Chandbali in Odisha

Chandbali was initially a port during the rule of British Empire in India to make ease the import and export from Malaysia, Myanmar and Indonesia. Now it is degraded into a fishing village. Today it boasts of a beautiful national park known as Bhitarkanika National Park, which is a tourists’ delight.

Introduction

Chandbali is situated in Bhadrak District of Odisha. Tourists visiting Chandbali can feast their eyes, thanks to the distant beaches like those of Gaharimatha and places like Nalitapatia, Dhamra and Aradi. These regions can be visited with the aid of boats. Chandbali also consists of the natural habitat of the olive ridley turtles.

Location of Chandbali

Chandbali or Chandabali is located in the Bhadrak District in Odisha, which is only a one night train destination from Howrah Station, Kolkata, West Bengal.

Geography of Chandbali

The main entrance points of Chandabali or Chandbali to the famous Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Spectacular hills, rivers and dense jungles surround Chandbali. Beside Chandbali, Baitarani River and Brahmani River flows and their point of intersection is exactly near Chandbali. During medieval ages, Chandbali was a well-known port, but today it has transformed into an exciting tourist destination. Remains of cannons and anchor, belonging to the age of the British Raj are also present here.

History of Chandbali

Chandbali was a poor fishing village and also a port. During British India, Chandabali was developed as a major port for international trading in South East Asia. Trading commenced here in the year 1866 and it was proclaimed a port by the then British government. In the age of the 1910s, the trade activities at the port of Chandbali were adversely affected due to the functioning of the Bengal-Nagpur Railway, as revealed by the United States Hydrographic Office. This resulted in the port of Chandbali being declared as just another port of the area of Dhamra. Between Kolkata and Chandbali, a steam service operated above four times every week.

Attractions in Chandbali

There exists a Bhitarkanika National Park which is about 35 km away from the main area of Chandabali, which can be approached with the aid of a ferry. The total area of this park is about 650 square kilometres. The presence of several saltwater crocodiles imparted the name of `Crocodile Sanctuary` to this national park. This is one of the very scanty numbers of marine parks in the country. Some remnants of monuments of the 9th century, as well as a lord Shiva temple are interesting places which must be visited by tourists. Sri Aurobindo Dibyadham Ashram, the Integral Education Centre and its relics are available in Chandbali. Baba Akhandalamani Shiv Temple is situated about a distance of 15 km from Chandbali. Other important tourist locales here include the beaches of Habalikhati, Ekakula and Barunei.

Visiting Information

Chandabali is accessible by both roadways and railways from the neighbouring states of India like West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand. By air, Bhubaneshwar airport is the nearest airport to Chandabali which is based about 125 km from the main area of Chandabali. No railway station is present in Chandbali. The Cuttack railway station and Bhadrak railway station connect Chandbali. If one is travelling by car, Chandabali can be reached easily. Bhadrak railway station is located at a distance of about 45 km from Chandabali. Chandabali is connected to Bhadrak by the State Highway 5. Taxis and buses are readily available from the area of Bhadrak to Chandabali. The ideal time to visit Chandbali is during the monsoons.

Tourism in Chandbali

Tourism in Chandbali or Chandabali in Odisha attracts the weekenders from Jharkhand and Kolkata and it is easy accessible from Howrah, Esplanade and Ranchi Bus Stand.

Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika National Park is about 650 square kilometres and it is about 35 km away, accessible via ferry. Bhitarkanika National Park is one of the few marine parks in India, and it was established to protect saltwater crocodiles, with the special status of Crocodile Sanctuary. The Odisha government has established a saltwater crocodile-breeding centre in the park.

Monuments in Chandbali
Chandabali has the ashramas and the temples of old Classical era. The two 9th century monuments and a temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva or Mahadeva. There is a large pond along with Patana Mangala Temple. It is about 25.0 km away from Chandabali. One of the major famous festivals for "Patua Yatra" held at Chhatrapada April 14th to 21st April its Maa Patana Mangala`s big festival in Bhadrak. Chandabali is home to the Sri Aurobindo Dibyadham Ashram, its Relics Temple and Integral Education centre. The Baba Akhandalamani Shiva Temple is around 15 km away from Chandbali and is one of the renowned saiva pitha`s in Odisha.

River in Chandbali
The river bank of Chandabali is very attractive. There is a bridge which connects Chandabali with Kendrapada. This is an old town but now it has lost its glory and converted to a small town because of bad condition of road connecting to Bhadrak.

Beaches in Chandbali
The beaches in Chandabali include Habalikhati, Ekakula and Barunei. Tourists visiting Chandbali can treat their eyes with Gaharimatha Beach and Wildlife sanctuary and places like Nalitapatia, Dhamra and Aradi. These regions can be visited with the aide of boats. Chandbali also consists of the natural habitat of the Olive Ridley Turtle.

Visiting Information
Bhubaneshwar airport is the nearest airport to Chandbali which is based about 125 km from the main area of Chandbali. No railway station is present in Chandbali. The Cuttack railway station and Bhadrak District railway station connect Chandbali. If one is travelling by car, Chandbali can be reached easily. Bhadrak railway station is located at a distance of about 45 km from Chandbali. Chandbali is connected to Bhadrak by the State Highway 5. Taxis and buses are readily available from the area of Bhadrak to Chandbali. The ideal time to visit Chandbali is during the monsoons.