Gopalpur Tourism And Travel Guide

If you are looking to take a break from the chaos of the commercial tourist cities on your trip to Orissa, your search ends at the tranquil shores of Gopalpur – a beautiful beach town located in southern Orissa. Gopalpur was once just a fishing village, but became a significant trading port after the invasion of the British. Its importance diminished after the British left, but with gradual rise in tourism associated trade and the establishment of luxury hotels in the town, Gopalpur has once again become an important destination in the state that brings in a lot of visitors each year. Here is a brief travel guide to help you plan out your next trip to Gopalpur.

By Air:

The nearest airport from the town of Gopalpur is the Biju Patnaik International Airport situated in the capital city Bhubaneswar. It is around 180 km away from Gopalpur, which is easily accessible through private and public transportation available from outside the airport. 

By Rail: 

The railway station located in the town of Berhampur is the nearest railhead from Gopalpur and is located 16 km away. Berhampur lies on the Howrah-Chennai line and connects to major cities across the country through a good network of trains.

By Road:

Road accessibility to Gopalpur is through the town of Berhampur since there are no direct bus services to the aforementioned town. The Orissa State Road Transport Corporation operates public buses to and from Berhampur on a regular basis. Visitors can also choose to hire a private taxi or drive in directly to Gopalpur from regions nearby.

Winter (October - March): 

The most ideal time to visit Gopalpur is during the winter months when the climate cools down to a pleasant range of 16ᴼC-25ᴼC with minimal chances of precipitation. This is also the season when migratory birds visit the Chilka Lake situated nearby, making it an amazing experience for bird lovers in the area.

Summer (March - June): 

The summer months of Gopalpur are best avoided by tourists, as the blistering heat can prove a little too intense for even the locals sometimes. The temperature averages between highs and lows of 45ᴼC and 35ᴼC respectively.

Monsoon (July - September):

Rainfall in Gopalpur during the monsoons is around the mid range level, with annual precipitation averaging around 119 cm. The occasional rainfall livens up the surroundings and considerably lowers the intense heat of the summer months.

Enjoy Gopalpur-on-Sea:

The most popular tourist spot in town is the Gopalpur Beach, also known as Gopalpur-on-Sea; the peaceful and splendidly scenic beach is the main attraction of the town that brings in tourists from all over the country and even locals looking for a weekend getaway. An old lighthouse located on the beach offers amazing panoramic views of the entire town and even some parts of the Chilka Lake.

Experience Gopalpur Beach Festival: 

This festival is organized by the Ganjam District Hotel Association on the Gopalpur Beach, and is a much-awaited event that takes place each year. It is a great exhibition of local arts and performances that includes dancing, singing and cultural programs native to Orissa’s tradition. The festival takes place for five days and witnesses large crowds that gather to be a part of the celebration.

Visit Chilka Lake:

The famous Chilka Lake is situated around 45 km away from Gopalpur. Apart from the natural beauty of this serene lake that draws people in, it is home to hundreds of migratory bird species that visit during the winter season, making this one of the best places for bird watchers to experience.

The town of Berhampur near Gopalpur is the perfect spot for shopping aficionados and for those looking to bring back some handmade souvenir items that Orissa is famous for. Berhampur is well known for its silk items of clothing, especially the saris, and will make perfect gifts for friends and family back home. The Shakuntala Market is a great place to shop for locally made tribal handicrafts, Ganjam brass items and Paralakhemundi horn works.