the fresh air, such a rarity in our lives these days. You will come across some private fisheries and local markets apart from the odd tea stalls and small eateries on either side of the road.

Just two kilometres away from Chandipur is Balaramgadi where the river Budhabalanga meets the sea. A trip through the mouth of the meandering river on a fisherman’s boat can spell an exciting adventure for tourists.

You can also visit Remuna, 25km away from Chandipur. It’s famous for the shrine of Khirachora Gopinath. Sri Chaitanya, his teacher Madhavendra Puri and disciple Jeevaswami Goswami are said to have visited the shrine. Taste the khira, a delicious milk preparation that is offered at this temple.

Going

Take any train on the South Eastern Railway from Howrah Station and get down at Balasore. From Balasore you can hire a car or trekker to Chandipur, which is just 20km from the railway station. Regular bus service is also available from Calcutta.

Staying

A number of hotels are available in Chandipur with food and lodging. You can also opt for Pantha Nivas, run by the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation.