Gopalpur-on-Sea
(Content Source - Courtesy Orissa Tourism Development
Corporation)
Situated at a distance of 16 kms from Berhampur, Gopalpur-on-sea
is one of the most pristine beaches in Orissa. The crumbling
walls and the pillars of an ancient jetty are witness
to Gopalpur’s maritime past. Clusters of coconut
and palm trees, sand dunes over grown with casuarinas
plantation separate the beach from the blue waters which
act as the perfect setting for quiet introspection and
conviviality. Whether it is the glistering sun at the
day break spreading its silvery screen over the azure
waters or the perpetual breeze blowing from the sea
or the rhythmic lapping of the waves that shimmer in
the moonlight night or over the stunning stillness around,
it is a pleasure that adds to the gaiety of holiday
at Gopalpur.
The
golden sand of the blue sea here make the beach on
of the most sought after beaches of the country. The
old light house blinking still today to show directions
to the ships in the dep sea, the fishermen with their
catch, nice accommodation units in a calm and serene
atmosphere, make Gopalpur-on-sea a favoured destination.
Surfing and bathing in the sea with the help from
ever friendly Nolias (local fisherman with conical
hats) can be an enduring experience.
Despite
being very close to the busy township at Berhampur,
Gopalpur-on-sea presents a serene atmosphere amidst
the palm coconut and casuarinas trees.
Local
Watchables
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 Sarees and
Horn Toys.
Taptapani
(65 km)
Taptapani is an ideal destination because of its scenic
location in the midst of nature, on the easter ghats.
The lush green forest with a hot spring has remained
favourite among the visitors. The OTDC run Panthanivas
is the ideal place to stay for a couple of daysx to
experience being in the lap of nature.
Mahuri
Kalua (30 km)
Enroute to Taptapani, Mahuri Kalua is another scenic
spot. The shrine of Goddess Kalua adorns the place.
Patisonapur
(30 km)
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city crowd,
a virgin beach awaits here for the visitors. The beach
down south of Gopalpur across the river Bahuda offers
peace and tranquility to all the visitors going there
to relax and spend the leisure.
Taratarini
(30 km)
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.
Jaugarh
(35 km)
The Ashokan rock edict found here prove beyond any
doubt that it wan an important center of activities
during the Ashokan period. Siva temple and Buddhist
images found here suggest that it was a religious
center with Buddhism an Saivism existing side by side.
Rambha
(45 km)
On the sprawling Chilika Lake, Rambha is famous for
its scenic beauty. Boating from here to the beautiful
islands of Honeymoon and Breakfast is a thrilling
experience. OTDC runs a Panthanivas adjacent to the
lake.
Aryapalli
(16 km)
The beach at Ayapalli is quiet and charming and provides
a unique atmosphere to the nature loving tourists.
Ghodahad
(60 km)
The Ghodahada dam with the reservoir attracts a good
number of picnickers round the year. 4 km away, the
shrine of Ujialeswar is an added attraction for the
visitors.
How
to reach
Air
Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar – 190 km and
Visakhapatnam – 260 km
Rail
Nearest railhead is Berhampur (16 km) on the East
Coast Rly served by a number of fast and superfast
trains on Kolkata-Chennai route.
Road
Gopalpur is well connected by excellent al-weather
rod which branches off from the NH-5 on the outskirts
of Berhampur – 16 km. Regular Bus Services are
available. Taxis and Autorickshaws are also available.
Accomodation
OTDC Pantha Niwas, Tel: 2242088
Hotel Holiday Home, Tel: 2242049
Hotel Rohini – Tel: 2242309
OTDC
Assistance: -
Website : www.orissatourism.gov.in
and www.otdc.in
Email : ortour@orissatourism.gov.in
Berhampur
Tourist Office, New Bus Stand,
Pin – 760004, Tel: (0680) 2280226
Tourist Counter, Railway Station, Pin – 760004,
Tel: 2203870
Puri
Tourist Office, CT Road, Puri – 752002, Tel :
06752-222664,
Tourist Counter, Railway Station Puri, Tel : 223536.
Berhampur
Tourist Office, New Bus Stand,
Pin – 760004, Tel: (0680) 2280226
Tourist Counter, Railway Station, Pin – 760004,
Tel: 2203870
Bhubaneswar
Tourist Office, Jayadev Marg, Pin – 751002, Tel
: 0674-2431299,
Tourist Counter, Airport, Tel : 2534006,
Tourist Counter, Railway Station, Tel : 2530715,
India Tourism, B-21, B.J.B Nagar, Pin – 751014,
Tel : 2432203.
New Delhi
Tourist Office, Utkalika, B/4 – Baba Kharak Singh
Marg, New Delhi, Pin – 110001,
Telefax – 011-23364580.
Kolkata
Tourist Office, Utkal Bhawan,
55, Lenin Sarani, Kolkata, Pin – 700013,
Tel: 033-22443653.
Chennai
Tourist Office, Tamilnadu Tourism Complex, Near Kalaivanar
Arangam, Wallajah Road,
Pin – 600002, Telefax: 044-25360891.
Mumbai
Tourist Office, Hotel New Bengal, Near Crawford Market,
D.N. Road, Pin – 400001, Tel : 022-23401951. |