Gopalpur-on-Sea

Gopalpur was a working port on the Bay of Bengal with trade running to Burma and Southeast Asia, busy enough in the colonial period to support warehouses, a customs house and a lighthouse, and it declined as shipping moved elsewhere and the harbour silted. 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.

What you actually see

• 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.

Honest expectations

The sea has strong currents and drownings occur; 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.