Gopalpur on Sea

One of the most pristine beaches of Odisha, this quiet beach is a splendid retreat for sea-worshippers, located about 16 km from Berhampur. Once a humming seaport, Gopalpur offers its visitors a slice of serenity in environs that are conducive to introspection and conviviality.

Gopalpur, widely known as “Gopalpur on Sea” is home to numerous serene beaches and picturesque spots. this humming seaport can be a real retreat to the sea worshippers. Despite the crumbling walls and pillars of the jetty, that are a witness to a past glory of commercial activity; the beach offers peaceful ambience conducive to introspection and conviviality.

Ideal for both sailing and surfing, the beach is fairly isolated and remains undisturbed by the day trippers. Avid beach combers have time and again declared the beach as one of the finest ones at the Eastern Coast. The alluring capability of the beach has pressurized the authorities to revitalize the port again and make it fit for modern ships. May the pleasures of the beach with her backwaters continue to spread its aquatic magic!

16 km from Berhampur, the Gopalpur-on-sea is a popular beautiful sandy beach. Clusters of coconut and palm trees, white sand dunes overgrown with casuarinas plantation separate the beach from the blue waters of the sea. During the days of Kalingas it was known as the port of Paloura from which traders sailed as far as Java, Bali and Sumatra and piled up wealth dealing in silk and pearl. Later it was a transit point to export sugar and cheap labourers for the tea gardens of Assam in north eastern India. The crumbling walls and the pillars of an ancient jetty together with some crumbling bungalows are witness to its swinging maritime past.

The beach with its golden sand of the blue sea has its own sleepy charm. The beach is a very quite and comparatively clean place to swim and sun bathe, but take precautions because of treacherous undercurrents. Watching Gopalpur's endless empty shoreline getting swarmed with fishermen with their hand-nets full of catch is interesting and enjoyable to while away time in the stunning stillness.

Whether it is the rising Sun over the azure waters or the rhythmic lapping of waves shimmering in the bright moonlight, it is an enduring experience. The old lighthouse open to visitors each afternoon, but for a very short duration, offers good views.

Very easily accessible from Berhampur, it has plenty of accommodation options (advisable to book in advance during the high season, November-January; for the rest of the year, it is just idle).