The coastal town of Gopalpur, located in Odisha, is named after the Lord Krishna Temple, which was constructed there. There are some unexplored places to visit in Gopalpur, which a wanderlust must not miss out on. When people talk about Odisha, the first two locations that strike their minds are Bhubaneshwar and Puri. But some other offbeat destinations in Odisha offer a lot of places to explore. Gopalpur is one of them! Some might have heard of the Gopalpur Beach Festival that has revived the coastal town on the map. It is the highlight of December and a majority of tourists try to plan a trip to Gopalpur during that time frame. You can plan your trip too!
4 Places To Visit In Gopalpur
Here is a well-curated list of places to visit in Gopalpur that you can check out and explore on your trip to Odisha or locals who are planning for a quick getaway from Odisha:
1. Gopalpur Beach
Nestled on the east coast of the Bay of Bengal, Goplapur Beach is one of the top places to visit in Gopalpur. Also known as ‘Gopalpur-on-Sea,’ the sprawling beach is a haven for Olive Ridley Turtles, which are spotted only in a few places in India, Gopalpur Beach being one of them. One can spend a fun day at the beach by indulging in water sports like jetski, banana boat riding, speed boat riding and activities like camel ride and horse ride. Gopalpur Beach Festival is conducted annually during December on Gopalpur Beach, where people from neighbouring towns and far-off places come to attend the incredible event.
Location: Daringbari Gopalpur Main Road, Brahmapur, Odisha 760010
Timings: 24/7
Must Read: 5 Picnic Spots Near Puri That Will Capture Your Hearts With Their Serenity & Calmness
2. Gopalpur Lighthouse
Maintained by the Odisha Tourist Department, Gopalpur Lighthouse offers scenic views of the entire town. Set up in 1871, a spiral staircase takes you to the top of the ancient lighthouse. An important landmark in Gopalpur, the lighthouse is an ideal place for photographers who want to capture breathtaking views with their lenses and people who have a thing for witnessing enchanting sites and clicking Insta-worthy selfies. Being one of the oldest constructions, the lighthouse is among the most-visited Gopalpur tourist places for those who want to have a 360-degree view of the picturesque town.
Location: Gopalpur Beach, Daringbari Gopalpur Main Road, Brahmapur, Odisha 760010
Timings: 3:30 pm to 5 pm
3. Maa Tara Tarini Hill Temple
Perched on the Kumari Hills on the south bank of River Rushikulya, Maa Tara Tarini Hill Temple is one of the ancient Shakti Pithas in Orissa. The main deities of the temple Maa Tara and Maa Tarini are represented by personified stones that are shaped like human faces and are adorned with gold and silver ornaments. Both deities are considered to be the manifestations of Adi Shakti by the locals. The temple top provides breathtaking views of the Rushikulya River. A total of 999 steps lead to the front of the temple, and visitors who don’t want to climb stairs can direct the vehicle to the backside of the hill to reach the temple. Also, there is a small market complex selling puja articles on the premise. The temple holds great importance for Gopalpur tourism.
Location: Courtpetta, Berhampur, Brahmapur, Odisha 760004
Timings: 6:30 am to 12:30 pm, 2 pm to 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Suggested Read: Unique Species Of Migratory Birds Spotted In Odisha At Bhitarkanika National Park
4. Chilika Lake
Termed as Asia’s largest inland saltwater lagoon, Chilila Lake is an ideal option for people who want to feel closer to nature. The lake provides enchanting views of the lush greenery and serene surroundings, wherein one can seek solace or spend quality time with their family. During the winter season, numerous migratory birds gather around the lake, and one can spot rare species as well. If lucky, you can even spot Irrawaddy dolphins, which are a rare sight to witness. One can indulge in a boat ride to witness the scenic views and amazing sunset. If you are looking for nearby places to visit in Gopalpur Odisha, you must include Chilika Lake in your itinerary.
Location: Satpada Gada Road, Krushnaprasad, Odisha 752011
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
How To Reach Gopalpur?
By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is located about 180 km away from Gopalpur. One can take a taxi thereafter to reach the destination.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Gopalpur is Brahamapur (Berhampur) Railway Station, located 16 km from the coastal town. After that, one can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach their destination.
By Road: There is no direct bus service to Gopalpur. One has to reach Berhampur, from where a bus can be boarded. However, there are cab services from nearby areas to reach Gopalpur. Additionally, one can also take their vehicle.
Suggested Read: 5 Water Parks In Odisha For Those Looking For A Fun-Filled Trip
Best Time To Visit Gopalpur
The winter season, from November to February, is the best time to visit Gopalpur as the town has pleasant weather that is suitable for sightseeing. There is a high footfall during this season and it is recommended to book accommodation well in advance.
Further Read: 8 Best Resorts In Odisha Which Will Let You Set Back And Relax In A Homely Vibe
Now that you have a list of places to visit in Gopalpur, you can spare a day from your Odisha trip and head there to explore the above-listed enchanting locations. The places are worth capturing, both through the eyes and lens. You will be captivated by the natural beauty that Gopalpur has to offer. So, don’t forget to bookmark the page for a hassle-free trip in the future.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Source: Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Gopalpur
What is Gopalpur famous for?
Gopalpur is known for its beach that has Olive Ridley Turtles, which are spotted only in a few places in India.
What is the famous Gopalpur tourist spot?
Gopalpur offers some great sightseeing options that one can visit, such as:
1. Gopalpur Beach
2. Gopalpur Lighthouse
3. Maa Tara Tarini Hill Temple
4. Chilika Lake
Is Gopalpur worth visiting?
Yes, Gopalpur is worth visiting, especially during December, when Gopalpur Beach Festival takes place at Gopalpur Beach. Also, Gopalpur sightseeing places can be explored in this pleasant weather.
How to reach Gopalpur Sea Beach?
The local modes of transport like a bus or a taxi can be chosen to reach Gopalpur Sea Beach.
How far is Gopalpur from Bhubaneshwar?
Gopalpur is approximately 169 km from Bhubaneshwar via road.
What is the best time to visit Gopalpur?
The winter season, from November to February, is the best time to visit Gopalpur as the town has pleasant weather that is suitable for sightseeing.
How far is Gopalpur from Puri by road?
Gopalpur is 171.4 km from Puri via New Jagannath Road, Chennai-Kolkata Highway.
People Also Read:
Places To Visit In Tenkasi Places To Visit In Keylong Places To Visit In Tirupati
