LOCATION

Gopalpur-on-Sea is a beautiful and small beach resort located along the Bay of Bengal in the eastern Indian state of Orissa. Gopalpur extends from latitude 19°16' in the North to longitude 84°57' in the East. The place is 16 km away form Berhampur, on the Howrah–Chennai main line.

CLIMATE

Being a beach resort, the place has a uniform temperature throughout the year. Temperature in the summer months touches a high of 35°C and a low of 23°C, respectively. Winter months are relatively cold with a maximum and minimum temperature of 27°C and 16°C, respectively. Average annual rainfall is 118.7 cm.

PAST

Originally a small fishing village on the coast of Orissa, it was so named when a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was constructed some time in the 18th century. Apart from its temple, Gopalpur was distinguished for its magnificent beach and was discovered as a perfect winter resort. Soon hotels and guesthouses lined its seafront. The East India Company built huge warehouses and godowns because the trade with Burma had picked up and Gopalpur had become a trading point for rice from Rangoon. In those days, there were dances and parties that continued until the early hours and wealthy Bengalis from Calcutta made it their holiday home.

Gopalpur’s importance dwindled when trade with Burma abruptly ceased during the war and never revived again. When the British left India, even members of rich Bengali homes preferred to holiday in other places and Gopalpur reverted to what it originally was, a fishing village.

With an increase in tourist trade in the late seventies, and the opening of luxury hotels, a slow revival began and today Gopalpur-On-Sea is one of the foremost beach resorts in India.

SITES TO VISIT

Gopalpur is a bewitching seaside resort and there can be no better option than to enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. Walk around the beach, collect shells and first-sized peal-white conch, and remember all the beautiful moments of your life. One may not be able to do it again.

SITES NEARBY

Chilka Lake is situated at a distance of 45 km from Gopalpur. Spreading over an area of 1100 sq km, this is the largest brackish water lake in the country and attracts large number of migratory birds.

Taptapani (hot water), as the name suggests, is a hot water sulfur spring situated around 67 km from Gopalpur.

WHERE TO STAY

Good accommodation options like seaside resorts, luxurious hotels, and old bungalows are available. Price depends on the season and demand. Services are good and rooms at most of the places give excellent view of the sea.

WHAT TO EAT

Seafood, ordered specially, can be quite a treat at Gopalpur-On-Sea. If someone is not interested in having food at the place of stay it is better to give 3–4 hours notice to the restaurants. One can even buy fresh seafood in the market and give it to the kitchens to cook the delicacies for them.
 

HOW TO REACH

Bhubaneswar (180 km) is the nearest airport from where one can take flights for major cities like Delhi and Calcutta.

The nearest railway station is Berhampur on the Howrah–Chennai line of Southeastern Railway. One can take trains to Calcutta and Chennai from this place.

Gopalpur is connected by motorable road to Barkul (75 km), Berhampur (16 km), Bhubaneshwar (180 km), and Puri (242 km).