The Bay of Bengal, the largest bay in the world, is a sea that is part of the northeastern Indian Ocean. This sea has played a pivotal role in the histories of the nations that surround it, including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Indonesia.
Chandipur Beach, located in Odisha, India, is renowned for its unique and captivating phenomenon: the vanishing sea. Twice a day, the sea dramatically recedes up to 5 kilometers during low tide, revealing a vast expanse of sandy seabed. This mesmerizing spectacle is caused by a combination of the moon and sun's gravitational forces and the distinctive bathymetric features of the seabed in this area. Witnessing the sea's retreat and its eventual return is truly unforgettable.
Our year-end road trip from Ranchi to Puri was a journey of fulfilling wishes and creating unforgettable memories. Jagrata's long-held desire to visit the Jagannath Temple was finally realized, while Tania experienced her first glimpse of the sea. The trip unfolded amidst picturesque landscapes and delightful culinary stops. However, we encountered some challenges upon arriving in Puri due to road blockades implemented by the city police to manage the crowds. Despite this, the spiritual visit to the Jagannath Temple and the coastal adventures at Puri’s Golden Beach and Chilika Lake made the experience truly enriching.
The coastal village of Tarangambadi, Tamil Nadu, known as the "Land of Singing Waves," holds a rich historical narrative that spans centuries. Our trip in November 2010 explored its ancient temples, Danish settlements, and the first printing press in Indian scripts. Despite its quiet current state, Tarangambadi's serene beach and significant past create a captivating atmosphere, leaving us longing for a deeper exploration of its culture and charm.
Gopalpur is the perfect place for holidays. During the days of Kalingas, this place was known as the port of Paloura from which traders sailed as far as Java, Bali and Sumatra and piled up wealth dealing in silk and pearl. Later Gopalpur regained its importance to maritime trade during British colonial rule. It was a transit point to export sugar and cheap labourers for the tea gardens of Assam in north-eastern India. Today it survives on fishing as its main industry, and a pristine beach with unforgettable views of the sunrise.
Sometimes, all you need is the sea breeze, the lull of waves, and a break from city chaos. Our spontaneous escape to Chandpur — a quiet beach between Tajpur and Shankarpur — became a revelation. From sipping tea under cloudy skies to savoring masala crab in a seaside shack, Chandpur offered serenity, solitude, and stories of the sea. Some places don’t just exist on maps — they live in memory.
Gangasagar is a charming tourist destination, which attracts both pilgrims and adventure lovers. Nestled in one of the delta islands is Gangasagar. Also called Sagardwip or Sagar Island, it is one of the largest islands on the Ganges delta and holds immense religious significance. Gangasagar has acres of silver sand and clear blue sky, and the calm sea to spend the time in tranquillity.
Pondicherry, also known as Puducherry, is a captivating blend of Indian and French cultures steeped in history, from ancient Greek trading hub to French colonial rule until 1954. A road trip from Chennai enhanced our experience, with picturesque views and culinary delights like traditional "Thali." Exploring the town revealed its colonial charm, vibrant streets, and serene beaches, making it a cherished and unforgettable destination that invites return visits.
