Dubbed the `best beach resort in Orissa by the cognoscenti, Gopalpur-on-Sea is a lovely laidback seaport village, far removed in spirit from the nearby temple towns of Orissa.
Starting life as an obscure little fishing village, Gopalpur-on-Sea became a prominent trading port during the days of the British East India Company. Today, neither the British nor the wealthy Bengalis who once made Gopalpur a vibrant, happening place are here any more. Gopalpur has gone back to being a quiet, relaxed place, but with one major difference- it’s today growing into one of India’s prettiest beach resorts. Nowhere as commercial and trendy as Goa, but with a charm all its own.
How to Reach Gopalpur?
By Air : The nearest airport is at Bhubaneshwar, 180 km from Gopalpur. Bhubaneshwar receives flights from most metros.
By Rail : The nearest railhead is Berhampur (16 km) on the Kolkata-Chennai line. You can drive in to Gopalpur on National Highway 5 from Berhampur.
By Road : You can drive in to Gopalpur on National Highway 5 from Berhampur, Bhubaneshwar and Barkul (75 km).
Best Time to Visit Gopalpur
Gopalpur is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from October to April. The temperatures range from a summer high of 35 degrees Celsius to a winter low of 16 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season (June to September) sees some hot and some very wet days.
Things to do in Gopalpur
Gopalpur on Sea is a dreamy seaport village in Orissa that offers a variety of things to do to those seeking some quiet moments away from the hustle bustle of a metropolitan. Love seafood? Then this is the place for you. Come and relish the delectable variety of scrumptious seafood cooked especially for you.
Need some adventure? Then just ride the high waves on a yacht fastened to an ancient jetty or trek up the ancient lighthouse for some stunning views of the bay. Not enough for you? Take a trip to nearby places like Taptapani – famous for hot springs and Chandragiri popular for elaborately woven carpets by Tibetan refugees. The languid and lazy lifestyle of the village allows you to just relax, laze around on the beach, admire sunsets, and let the life take its own course.
Places Near Gopalpur
Gopalpur is really peaceful and quiet, but if you are seeking further rejuvenation, take a trip to some places near Gopalpur. Taptapani, 67 km away. As the name suggests, Taptapani has hot water springs and is a wonderful place to literally soak away your aches and pains.
Chandragiri, 36 km south of Taptapani, is a Tibetan refugee village, recognised by its temple and prayer flags, its Lhasa Apso dogs and the intricate carpets that the Tibetan community weaves for a livelihood.
Hotels in Gopalpur – Choice is Yours
There are numerous hotels in Gopalpur ranging from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star deluxe to budget hotels.