Widely promoted as "Gopalpur on Sea" by several tour operators and hotels, this quaint sleepy town is 12 km off the national highway (NH-5), connecting the capital city of Bhubaneswar to Berhampur. An erstwhile commercial port, known as the port of Paloura, it served as an important trading point for rice with Burma (now Myanmar). Realizing its importance, the East India Company built numerous warehouses and storage units during its rule. As the port prospered, traders even sailed to Indonesia for silk and pearl trading. However, the significance of this port dwindled when the first Anglo-Burmese War started in 1823. The thriving trade with Rangoon came to an abrupt end, never to be revived again. The crumbling pillars of an ancient jetty can still be seen giving an insight to its rich maritime past. Gopalpur has a lovely stretch of sea beach flanked by casuarina trees and some dilapidated buildings. The significant feature of the beach is the mesmerizing view during sunrise.
It inspires a certain quiet, a feeling of infinite peace as crimson streaks start to snake through the grey waves. It becomes a photographer's delight when the entire horizon turns orange and a few fishing trawlers work as a perfect silhouette against the backdrop of the rising sun. On the other hand, the ruined structures lining the beach give a grim reminder of the catastrophic super cyclone that rocked this small town on the night of 29th October, 1999. An early morning walk along Gopalpur's rustic and deserted beach, intermittently lined with decrepit bungalows will make one wonder about the illustrious standing the place once enjoyed. It served as a famous winter destination for rich Bengali families where parties and celebrations were known to continue till the wee hours.
There isn’t much to do here, but that is the point, to truly unwind in its tranquil surroundings, nap, read a book, walk, have a drink and get rejuvenated for the inevitable working week ahead.
Getting there: Approximately 180 km from Bhubaneswar, the journey takes approximately 2.5 hrs owing to excellent road conditions.
Best time to visit: October to February
Suggested accommodation:
1) Panthanivas Goplalpur Phone: +91-680-2243931 to 2343931 Email: otdc@panthanivas.com

2) Mayfair Palm Beach Resort Phone: +91-680-6660101 Email: gopalpuronsea@mayfairhotels.com www.mayfairhotels.com/mayfair-gopalpur

3) Swosti Palm Resort Phone: +91-680-2343718, 2343455, 2343721 Email: information@swosti.com www.swostihotels.com/hotels/gopalpur-palm-resort