Besides Chandipur and Puri, there is another beautiful coastal destination for the tourists in Odisha which is Gopalpur. With plenty of shopping locations nearby, delicious food, and the beautiful Bay of Bengal in all her glory, Gopalpur is going to steal your hearts and it is time you planned a vacation to this beautiful beach destination.
Historical Background:
Gopalpur used to be a popular fishing village and in the 18th century a temple was built here dedicated to Lord Krishna. Another name of Krishna is Gopal and that is how the region got its name. Slowly it was discovered to be an amazing coastal location and the tourism aspect was paid attention to put together what it is today.
Things to Do and Major Attractions:
One of the first things to check out while in Gopalpur is of course the mesmerizing sea beach of Gopalpur. The Olive Ridley turtles are known to rest in this peaceful and quiet beach. Tourists also drive to the Chilika Lake and there you can take a boat-ride and try to spot dolphins. This lake is the largest inland salt-water lake and the beautiful surroundings consisting of rich greenery is going to leave you spellbound.
The Rushikulya Beach is another popular attraction for the tourists to Gopalpur. This place is known for being the confluence of the river Rushikulya and the Bay of Bengal. Other places of interest in Gopalpur include the likes of Shakuntala Market and OTDC shop which can be heaven for the shopping enthusiasts.
People and Culture:
The people of Gopalpur are mostly employed in fishing or tourism activities and they speak Odia language. Hindi is also understood in the region and the population consists mainly of Hindus. The annual event of the beach festival is a major celebration in this region.
Local Food and Popular Shopping Items:
Being a coastal location, the sea-food of Gopalpur is famously known for its quality and taste. You can taste the delicious fish, prawn, and crab dishes. The Odia cuisine is also available in numerous local restaurants such as Sea-Shell Fast Food and Krishna’s.
Gopalpur is known for a rich array of silk sarees and dhotis. The fabrics here are among the best in Odisha and tourists are known to pick fabrics as a souvenir as well. You can also lay your hands on the local handicrafts and spices. You can head to the Bara Bazaar or the Annapurna Market for the best shopping experience.
Best Time to Visit:
If you plan a trip to Gopalpur, make sure to plan it during November to February. These four months have some of the best climatic conditions in Gopalpur and it means that you can spend some quality time by the sea in soothing weather conditions.
Availability of Accommodation Type:
The Swosti Palm Resort is the ideal destination for a luxurious stay in Gopalpur but to avoid the pocket-pinch, you can pick from some economical options such as Hotel Nirmalya and Hotel Ganesh Bhawan. There is no dearth of living options in Gopalpur and you can carefully pick the one that suits you the most.
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