One of the most pristine beaches of Orissa, this small 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.
One can still see the crumbling walls and pillars of the jetty, witness
to its past glory of commercial activity. The pleasures of the Blue
Beach and the Blue Bay of her backwaters continue to lure the water
babies. Gopalpur-on-Sea is a surfer's delight and excellent for sailing.
Discovery of a Holiday Hideout
Originally, a small fishing village on the coast of Orissa, it was so
named when a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was constructed some time
in the 18th century. Apart from its temple, Gopalpur was distinguished
for its magnificent beach and was discovered as a perfect winter resort.
The East India Company built huge warehouses and godowns because the
trade with Burma had picked up and Gopalpur had become a trading point
for rice from Rangoon. In those days, there were dances and parties that
continued until the early hours and wealthy Bengalis from Calcutta made
it their holiday home.
Gopalpur's importance dwindled when trade with Burma abruptly ceased
during the war and never revived again. When the British left India,
even members of rich Bengali homes preferred to holiday in other places
of the country, Gopalpur reverted to what it was originally, a fishing
village.
With an increase in tourist trade in the late seventies, and the
opening of luxury hotels, a slow revival began and today Gopalpur-On-Sea
is one of the foremost beach resorts in India.
This is the one beach that is as yet, not exposed much to tourism and
hence still unspoiled. If you are looking for a quiet holiday in the lap
of nature, the beach at Gopalpur awaits you. A golden beach fringed by
sand dunes and ruins of an old jetty from where, in medieval times,
sailors set out to Indonesia, make this an ideal place for a relaxing
holiday. A perfect beach, fairly isolated and undisturbed by the
day-trippers.
