Gopalpur-On-Sea

How to get there:
Train to Behrampur on the Howrah-Chennai line of South Eastern Railway. An 18km ride via auto or trekker ride from station to Gopalpur.

Survival kit: cotton clothes, beach sandals, camera

Go boating in the backwaters or swimming in the sea. Relive the days of the Raj with a tour of the tour of the old buildings or slurp the delicious sea food on offer. That's Gopalpur-on-Sea. Small and Quaint with an old world charm that is inescapable. But the advantages of modern facilities are very much available in the plethora of places to stay at sea side resort, in Orissa's Ganjan district.
Gopalpur's importance as a port city harks back to the Kalinga Dynasty. Word of its allure, fresh air and bounty of sea spread further during the British rule. The area was developed as a retreat for Anglo-Indian personnel of the South-Eastern Railway and it become famous for its worthy clientele of the British and the Bengalis alike.
The sea is rough but not dangerous. Take a tremble in the Bay Of Bengal to work up an apetitte-the seafood must not be missed. Sun yourself on the Beach or retreat into the shade of the Casuarina forests and hydrate yourself with a coconut water, another top draw is fish auction on the beach.
If in a mood of sight seeing, the Gopalpur Light House is a must see. It's on the edge of the sea about a 15mts walk and then a 154 step climb only. But the view is worth the effort. The Gopalpur-mandir-a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, built sometime in the 18th century, too deserve an excitement and must watch. Venturing a little further out will bring just rewards. The hot sulphur springs of Taptapani are 67km from Gopalpur. Surf the high waves or go sailing or scout the shore for hidden creeks and lagoons through the coconut groves and casaurina copses. And don't miss the spectacular Sunset.