GOPALPUR ON SEA
Gopalpur is a popular tourist destination lies on the coasts of Bay of Bengal in the Indian state of Orissa. Gopalpur is situated on the southern part of Orissa in the Ganjam district and is popularly known as ‘Gopalpur on Sea’ among tourists. Gopalpur on Sea is a quiet, calm and peaceful location in comparison to other tourist destinations of Orissa. The beach of Goplapur on Sea mainly comprises the clusters of Coconut and Palm trees along with over grown Casuarinas trees that separates the sea beach from the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal and creates a perfect atmosphere for friendly, lively and enjoyable holiday. Gopalpur on Sea is an ancient sea port during the time of the Kalinga dynasty and known by the name Palur. Later in the 18th century the temple of Gopal Ji was established here and gradually the name of this region changed from Palur to Gopalpur. During the time of the Kalinga dynasty, Gopalpur on Sea was used as a means of business and export hub by waterways with countries like Java, Sumatra and Bali and others. Presently the ruins of the royal palace residing beside the sea beach still carry the history of that era. Later during the time of the East India Company the British used Gopalpur on Sea as a harbour and port only. The almost ruined pillars and the crumbling walls of an ancient jetty is a witness to Gopalpur’s maritime past. As tourists walk a little distance by the sea beach one will get to see the ruined jetty. For sea bath enthusiasts they can take part either in surfing or bathing with the help of the Noilas (local fishermen who help the bathers). In the evening tourists can stroll in the nearby market of Gopalpur on Sea which is quite small with few shops of fresh vegetables, local handicraft items and a fish market. As the sea beach of Gopalpur on Sea gets lighten up with street lamps in the evening, the beach area gradually becomes crowded by local people and tourists and also becomes a hangout area with local makeshift stall owners and shopkeepers those sells handicraft items, decorative items, snacks and food items on the beach. On the other hand the early morning view of the sea at Gopalpur is an experience worth remembering with local fishermen gathering near the beach those who set of their fishing boats on the sea to catch fish, along with local women those gathers near the beach area to collect these fishes and to sell those in the local market. There is a Panthaniwas maintained by OTDC lying on the beach road. Once in the past Gopalpur on Sea was often visited by tourists from Russia and Europe for which few houses of these foreigners still exist near the coastal area.
Local watchable around Gopalpur on Sea:
There are few local watchable located nearby the coastal town of Gopalpur on Sea which tourists can visit in a day tour.
Gopalpur Harbour: There is a harbour at Golpapur on Sea which is worth visiting. At Gopalpur on Sea this harbour is used to extract sand from the deep of the ocean by the help of pumps. Three types of sand are extracted here, these are namely yellow sand, brown sand and black. Among these black sand is very costly which is used in construction works.
Berhampur: Berhampure is an important commercial town of southern Orissa and is located around 16 km away from Gopalpur on Sea. Berhampore offers immense options for tourists to buy a wide range of products, one can choose from the dazzling array of Odishan Handicraft and Handlooms products. Among these the notable are Silk Sarees and Horn Toys. Buses and hired cars are available that reach Berhampore from Gopalpur on Sea.
Taptapani: From Gopalpur on Sea around 67 km is Taptapani or Hot Spring. Taptapani is nestled at an altitude of about 1700 ft guarded by the ranges of the Eastern Ghats hills from all sides. The sulphur mixed water of this hot spring can cure many diseases of the human body and is quite relaxing during winter season. The OTDC Panthaniwas at Taptapani is an ideal place to relax and stay and the water of this hot spring located nearby is used in the bathing room of the Panthaniwas.
Mahuri Kalua: This is a religious place located around 27 km away from Gopalpur on Sea. The place is adorned by the Shrine of Goddess of Shakti Maa Kalua which is situated in an orchard beneath a hillock which gives a very good ambience for the visitor. This is a good place for a picnic.
Pati Sonapur Sea Beach: Pati Sonapur Sea Beach is situated to the south of Gopalpur on Sea mainly in the border area of Andhra Pradesh. Pati Sonapur is a very least crowded sea beach located around 35 km away from Gopalpur on Sea. On one side of this beautiful Pati Sonapur Beach there is thick natural vegetation. Tourists need to reach this sea beach by crossing Bahuda River. Only the local fishermen are sighted here. Pati Sonpur Beach near Sorala is one of the cleanest beaches in Odisha and is an ideal picnic spot.
Taratarini Temple: From Gopalpur on Sea around 45 km away on a hill top lies Taratarini Temple which is also one of the Shakti Petthas and is also a temple of twin goddess Tara and Tarini. The Taratarini Devi temple is situated on a hilltop on the banks of Rushikulya River beside Purushottampur village. Ropeway or cable car system is there to reach the hill top where the temple is situated. Or tourists can also opt to avail 999 staircases to reach the hill top. The Tara Tarini Hill Shrine is an important pre-historic Shakti centre and a main seat of Shakti worship and the Tantras. Adi Shakti Goddesses Tara Tarini has been regarded as the presiding deity (Ista-Devi) in many parts of India and in most of the households in Odisha.
Jaugarh: Located around 50 km away from Gopalpur on Sea via state highway 32, Jaugarh is known for the famous rock edict of emperor Ashoka of the Maurya dynasty found here. Near Jaugarh various images of Buddhist pantheon along with a temple of Lord Shiva were found here that suggests it was once a religious centre. This engraving stone is beautifully maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and is placed high on a hill top surrounded by dense wilderness on all sides.
Aryapalli: Aryapalli is a quiet and charming sea beach located around 16 km from Gopalpur on Sea and is mainly regarded as a village of the local fishermen. The unique atmosphere of Aryapalli Sea Beach is worth remembering. Tourists can also witness the process of drying the fishes caught from the sea at Aryapalli. The silver lining sand dunes on the way from Aryapalli sea beach to Gopalpur on Sea is a sight to cherish. On one side of the road there are swamplands or small sand hillocks.
Gopalpur Lighthouse: One of the prime attractions of Gopalpur on Sea is its Light House which is located around 500 meters from the sea beach and offers 360 degree bird’s eye view of the town of Gopalpur on Sea, the Bay of Bengal and its beach. Gopalpur Lighthouse is a 150 years old structure and measures about 45 meters in height built in the year 1871 for showing directions to the ships coming from the then Rangoon Harbour of Burma to Coromandel Coast Harbour via Gopalpur on Sea. At the top of the Light House there is an 8 meters long search light installed here that shows light every 05 seconds and it extends upto 26 nautical miles. Tourists are allowed to enter the light house only from 04.30 pm to 05.30 pm. There are about 154 staircases which tourists are required to climb in order to reach the top.
Rambha: Rambha is located around 48 km away from Gopalpur on Sea. Rambha is mainly known for the sprawling Chilka Lake. Orissa tourism department has arranged for a motor boat ride on Chilka Lake from Rambha by which one can reach Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island which is worth enjoying. The OTDC Panthaniwas at Rambha located near Chilka Lake is a place worth staying.
Gopal Ji Temple: Gopal Krishna Shri Benugopalswami Temple is an 18th century old temple that attracts numerous visitors throughout the year. The architectural style of the temple is worth admiring. The idol in the main sanctum is curved of black stone. The main deity inside the temple is very sacred and worshipped by the local people.
Ghodahada: Ghodahada is an excellent place for nature lovers located around 61 km away from Gopalpur on Sea. There is a water reservoir with a Dam situated near Digapahandi. Every year numerous people visit here for picnics. The scenic landscape and the nature of this place are worth mentioning.
Tampara Lake: From Gopalpur on Sea by the NH5 to the north-east around 22 km away is Tampara Lake. The shape of this lake is long and is another fresh water lake of Orissa. Tourists visiting Tampara Lake can opt for a boat ride on the Lake. There is also a flower garden where numerous species of seasonal flowers are seen. On the other side of the lake beyond thick natural vegetation lies the sea.
How to reach:
By Air: The nearest airport to Gopalpur on Sea is Bhubaneshwar which is located around 170 km away. Bhubaneshwar Airport is well connected with flight services with major cities of India.
By Train: Gopalpur on Sea is mainly visited by train. The nearest rail head to Gopalpur on Sea is Berhampore which is located around 16 km away. From Berhampore railway station buses and other vehicles are available on hire that reaches Gopalpur on Sea. Several trains are available from Howrah railway station like 12703 Falaknama Express, 12841 Coromandel Express, 12863 Howrah –Jashbanthpur Express reaches Berhampore railway station. Berhampore is well connected by strong rail and road networks with all the major destinations of Orissa and other major cities of India.
By Road: Gopalpur on Sea is well connected by a strong motorable road by NH5 on the outskirts of Berhampore. Without entering the main road of Berhampore tourists can take the connecting route which is located around 16 km away from Gopalpur on Sea. On this route regular bus service along with taxi and other vehicle service are also available. The Berhampore bus stand is located around 03 km away from Berhampore railway station.
Best time to visit: Though the climate of Gopalpur on sea remains pleasant throughout the year. But Gopalpur on Sea is best visited from November to February as during this time the climate remains cool with low levels of moisture and greater tourist activities.
HOTEL SEA PEARL
