GOPALPUR-ON-SEA
ABOUT THE PLACE
Gopalpur-on-sea is a sleepy, non-descript sea side hamlet in the Ganjam district of Orissa. The attraction of the place lies in its blissful calmness. In the morning the beach is completely quite, except for the roar of the waves. In the midday a strong wind comes from the sea and the cerulean water shines under the sizzling sun. The evening is pleasant for a solitary stroll along the edge of the water. But it often gets crowded at that time.
All day long the place is enlivened with the activities of the fishermen, who live in nearby villages. The colourful fishing boats with long masts sail into the deep sea for great catch.
[+] HOW TO REACH
Bustling commercial town Berhampur is the nearest railhead. The bus stand is one and half kilometers away from the rail station. Buses run from Berhampur to Golpalpur regularly. The distance is 16 km.
Private cars can also be hired for the same.
[+] BEST TIME TO VISIT
Gopalpur can be visited any time in the year. However, the summer can be a bit hot and sultry.
[+] ACCOMMODATION
Government Accommodation
Pantha Niwas
Tel: (0680) 2243931
Private Accommodation
Hotel Rozaline
Tel: (0680) 2242367
Hotel Kalinga
Tel: (0680) 2242067
Sea Pearl
Tel: (0680) 2242556
Sea side Bridge
Tel: (0680) 2242075
Song of the Sea
Tel: (0680) 2242347
Swasti Palm Resort
Tel: (0680) 2242453
Green Park
Tel: (0680) 2243753
[+] GETTING AROUND
There is very little to do in Gopalpur other than laze around. The lighthouse with a well-kept garden on the main road leading to the beach can catch the site of some curious tourist. It takes 165 stairs to climb at the top, from where a spectacular view of the sea and the surrounding can be observed. There are some places in the vicinity which an enthusiastic traveler can visit: Dolphine Point, Hilltop Jetty, Gopalpur Port, Casunut Factory, Keya Perfume Factory, to name a few.
[+] TRAVEL TIPS
Swimming in the sea may not be a very good idea because of the undercurrent. The sea beach itself is not even all throughout. However, one can take help of nolias or fishermen who have certification from the beach police. Please check their identity card before hiring them.
Beachwear is not recommended.
To travel around Gopalpur autos are the best option. They often don’t run on meter. So good bargaining is required.