Gopalpur on sea

Hardly 16 km from Berhampur, the hub of Southern Orissa, is the tiny town of Gopalpur on the Bay of Bengal. Enjoying the reputation of being a popular Beache Resort of Orissa, the deep and clear blue waters instantly provoke those who are good swimmers. The temptation of bathing here is irresistible. Not- so-good swimmers take the hands of the Nolias (local fishermen who help bathers ) and enjoy a pleasant bath. White surf splashing on the golden sands makes Gopalpur –on-Sea as one of the finest beaches on the eastern coast. A fascinating hunt for avid beaches combers and sea worshippers, it is a splendid retreat.

Watching the life on the beach is also exciting. The fisherman pulling their catch or mending their nets add local colour. Beautiful objects made of seashells available in abundance are worth buying souvenirs for decorating a Drawing Room or giving some one a Present. Sand sculptures here and there made by some local artists are a feast to the eyes. Mouth watering sea food, especially fish from the deep Sea, satisfy the hungry stomach. Green – coconuts quench the thirst.

Intense heat of the summer is temperated by the sea breeze in the fantastic quietness og the beach amidst palm, coconut and casurina trees.

Gopalpur was once buzzing with marine activities which Orissa is known for ages. It was one of the outlets through which early settlers of South East Asia sailed off. It was a famous and popular seaport during the British Rule till about 1942 when it ceased to operate due to the second world war and separation from Burma (now Myanmar). The crumbling walls and pillars and the light house stand witness to the past port. Remains of several bungalows and mansions belonging to the European merchants give the place a colonial look. A modern port is being developed here to revive the lost glory.

A trip to Gopalpur –on-Sea is a rewarding experience of sun and sea, fun and frolick.

Approach

Road : Gopalpur is well connected by an excellent all-weather road which branches off from the NH 5 on the outskirts of Berhampur (16 km). Regular bus services are available. Taxis and Auto rickshaws are also available.

Rail : Nearest railhead is Berhampur (16 Km) on the S.E. Rly. Served by a number of fast trains on Kolkata-Chennai route.

Air : Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (190 Km) and Visakhapatnam (260 Km).

EXCURSION   

There are a few places of interest around Gopalpur to which day trips can be made.

Berhampur  (16km): An important commercial town of South Orissa, Berhampur is an ideal maket for shopping. The market displays a dazzling array of Orissan Handicraft and Handloom prouducts. Prominent among them are Silk Sarees and Horn Toys.

       

Taptapani (65 K.M): Set against the evergreen thick forests, Taptapani is known for its hot sulphur spring, at bath in which during winter is so refreshing. Even during other seasons, the scenic beauty of the place is amazing. During rainy season, clouds roam around the foliage. There is an OTDC Panthanivas with bathtubs directly connected to the hot spring.

Mahuri Kalua (30 K.M): Enroute to Taptapani, Mahuri kalua is another scenic spot. There is a Shrine of Goddess Kalua in the deep greenery of nature.

Patisonapur (30 K.M): Down south of Gopalpur, on the border of Andhra Pradesh, Patisonapur is another beach. Quite and secluded, this is a wide and clean beach across the river Bahuda.

Taratarini (30 K.M): On the bank of the river Rushikulya near the village Purushottampur, the shrine of the twin Goddess Tara and Tarini adorns the hilltop amidst natural beauty. There is a flight of about one thousand steps as well as a pucca motorable road from the foothill to the hilltop. The shrine is considered to be a Shakti Pitha of Tantra Cult.

Jaugada ( 35 K.M): About five km further from Tratarini lies Jaugada, famous for the Ashokan Rock Inscription like the one found in Dhauli near Bhubaneshwar. Large number of old bricks, tiles, potteries, beads, terracotta objects and punch marked coins of Mauryan Age are found in the suburbans. There is also a ruined fort. It stands as an insignia of the ancient heritage of the Rushikulya Valley Civilization that once prevailed in the area.

Chilika(Rambha)  (45 K.M): On the sprawling Chilika lake, Rambha is famous for its’ science beauty and bird sanctuary. Covering an area of about 1000 square Kilometers, lakhs of resident and migratory birds of different hue make Chilika there home in winter. Boating in the lake is enjoyable in all seasons. There is also the Shakti Shrine of Kalijai for a pilgrimage. Rambha is on the southern end of the pear shaped lake amidst calm and serene environs. There is an OTDC Panthanivas for night stay.

For INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE

:

Government of Orrisa Tourist Offices

Government of Orissa Tourist Office

New Bus Stand,Berhampur,760004

Tel: (0680) 250226

Tourist Counter, Railway Station,

Berhampur, 760004

Tel: (0680) 203870

New Delhi : Utkalika, B/4, Baba Khrak Singh Marg, Pin-110001, Tel. (011) 23364580
Kolkata : Utkal Bhawan, 55, Lenin Sarani, Pin-700013, Tel (033) 22493653
Bhubaneshwar : Jayadev Marg, Pin-751014, Tel (0674) 2431299
Konark : Yatri Nivas, Konark, Dist. Puri, Pin-752111, Tel. (06758) 236821
Balasore : Panthaniwas Bldg., Police Line, Balasore, Pin-756001 , Tel. (06782) 262048
Cuttack : Arunadaya Market Bldg., Link Road, Cuttack, Pin-753012 , Tel. (0671) 2312225
Chennai : 42/18, Mount Road, Gee Gee Complex (2nd Floor), Pin-600002,Telefax. (044) 8534090

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One Response to “Gopalpur on sea”

  1. ajay Says:

    hi, thanx for the blog and the information therein. Only one observation…. I have lived there at Gopalpur for two years and let me say this with conviction that barring December-January, the beaches around Gopalpur are very dangerous. The Continental Shelf that runs along our eastern coast, is at its tricky best in this area and I would advise travellers to keep this in mind. The shifting sands of Gopalpur at Sea (inside the water) are killers. thanx

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