Gopalpur-on-Sea was an important trade centre in different periods, through the centuries and constantly attracted the travellers. A very important and wealthy town of the Kalinga Dynasty, its harbour was used to conduct trade in silk and pearls with regions like Sumatra, Java and Bali.
Its fortunes looked up once again during the days of the East India Company when it became a main centre for trading in rice from Rangoon. However, its status as a port gradually declined and for the past several decades, it has been a quiet but popular family seaside holiday destination. This peaceful beach lined with coconut and casuarina plantations is ideal for a weekend break and many tour packagers visit here.
SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS
If you want to do something other than sunbathing and lazing, walk across to the Old Jetty, now in ruins, but once a busy trading hub for sailors and traders. While there, don’t forget to catch the view from the Lighthouse. Dhavaleshwar, 15 km away, is another great beach and also has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
If you feel like exploring further, the famous Chilika Lake is 45 km away. Spread over an area of 1,100 sq km, it the largest salt water lake in India, and not just an attraction for tourists, but a busy fishing centre. Chilika is a great spot for bird watching. You could also check out the hot sulphur springs at Taptapani, 67 km from Gopalpur.
Make the most of the unspoilt beach and laze around, surf, swim, or go sailing. Gorge yourself on fresh, cheap and delicious seafood.
REVIEW
If you want a holiday where you want to keep your planning to a minimum and take things as they come, Gopalpur on-the-sea is the place for you. Just putaside your daily regime of stress, all little mundane worries that peck you day in and day out. Savour the serenity of sea. Sip slowly with your eyes and ears. Chilka lake is the main sightseeing attraction at Gopalpur. Nearest (one-and-half hours of drive) OTDC facility on the banks of Chilka lake is Rambha. You can also avail the boating facility provided by OTDC. It took us to some really untrodden territory - one being Cave island. After boating, pamper yourself with sea food at OTDC. Noting much to shop here, as it is a perfect place for a laid-back vacation. The nearest railway station is Behrampur (Station Code BAM). A hour-long autorickshaw journey will take you to Gopalpur.
QUICK FACTS
State: Orissa
District: Ganjam
Language(s) spoken: Oriya, Bengali and Hindi
Weather: Summers (45 C - 19 C) and Winters (4 C - 22 C)
Nearest Airport: Bhubaneshwar Airport (180 km)
Nearest Railhead: Behrampur Railway Station (16 km)
Main Highway: NH 5
Best time to visit: October to April
Tourism Info:
Orissa Tourism Development Corporation Panthanivas (Old Block) Lewis Road, Bhubaneswar - 751014
Tel: ( 91-674) 2432382, 2432727, 2432713
WHERE TO STAY
Gopalpur has limited staying options. There are eight hotels and holiday resorts in and around Gopalpur. Most of the hotels are have tariffs in the range of Rs 300 to Rs 900. If you are looking for a luxurious staying option, a few resorts would meet yor need.
FAQ:
I would like to go for a trip to Puri, Gopalpur and Chandipur. How should I plan the trip? If I am going from Kolkata, where should I halt first?
Reply:
If you are coming from Kolkata, go to Puri first as that is where all the hectic activities will be, visiting Jagannath temple, Nandan Kanan, etc and the travel time to Puri is less than the travel time to Brahmapur (where you would need to get down if you want to go directly to Gopalpur from Kolkata). Once done with Puri, you can move to Chilika and then to Gopalpur. These are places where you have nothing much to do and can relax by the sea side or take a boat ride on the Chilika lake. The Panthanibas on Chilika lake is really good as the view of the lake from the rooms is really nice. Happy Holiday!!
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