Gopalpur Sea Beach — Attraction in Odisha

Barely 16 km away from Brahmapur (it is also at times considered as a part of Brahmapur), the commercial hub of southern Odisha and close to the border of Andhra Pradesh, is the tiny town of Gopalpur on the Bay of Bengal. This languorous beach with coconut groves, casuarinas and gentle sand dunes is deserted for miles.Renovated in the 1970s at the initiative of the Odisha government, the jetties were supposed to revive the trading activities of Gopalpur port. The old jetty in Gopalpur is tourist attraction point, which was a major point for trade and commerce in medieval times. The sailors of those time started their journey from this jetty to Indonesia and Rangoon across the Indian Sea. Once the renovation of new jetty completed it will become an important port of south Odisha.[5] It's a wonderful drive-in for the people and from the beach, a vast expanse of deep blue sea and the horizon can be seen. Another thrilling sight is the long stretch of cashew nut trees. Cashew nuts are processed here and exported. A major landmark of Gopalpur is its lighthouse. The view from the top is splendid and one can see at a glance the entire town of Gopalpur. Gopalour is also famous for its 'beach festival' organized annually. A nearby beach is Dhabaleshwar, which also houses a temple of the same name. People here can speak Odia and English.

Beach festival and other attractions near Gopalpur edit Gopalpur Beach Festival: The first Gopalpur beach festival was held in 1996 by Gopalpur Club in association with Ganjam District Hotel Association to promote tourism and culture. The concept of Gopalpur Beach Festival was conceived by members of Gopalpur Club along with the members of Ganjam District Hotel Association. Renovated in the 1970s at the initiative of the Odisha government, the jetties were supposed to revive the trading activities of Gopalpur port. The old jetty in Gopalpur is tourist attraction point, which was a major point for trade and commerce in medieval times. The sailors of those time started their journey from this jetty to Indonesia and Rangoon across the Indian Sea. Once the renovation of new jetty completed it will become an important port of south Odisha.[5] It's a wonderful drive-in for the people and from the beach, a vast expanse of deep blue sea and the horizon can be seen. Another thrilling sight is the long stretch of cashew nut trees. Cashew nuts are processed here and exported. A major landmark of Gopalpur is its lighthouse. The view from the top is splendid and one can see at a glance the entire town of Gopalpur. Gopalour is also famous for its 'beach festival' organized annually. A nearby beach is Dhabaleshwar, which also houses a temple of the same name. People here can speak Odia and English.

Beach festival and other attractions near Gopalpur

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Gopalpur Beach Festival: The first Gopalpur beach festival was held in 1996 by Gopalpur Club in association with Ganjam District Hotel Association to promote tourism and culture. The concept of Gopalpur Beach Festival was conceived by members of Gopalpur Club along with the members of Ganjam District Hotel Association

Renovated in the 1970s at the initiative of the Odisha government, the jetties were supposed to revive the trading activities of Gopalpur port. The old jetty in Gopalpur is tourist attraction point, which was a major point for trade and commerce in medieval times. The sailors of those time started their journey from this jetty to Indonesia and Rangoon across the Indian Sea. Once the renovation of new jetty completed it will become an important port of south Odisha.[5] It's a wonderful drive-in for the people and from the beach, a vast expanse of deep blue sea and the horizon can be seen. Another thrilling sight is the long stretch of cashew nut trees. Cashew nuts are processed here and exported. A major landmark of Gopalpur is its lighthouse. The view from the top is splendid and one can see at a glance the entire town of Gopalpur. Gopalour is also famous for its 'beach festival' organized annually. A nearby beach is...

The good Clean and serene: Gopalpur Beach is often praised as one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Odisha. It offers a peaceful and relaxing environment, particularly compared to more crowded beaches like Puri. You'll find golden sand, clear blue water, and coconut and casuarina trees lining the shore. Good for relaxation: The tranquil atmosphere makes it ideal for unwinding, taking leisurely walks, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets: The beach faces east, offering breathtaking views of the sunrise over the Bay of Bengal, which many find to be a highlight. Affordable seafood: You can enjoy fresh and local seafood at reasonable prices from the many shacks and restaurants along the beach. Water sports: The calm waters are suitable for swimming, surfing, sailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides. Nearby attractions: There are other interesting places to visit nearby, such as the Gopalpur Lighthouse, Chilika Lake, and the Rushikulya Turtle Beach (famous for Olive Ridley turtle nesting). The not so good Strong currents: While generally calm, the sea currents at Gopalpur Beach can be strong at times, so it's crucial to be cautious, especially if you're not a strong swimmer or have children. Following safety instructions and staying in areas patrolled by lifeguards is recommended. Limited facilities: Some reviewers mention a lack of changing rooms or proper bathroom facilities directly on the beach, which could be an inconvenience for some visitors. Cleanliness in some areas has also been noted as a concern. Crowding: Although generally less crowded than Puri, Gopalpur Beach can still get busy, especially on weekends and during peak season. Vendors and parking: Some find the presence of numerous vendors on the beach area a bit intrusive, and parking can be tricky at times, with some experiences of local parking attendants being unhelpful. Old lighthouse not accessible: The old lighthouse, which once offered panoramic views, is now closed to the public. Overall Gopalpur Sea Beach is a beautiful and serene destination that offers a peaceful escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. The natural beauty, delicious seafood, and opportunities for relaxation make it a wonderful choice for a getaway. However, it's important to be mindful of the potential for strong currents and consider the limited facilities before your visit. If you enjoy a calm atmosphere and appreciate the natural beauty of the coast, Gopalpur is worth considering for a...

One of the happening beach now in Odisha. Hell lot of people come throughout the year including rain and summer. Best thing it's easy and quick to reach from City and the one who is traveling from outside. So it's just 7-8 km straight way from National Highway.

Pros :-

√ Ample of free parking for two and four wheelers if you can find for free. Or its available enough space for paid parking as well.

√ So many reasonable stays are available just opposite to the beach and Mayfair hotel which is one of the biggest hotel chain in India is available in the Gopalpur beach (it's expensive though).

√ Many roadside eateries are available for quick grabbing to the beach as well as well many small stalls are accommodating to just sit and relax in the beach (you have to buy from them though).

√ You will find city buses and autos directly connection the beach bus stand so hardly 5-10 mins walk from the bus stop.

√ Good and best thing is it has still a hell lot of space to one to relax and spend their self realisation time in the beach.

Cons :-

√ They don't allow people inside the light house to experience the light house view to the beach.

√ It's not allowed to bath in the beach after 7 in the evening.

√ There is no Public toilets are available inside or out in the beach. Which is a major problem for ladies and children.

√ They are recently stopped beach sports activities don't know what is the exact reason.

Overall it's a nice and clean beach that one can rejuvenate thier energy and time with friends and family or being cosy couples 😉.

There is a lot of potential to develop this beach like they recently started Panth Nivas Cottage stay, so like they can start beach shacks and allow few counters to serve the mocktails in the beach.

To the administration, keep up the good work but

please install a public toilet near the beach.

Also please install few bath taps for people who can take shower after the beach bath. I see it's there in all the beaches across India...