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:: Fact sheet of Gopalpur

Located at	Eastern Coast of Orissa, India
Famous for	Port and beach
Mode of Transport	Road
Nearest Airport	Located at Bhubaneswar (60 kms from Puri)
Local Language	Oriya
Other languages	English and Hindi
Best Time to visit	Any part of the year

:: Background
Located 16 kms from Berhampur, the hub of Southern Orissa, it is a small town whose Beach’s proximity to the mighty Bay of Bengal is awe inspiring. The beach’s golden sands and clear blue waters are very popular with swimmers. Those who are not good swimmers take the help of Nolias (local fishermen) and enjoy a pleasant swim and bath. Beachcombers and sea worshippers find the beach a splendid spectacle. The sight of hard working fishermen pulling their catch or mending their nets makes for delightful watching. One can also find plenty of beautiful objects made of seashells here that make for excellent souvenirs for decorating a drawing Room or giving some one a Present. The place is also popular for sand sculptures made by some local artisans, rich healthy seafood especially fish and Green coconuts.
During the British Raj till 1942, Gopalpur was buzzing was an extremely popular seaport buzzing with maritime activities. Its fine reign came to an end during the Second World War and eventual separation from Burma (now Myanmar). One can still see crumbling walls, pillars, lighthouse and not to forget several bungalows and mansions, belonging to the erstwhile European merchants here. The state in a bit to revive past glory is building a modern and sophisticated port. A trip to Orissa is not complete without a visit to this fine town.

Popular Tourist Attractions

Berhampur Located 16 kms from Gopalpur, it is an important commercial town of South Orissa that offers delightful shopping experience for a dazzling array of Orissan Handicraft and Handloom products, among which Silk Saris arid Horn Toys are very popular.

Taptapani Located about 65 kms from Gopalpur, it is a nature’s marvel. Set against the evergreen thick forests, it has a charm that stays fresh all through the year and during all seasons. It is popular for hot sulpher spring, a refreshing bath during winter and flight of roaming clouds roam during rainy season.

Mahuri Kalua Located 30 kms from Gopalpur, enroute to Taptapani, it is a fascinating scenic spot. There is a Shrine of Goddess Kalua situated in the midst of lush greenery.

Patisonapur Located 30 kms to the south of Gopalpur on the border of Andhra Pradesh, it is a delightful beach. Quiet and secluded, it is a wide and clean beach across the river Bahuda.

Taratarini Located 30 kms from Gopalpur on the bank of the river Rushikulya near the village Purushottampur, it is famous for the shrines of the twin Goddess Tara and Tarini (Shakti Pitha of Tantra Cult). The shrine is a nature’s marvel situated on top of the hill that is blessed with a staircase of one thousand steps. A decent motorable road from the foothill to the hilltop also exists.

Jaugada Located 35 kms from Gopalpur and about five kms further from Taratarini. It is famous for the Ashokan Rock Inscription (similar to one found in Dhauli near Bhubaneswar). Large number of old bricks, tiles, potteries, beads, terracotta objects and punch marked coins of Mauryan Age are found in the suburban. There is also a ruined fort that stands as an insignia of the ancient heritage of the Rushikulya Valley Civilization that once prevailed in the area.

Chilika (Rambha): Located 45 kms from Gopalpur in the sprawling Chilika Lake, it 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. Tourists can also make it to the Shakti Shrine of Kalijai for a pilgrimage.

To Reach Gopalpur

By Air: The nearest airports are located at Bhubaneswar (175 kms) and Visakhapatnam (260 kms). Both offer flights from Indian Airlines, Air Sahara and Air Deccan to and from major Indian cities.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is located at Berhampur (16 km – comes under South Eastern Railways) that offers a number of fast trains on Kolkata-Chennai route.

By Road: Well-connected by an excellent all-weather road, NH 5 on the outskirts of Berhampur (16 kms). Decent and regular bus, taxi and auto services are available.

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