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Gopalpur
" On Sea " in Orissa.
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Enchanting sea beach of Gopalpur-on-sea |
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Hardly 16 km from Berhampur, the hub of Southern Orissa, is 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. 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 Bruma ( Now
Myanmar). The crumbling walls and pillars and the light house stand witness
to the post 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 . Watching the
life on the beach is also exciting. The fishermen pulling their catch or
mending their nets add local colour. 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 food,
especially fish from the deep sea, satisfy the hungry stomach.
Green-coconuts quench the thirst.
Intense heat of the summer is temperated by the
sea breeze in the fantastic quietness of the beach amidst palm,
coconut and casuarina trees.
A trip to Gopalpur-on-sea is a rewarding
experience of sun and sun and sea, fun and frolic . |
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ROAD - Gopalpur is well connected by an
excellent all-weather road which branches off from the N.H. 5 on the
outskirts of Berhampur (16km). Regular bus services are available. Taxis and
Auto rickshaws are also available. |
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RAIL - Nearest
railhead is Berhampur (16
km )on the South Eastern Railway served by number of fast trains in
Kolkata-Chennai route. |
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AIR - Nearest
airport is Bhubaneswar ( 190 km )
and Visakhapatnam ( 260 km ) |
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EXCURSION |
There are a few places of interest around Gopalpur to which
day trips can be made.
Berhampur (16 km ) : An
important commercial town of
South Eastern Orissa. Berhampur is an ideal markets for shopping. The market
display a dazzling array of Orissan Handicraft and Handloom Products.
Prominent among them are Silk Sarees and Horn Toys.
Taptapani ( 65 km ) : Set against the evergreen thick
forests, Taptapani is known for its hot sulphur spring , a bath in which
during winter is so refreshing .Even during of the place is amazing. During
rainy season , clouds roam around the foliage. There is an O.T.D.C Panthanivas
with bath tubs directly connected to the spring . |

Hot sulphur spring Taptapatni |
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Mahuri Kalua (30 km ) : Enrooted to
Taptapani, Mahuri Kalua is another scenic spot. There is a Shrine of Goddess
Kalua in the deep greenery of nurture .
Patisonapur (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
river Rushikulya near the village purushottampur, the shrine of the
twin Goddess Tara 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.
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Jaugada (35 km ):
About five km further from Taratarini lies Jaugada, famous for the Ashokan
Rock Inscription like the
one found in Dhauli near Bhubaneswa. Large number of old briks, tiles ,
potteries, beads, terracotta objects and punch marked coins of mauryan age
are found in the suburbans . There is also a ruined fort. It stand as an
insignia of the ancient heritage of the Rushikulya Valley Civilization that
once prevailed in the area.
Chilika ( Rambha ) (45 km ) : On the sprawling Chilika Lake, Rambha is
famous for its scenic beauty and bird sanctuary . Covering an area of about
one thousand 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 the Kalijai for
a pilgrimage. Rambha is on the southern end of the pear shaped lake amidst
calm and serene environs. There is an O.T.D.C Panthanivas for night stay. |
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