Introduction
Orissa is blessed with around 482 kilometers of coastline and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.Added to their seductive beauty is a vast hinter land of antiquities and holy shrines Chilika, Asia's largest brackish water lake, not only provides a haven for millions of birds, but is also one of the few places in India where one can view dolphins.Some of the popular beaches are detailed below.

Gopalpur Beach

Hardly 16 kilometers from Berhampur, the beach retreat of Southern Orissa, happens to be the tiny town of Gopalpur on the Bay of Bengal. Enjoying the reputation of being a popular Beach Resort of Orissa, the deep and clear blue water 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 haunt for avid beach combers, it is a splendid retreat. Watching the life on the beach is also exciting. The fishermen pulling their catch or mending their nets add local color.

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 foods, especially fish from the deep sea, satisfies the hungry stomach. Green-coconuts quench the thirst.

Intense heat of the summer is temperate by the sea breeze in the fantastic quietness of the beach amidst palm, coconut and casuarinas. Gopalpur was once buzzing with maritime 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 frolic.

Beaches & Lakes

Orissa is blessed with around 500 kilometers of coastline and has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Chilika, Asia's largest brackish water lake, not only provides a haven for millions of birds, but is also one of the few places in India where one can view dolphins.

Gopalpur Beach

Hardly 16 kilometers from Berhampur, the beach retreat of Southern Orissa, happens to be the tiny town of Gopalpur on the Bay of Bengal. Enjoying the reputation of being a popular Beach 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 haunt for avid beach combers and sea worshippers, it is a splendid retreat. Watching the life on the beach is also exciting. The fishermen pulling their catch or mending their nets add local color.

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 foods, especially fish from the deep sea, satisfies the hungry stomach. Green-coconuts quench the thirst.

Intense heat of the summer is temperate by the sea breeze in the fantastic quietness of the beach amidst palm, coconut and casuarinas. Gopalpur was once buzzing with maritime 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 frolic.

Best time to visit Gopalpur Beach -
Temperatures in the summer months touch a high of 35°C and a low of 23°C, respectively. Winter months are relatively cold with a maximum and minimum temperature of 27°C and 16°C, respectively. Average annual rainfall is 118.7 cm. October to April is the best time to visit Gopalpur Beach.

Coming soon...

How to Reach -

By Air : the nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (190 km) and Visakhapatnam (in Andhra Pradesh) (260 km).

By Rail : the nearest railhead is Berhampur (16 km).

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

Where to Stay -

Comfortable and economical accommodation arrangements can be availed at Gopalpur (STD code-0680).

The list of the hotels are here :

Hotel's Name & Address Hotel's Name & Address Panthanivas,OTDC, Gopalpur, Ph.- 2243931 Hotel Song of the Sea, Gopalpur, Ph.- 2242347 Hotel Sea Side Breeze,  Gopalpur. Ph.2242075 Hotel Holiday Home, Gopalpur, Ph.- 2242049 Hotel Kalinga, Gopalpur, Ph.- 2242067 Hotel Rohini, Gopalpur, Ph.- 2242309 Tourist Home, Gopalpur, Ph.- 2242068 Holioday Inn, Gopalpur. Ph.- 2242694 Hotel Sea Pearl, Gopalpur, Ph.- 2242556 Hotel Green Park, Gopalpur, Ph.- 2242016 Hotel Plaza Millennium, Gopalpur, Ph.- 2242647 Swosti Palm Resort, Gopalpur. Ph.- 2243718 /2242455 Hotel Rosalin, Gopalpur, Ph.- 2242071 Sai Tourist Lodge, Gopalpur. Ph.- 2242041 Natraj Tourist Lodge, Gopalpur, Ph.- 2242340 Hotel Heaven Spot, Gopalpur. Ph.- 2243274 On Beach Home, Gopalpur Hotel Royal Park, Gopalpur, Ph.- 9437066750 New Youth Hostel,Gopalpur -

Coming soon...........

Excursions -

There are quite a few places of interest around Gopalpur to which excursions can be made -

* Distance from Gopalpur

Berhampur (16 km)* - An important commercial town of South Orissa, Berhampur is an ideal market for shopping. The market displays a dazzling array of Orissan Handicraft and Handloom products. Prominent among them are silk saris,flexible brass fish and horn toys etc.

Taptapani Hot Spring (65 km)* - Set against the evergreen thick forests, Taptapani is known for its hot sulpher spring, a 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 bath tubs directly connected to the hot spring.

Mahuri Kalua (30 km)* - En route to Taptapani, Mahuri Kalua is another scenic spot. There is a Shrine of Goddess Kalua in the deep greenery of nature.

Patisonapur Beach (30 km) - Down south of Gopalpur, on the border of Andhra Pradesh, Patisonapur is another beach. Quiet and secluded, this is a wide and clean beach across the river Bahuda.

Taratarini (30 km)* - On the bank of the Rushikulya near the village Purushottampur, the shrine of the twin goddesses 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. There is a Panthasala of Department of Tourism for overnight stay.

Jaugada (35 km)* - About five km further from Taratarini lies Jaugada, famous for the Ashokan Rock Inscription like the one found in Dhauli near Bhubaneswar. Large number of old bricks, tiles, potteries, beads, terracotta objects and punch marked coins of Mauryan Age are found in the suburban. 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 (Ramhha) (45 km)* - Chilika Lake is famous for its scenic beauty and bird sanctuary. Covering an area of about, one thousand one hundred square kilometers, lakhs of resident and migratory birds of different hue make Chilika their home during 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 overnight stay.