| State
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Orissa |
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| Capital |
Bhubaneshwar |
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| Main Language |
Oriya |
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| Roads |
Surfaced: 19,279 Kms,
Unsurfaced: 1,54,357 Kms |
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| Railways |
2,178 Kms |
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| Airports |
Bhubaneshwar, Raurkela |
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| Climate |
Summer: 49 C to 27 C
Winter: 16 C to 5 C Monsoon: July to October |
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 Hardly 16 km from
Berhampur, the club of Southern Orissa, is the tiny town of Gopalpur on
the Bay of Bengal. Enjoying the reputation of being a popular Beach
Resort of Orissa, the deep and clear blue waters instantly provoke those
who are good swimmers. The temptation of bathing here is irresistible.
Not-so-good swimmers take the hands of the Nolias (local fishermen who
help bathers) and enjoy a pleasant bath. White surf splashing on the
golden sands makes Gopalpur-on-Sea as one of the finest beaches on the
eastern coast. A fascinating haunt for avid beach combers and sea
worshippers, it is a splendid retreat.
Watching the life on the beach is also exciting. The fishermen pulling
their catch or mending their nets add local colour. Beautiful objects
made of seashells available in abundance are worth buying souvenirs for
decorating a Drawing Room or giving some one a Present. Sand sculptures
here and, there made by some local artists are a feast to the eyes.
Mouth watering sea food, especially fish from the deep sea, satisfy the
hungry stomach. Green-coconuts quench the thirst.
Intense heat of the summer is temperated by the sea breeze in the
fantastic quietness of the beach amidst palm, coconut and casuarina
trees.
Gopalpur was once buzzing with maritime activities which Orissa is known
for ages. It was one of the outlets through which early settlers of
South East Asia sailed off. It was a famous and popular seaport during
the British Rule till about 1942 when it ceased to operate due to the
second world war and separation from Bunna (now Myanmar). The crumbling
walls and pillars and the. light house stand witness to the past port.
Remains of several bungalows and mansions belonging to the European
merchants give the place a colonial look. A modern port is being
developed here to revive the lost glory.
A trip to Gopalpur-on-sea is a rewarding experience of sun and sea, fun
and frolick.
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