Orissa beaches beckon

Orissa boasts of a culture and history that can be the envy of any one. There can be any number of reasons to visit this state, it has everything for a tourist’s taste. It has culture, temples that are architectural marvels, wild life sanctuaries and of course the sun bathed beaches. As the winter is about to set in, it is time to plan to go to the beaches and there are none better than the ones of Gopalpur, Puri and Chandrabhaga. 

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 tempered by the sea breeze in the fantastic quietness of the beach amidst palm, coconut and casuarinas 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 Burma (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 frolic. 

APPROACH: Road : Gopalpur is well connected by an excellent all-weather road which branches off from the NH 5 on the outskirts of Berhampur (16 km). Regular bus services are available. Taxis and Autorickshaws are also available.  

Rail : Nearest railhead is Berhampur (16 km) on the S..E. Rly. served by a number of fast trains on Kolkata-Chennai route.  

Air : Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (190 km) and Visakhapatnam (260 km) 

There are a few places of interest around Gopalpur to where day trips can be made.  

Berhampur (16 km) : An important commercial town of South Orissa, Berhampur is an ideal market for shopping . The market displays a dazzling array of Orissan Handicraft and Handloom products. Prominent among them are Silk Sarees and Horn Toys. 

Taptapani (65 km) : Set against the evergreen thick forests, Taptapani is known for its hot sulpher spring, a bath in which during winter is so refreshing. Even during other seasons, the scenic beauty of the place is amazing. During rainy season, clouds roam around the foliage. There is an OTDC Panthanivas with bath tubs directly connected to the hot spring.  

Mahuri Kalua (30 km) : Enroute to Taptapani, Mahuri Kalua is another scenic spot. There is a Shrine of Goddess Kalua in the deep greenery of nature.  

Patisonaour (30 km)' : Down south of Gopalpur, on the border of Andhra Pradesh, 'Patisonapur is another beach. Quiet and secluded, this is a wide and clean beach across the river Bahuda.  

Taratarini (30 km) : On the bank of the Rushikulya near the village Purushottampur, the shrine of the twin loddess Tara and Tarini adorns the hilltop amidst natural beauty. There is a flight of about one thousand steps as well as a pucca notorable road from the foothill to the hilltop. Phe shrine is considered to be a Shakti Pitha of Tantra Cult.

Jaugada (35 km) : About five km further from Taratarini lies Jaugada, famous for the kshokan Rock Inscription like the one found in Dhauli near Bhubaneswar. Large number of old bricks, tiles, potteries, beads, terracotta objects and punch marked coins of Mauryan kge are found in the suburbans. There is also a ruined fort. It stands as an insignia of the ancient heritage of the Rushikulya Valley Civilization that once prevailed in the area.  

Chilika (Ramhha): (45 km) On the sprawling Chilika Lake, Rambha is famous For its scenic beauty and bird sanctuary. Covering an area of about, one, , thousand square kilometres, lakhs of resident and migratory birds of different hue make Chilika their home during winter. Boating in the lake is enjoyable in all seasons. There is also the Shakti Shrine of Kalijai for a pilgrimage. Rambha is on the southern end of the pear shaped lake amidst calm and serene environs. There is an OTDC Panthanivas for night stay.