Gopalpur-on-Sea

Gopalpur was an ancient port of the Kalinga coast, used by travellers setting out for Southeast Asia, and in the colonial period the Soraine family turned the fishing village into a trading port with a route to Burma, building the port, the lighthouse and the Albert Hotel; the town is now better known for its modern port. What is left is a broad sand beach, a ruined jetty running out into the surf, a working lighthouse, and old buildings behind the front in varying states. It has stayed quiet compared with the Odisha coast further north, and fishing boats still launch through the surf. Cyclones have repeatedly struck this stretch of coast.

History

Gopalpur has an ancient sea port, used in the heyday of maritime Kalinga by travellers setting out for Southeast Asia. In the colonial period the Soraine family turned the obscure fishing village into a prominent trading port, building the port, the lighthouse and the Albert Hotel and opening a local fishing industry and a trade route with Burma (Wikipedia, Gopalpur, Odisha).

The main sights

• The ruined jetty - the old pier running out into the surf.
• The broad beach - sand backed by casuarina and the old town.
• The lighthouse - the working tower above the shore.
• The fishing launches - boats pushed out through the breakers.

When to go

October to March for dry weather; cyclone season on this coast runs October to December and Gopalpur has been hit repeatedly. Summer is hot and humid.

What to expect

The sea has strong currents and there is no lifeguard cover. Facilities are limited and some hotels are dated. The town is faded rather than picturesque.

Nearby

Berhampur lies inland; Chilika lagoon is north.

Key facts