Chandrabhaga Beach is situated three km east of the World Heritage Site – Sun temple of Konark, in the Puri district in the state of Odisha, India. It is 30 km from Jagannath Dham, Puri. The beach holds great importance in the cultural and traditional identity of Orissa. Chandrabhaga Beach is believed to have witnessed the rise and fall of the Konark Temple. Formerly Chandrabhaga was considered a place of natural cure for lepers. Chandrabhaga beach on the coast of Konark becoming India’s first to get the Blue Flag certification — a tag given to environment-friendly clean beaches, equipped with amenities of international standards for tourists.

One myth claims that Mythological ‘Shamba’ (Krishna’s son) the cured leper worshipped the Sun God for cure on the river mouth of Chandrabhaga, the river dried up. It is reduced to a dry bed or a narrow trickle. It has been an ideal place for religious activity.

According to the second mythological reference, Chandrabhaga, the daughter of a sage, caught the attraction of the Sun God by her magical charm. God came down to seek her hand in love. Chandrabhaga did not offer herself to God. Maddened by romantic pangs, the God chased after a frightened Chandrabhaga, who jumped into the river and killed herself, thus succeeding in protecting her chastity. As a mark of tribute to her sacrifice, every year on the 7th day of the full-moon fortnight of Magha month, people from all over the state and outside gather to take a holy dip in the river that is reduced to a shallow pool, to offer their prayers to the Sun God and to enjoy the sunrise.

Chandrabhaga’s sacrifice might have been forgotten, but the place which bears her name is remembered as a holy shrine and as the place of the Rising Sun. It continues to inspire religious and meditative activities. It has been a big hunting-ground for poets, artists, and lovers. A moment’s pause at Chandrabhaga is believed to be a great fatigue-healer. Numerous visitors to Konark make Chandrabhaga a positive stop. A beautiful lighthouse can be found close to Chandrabhaga. A climb to its top truly takes you to a world of utopia. A natural deer park is a recent addition to the riches of Chandrabhaga. There is an ancient Matha believed to be the Ashram of Chandrabhaga’s father and two small temples. The beautiful sight has aesthetic importance.

This small stretch of sand along the Puri-Konark marine drive is a less frequented hidden jewel of Odisha. The beach is clean because of limited tourist visits. Although there are no food stalls or hawkers on the beach or any other commercial activities, a silent walk with friends or loved ones is something that this beach can offer. The roaring waves that hit the beach with great impact create the thunderous musical sound.

When you are traveling from Jagannath Dham Puri to Konark, you will travel almost 20km via beach-side marine drive road. The entire road and the side by the beach are pleasurably beautiful and scenic.

Chandrabhaga Beach is a perfect destination for those who wish to spend some quality time amid natural beauty and calmness. Here is more about Chandrabhaga Beach:

Every year the International Sand Art Festival is organized in the first week of December on Chandrabhaga Beach, Konark. Because of the cultural importance it holds, many cultural activities are held at the beach. Chandrabhaga Mela, which is a seven day fair, is organized at the beach to honor Lord Surya. This beach is also famous for the sand art of the reputed sand artist. We were fortunate that we could see sand art during its making.

Apart from the pilgrimage and cultural activities, tourists also have the option of enjoying beach activities like sunbathing, surfing, swimming, and many more.

Chandrabhaga Beach experiences cool and pleasant weather throughout the year. So, the beach can be visited anytime in the year. However, the best months to visit the beach are February, October, November, and December.

Near Chandrabhaga Beach you will find a number of hotels and resorts which offer comfortable accommodation. Such as Mayfair Heritage, Hotel Holiday Resort, Hotel Vishal Plaza, Hotel Naren Palace, Hotel Gandhara, and Hotel Santana are some good accommodation options near Chandrabhaga Beach.

Chandrabhaga Beach leaves no foodies disappointed. There are many refreshment eatery stalls and restaurants near the beach where tourists can enjoy lip-smacking dishes from different cuisines. Some famous restaurants near the beach are, Deluxe Restaurant, Kamat Restaurant, Geetanjali Restaurant, Santi Restaurant, and Santoshi Restaurant.

Chandrabhaga Beach is well-connected to different parts of the country and the world via air, rail, and road. Puri is the nearest airport and railhead to Chandrabhaga Beach which is situated at a distance of 31 km. State and private buses operate from different regions of Orissa and other parts of the country to Chandrabhaga Beach. People can also hire private taxis to reach the destination.