Gopalpur on Sea: A Hidden Coastal Gem in Odisha
Gopalpur on Sea is a quiet and enchanting coastal town, situated in the Ganjam district of southern Odisha. Unlike the crowded beach towns of Puri or Goa, Gopalpur is a place of calm, serene beauty, and a languid coastal lifestyle. The location is perfect for those who cherish solitude and natural beauty, with its vast sandy beach, colonial past, and relaxed atmosphere.
It was once a seething port town under the British rule. Today, some remnants of the colonial era still exist in the shape of old buildings and ruins scattered across the coast. The town still retains its laid-back charm and continues to magnetize unconventional travelers, artists, and nature lovers.
Now, let us find out everything there is to know about Gopalpur-on-Sea, from its history and places of interest to how to get there, when to visit, and frequently asked questions.
History of Gopalpur on Sea
Gopalpur has been favored by the sea and has had a long history of the sea. During the British period, it came into prominence as a seaport and trading centre. Ships from Burma, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries used to dock here. The port was mainly used to export rice, textiles, and other goods.
After getting freedom, the port once again lost commercial importance, but the town remained a flourishing seaside retreat. The old warehouses, piers, and colonial buildings are witnesses of that bygone era. It is said that the name Gopalpur comes from Lord Gopal, another name for Lord Krishna, implying that the place must have had some religious or cultural importance even before the colonial rule.
Major Attractions in Gopalpur-on-Sea
One of the most prominent tourist spots of Gopalpur is experiencing the sea, silence, and bliss. Some of the things to do and places to see in and around the town include:
1. Old Port Ruins :
If you follow the shore back toward the old British port, you will see broken piers, rusted machinery, and colonial warehouses. It’s an interesting look into the trading history of the town. If you’re interested in history or photography, I’d recommend this area as well.
2. Gopalpur Beach :
The beach is the heart of the town: clean, wide, and peaceful. There are no vendors bawling their heads off nor are there hordes of touristy crowds to make the scene commercial. Here, it is all about taking a solitary walk down the shore, witnessing the fishing boats coming back to the shore, and scooping up seashells, or simply sitting back and listening to the waves crashing against the shore. The glorious sunrise should, therefore, never be missed.
3. The Lighthouse :
There is an old lighthouse near the beach. You can go inside and climb to the top for a spectacular view of the sea and the surrounding area. It’s one of the best places to enjoy the sunset or take pictures. The lighthouse is only open from mid-afternoon until a short time after sunset, so I’ll let you do the math.
4. Fishermen’s Life :
Gopalpur is still home to large sections of the local fishing community. You can observe the fishermen bringing in their catches, mending nets, and laying fish out to dry along the sea shore. If you’re interested in observing their daily activities, I would suggest visiting during the early morning.
5. Handicraft Shopping :
The local markets sell a variety of handicrafts such as handwoven Tassar silk, coir products, seashell products, palm-leaf articles, etc. I think they make good souvenirs and help to support local artisans.
6. Chilika Lake:
Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, rests about 40 km away from Gopalpur. You can take a boat ride for bird watching (migratory birds), island hopping, and are likely to spot Irrawaddy dolphins.
7. Tara Tarini Temple (Nearby)
Located at a distance of around 30 km from Gopalpur, the Tara Tarini Temple happens to be one of the four prominent Shakti Peethas in India. The temple is located on a hilltop in a picturesque setting overlooking the Rushikulya river and is considered highly sacred, making a half-day trip from the beach relatively easy.
Best Time to Visit Gopalpur-on-Sea
The best time to go to Gopalpur is between the months of October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant and ideal to enjoy the beach, sightseeing and photography alike.
The summer months are rather hot and humid (April to June) and the monsoons (July to September) bring along heavy rains but also transfigure the landscape into a lush green paradise. If you are interested in the coastal scene washed down by the rains, you may find that the monsoon could be an unusual experience too.
How to Reach Gopalpur-on-Sea
By Air:
The nearest major airport to Gopalpur-on-Sea is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, approximately 180 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or bus to reach Gopalpur .
By Train:
The closest railway station to Gopalpur-on-Sea is Berhampur (or Brahmapur), situated just 15 km away. It is well connected with Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Visakhapatnam and Chennai.
By Road:
Gopalpur-on-Sea is well connected through National Highway 16. Regular buses and taxis are available from Berhampur, Bhubaneswar, and other towns.
Where to Stay
Gopalpur offers a range of options, from luxury to mid-range to budget accommodation. Good examples include:
• Swosti Palm Resort: A heritage hotel with sea-facing rooms and amazing facilities
• Mayfair Palm Beach Resort: An upscale resort with colonial architecture and beautiful acres of gardens.
• Budget hotels: There are so many budget lodges and guest houses close to the beach that are great for the solo traveler and family. You can find homestays that offer local experiences and home-cooked meals.
Dine and Local Cuisine
For the foodies who enjoy seafood, Gopalpur is a dream come true. Prawns, crabs, and fish cooked the traditional Odia way with mustard, garlic, and spices are treats one should experience. Here are a couple of dishes to try:
Prawn Malai Curry
Fish Fry with Rice
Crab Masala
Odia Dalma (lentils with vegetables)
Rasgulla and Chhena Poda for dessert
Most beachside shacks and local restaurants serve fresh and affordable meals. Resorts also offer multi-cuisine options.
Ideal Duration of Stay
A 2 to 3-day trip is enough to enjoy Gopalpur-on-Sea. You can spend time at the beach, visit nearby attractions like Chilika Lake and Tara Tarini temple, and unwind in a peaceful setting.
It is also a great weekend getaway from Bhubaneswar, Puri, or Visakhapatnam.
Conclusion
Gopalpur-on-Sea is a secret for those looking to lockdown from all of the noise that comes from an overcrowded, over packed tourist destination. With a long boardwalk beach, historical ruins to roam, unlimited fresh seafood and an overall quiet ambiance, Gopalpur is perfect for that slow, restorative coastal holiday.
To anyone who loves the beach whether you are traveling solo, as a couple for time together, or a family looking for meaningful time together; we welcome you to explore Gopalpur. The sound of waves will send you on your next adventure just around the corner.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Gopalpur located?
Gopalpur-on-Sea is a coastal town located in the Ganjam district of Odisha, India, along the Bay of Bengal.
What is Gopalpur famous for?
Gopalpur is known for its serene beach, colonial charm, and historical significance as a former commercial port during British rule. It is a peaceful destination ideal for relaxation.
How can I reach Gopalpur-on-Sea?
You can reach Gopalpur by road from Berhampur (about 15 km away), which is the nearest major city. The nearest railway station is Berhampur Railway Station. The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, about 180 km away.
What are the best things to do in Gopalpur?
Some popular activities include enjoying beach walks, exploring the old lighthouse, visiting nearby Rushikulya Turtle Nesting Beach, and relaxing at sea-facing resorts.
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