Chandipur, Odisha, India    (Nov 2022)        

Chandipur beach is unique for its remarkable flatness. At the lowest tide, the water recedes some five kilometers from the shore; you can stroll all the way out to the ocean's lip, barefoot on the fine, wet beachsand. When the tide comes closer to the shore, you can wade far into the ankle-deep sea, its calm waters reflecting the pale colors of sunset all around you. —Usha Alexander