#DiscoverTheUndiscovered: Gopalpur is a quaint coastal town in the southern part of Odisha. Just 15 km away from Berhampur, this tiny beachside hamlet is one of the best-kept secrets of the state. Expect to be engulfed in luxury at its cosy stays, and while you soak in the goodness of the balmy beaches, be prepared to unearth layers of history and folklore, too. By Upasana Sarangi
A small town located in the Ganjam district of Odisha, Gopalpur is a sought-after destination for locals of the state; especially for a weekend getaway. The town entails a rich past, as it houses one of the ancient ports in India with flourishing fishing and trading industry. During the British regime, a trade route was developed from Gopalpur to Burma to trade rice. When here, you can witness the remnants of these historical builds.
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Things to Do
Saunter on the beach
With the gentle white sand casually caressing your feet, the therapeutic feel of which will soothe your mind, a walk along the beach is the best thing to do in Gopalpur. The cool wind rushing along the belt of coconut groves will transcend you into a peaceful state of being. You can also indulge in delectable and freshly-made seaside snacks at the local eateries lined along the beach.
Visit the port and the lighthouse
You can witness the cargo ships sailing, and the fishermen artistically laying over the fishing vessels on the Gopalpur Port. The aesthetic appeal of the sea and a glimpse of the local lifestyle make for an enriching site.
The Gopalpur Lighthouse is another unmissable spot. The tower has been standing tall since 1925 and is presently open to the public. You can climb up to the top to witness a 360-degrees view of the pristine beaches and beyond.
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Indulge in aqua sports
The water sports centre provides aqua sports facilities to tourists such as Banana Boat, Jet Ski, Formula 3, Speed Boating, Para Sailing and many more. If you get lucky enough, you may also spot the rare Olive Ridley turtles in the same location.
Shop for souvenirs
Shakuntala market is a local shopping centre where you can find rich handicrafts and souvenirs to celebrate your adventure. Do not miss out on packing some gifts for your loved ones. The district is also known for its impeccable weaving, and hence, you may find some top-notch silk saris too.
Attend the Gopalpur Beach Festival
The annual beach festival organised by the tourism department draws hundreds of tourists from around the country. They put up exclusive entertainment programmes with live food counters and other attractions. Many prominent Indian singers such as Shaan, Sonu Nigam, Neha Kakkar, etc. have performed here over the years. Even though the dates keep changing annually, you can try to attend this festival if you visit in December. To book your passes, track the tourism website for more updates.
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Getting There
If travelling by air, the closest airport is Bhubaneswar, Odisha. You can book a taxi from the airport to drive to Gopalpur.
If travelling by rail, the closest railway station is Behrampur Railway Station. You can drive to Gopalpur from here.
Best Time to Visit
The climate is extremely pleasant from October to February.
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Stay
Most tourists visit Gopalpur to engage in the luxurious experience offered at the Mayfair Palm Beach Resort. It is a prestigious heritage property that spreads across 12 acres of land along the seaside. The resort provides a tranquil experience to its guests with their private beach and sunset point since Gopalpur is known for its exquisite sunsets. They also allow you to indulge in poolside beds, gaming zone, spa and fitness zone, to keep you engaged throughout the day. They provide several weekend packages, which you can tweak as per your convenience. And, they are known for their mouthwatering local buffet spreads.
Apart from this, several other hotels and homestays such as Swosti Palm Resort, OTDC Panthanivas, Hotel Green Park, etc. offer comfortable stays.
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