Gopalpur Beach Festival
The Gopalpur Beach Festival draws more tourists in one day than what the beach attracts in an entire year. The festival is a celebration of the vibrant and colourful culture of Odisha. Started in the year 1996 by the Ganjam District Hotel Association to promote tourism and culture among the locals, the Gopalpur Beach Festival has been a massive success in putting the tiny city of Gopalpur back on the map.
The festival is usually held in December and is an absolute treat for all. The celebration of this festival is a huge deal with renowned celebrities performing live concerts and dancing to peppy beats. The locals, as well as people from other cities, entertain the crowd with a feast of dances- folk, classical and modern.
Shopping:The locals find this festival to be a great source of revenue as they set up stalls along the beach that sell items peculiar and special to Gopalpur and Odisha. Some stalls sell art that celebrates the Odisha culture and is made by local artists. Many vendors sell colourful and unique jewellery made of stone, clay or wax. If you wish, they can make you bangles or necklaces of your size and choice right in front of you! They also sell small and carefully sculpted and idols of Ganesh, Shiva and Sai Baba. Hand-made dolls and toys are also available for sale for the children.
Camel Rides:You can opt to take a long stroll along the beach alone, or you can get a camel to accompany you. Camel rides along the Gopalpur beach are a local favourite and are exciting. Two people can sit on the camel at one time, and the ride lasts for about 10-15 minutes.
Always negotiate the price with the camel ride providers. They usually start off at an exorbitant rate, but you'll be surprised at how fast they are willing to drop the quotations.
Cuisine:Gopalpur's proximity to the sea makes the seafood available here an absolute delight. In fact, the city is renowned for its fried fish, prawns, crabs and pomfrets. Many stalls are set up that sell these delicious dishes made with a local twist for very cheap rates.
Sunset at Gopalpur Beach
The view of the sunset at the Gopalpur Beach is a mesmerizing one. The magnanimous red ball of fire slowly starts descending towards the horizon making the skies flush with warm shades of pink and orange. The last rays of the sun glide across the waters and make them sparkle with joy. Gradually, the giant star vanishes behind the horizon and gives way to a million other tiny stars to light up the night sky. To witness this beautiful phenomenon while relaxing on the cool white sands of the beach will surely leave you in awe of nature's wondrous ways and de-stress you from all the tensions of the fast-paced lives.
How to Reach Gopalpur Beach
Gopalpur is not directly connected by rail but can be reached by the nearest railhead, Behrampur Railway Station which is located only 16 km away from the main city centre of Gopalpur. You can hail a cab or an auto rickshaw, and they will take you to the Gopalpur Beach in no time and at affordable rates.
The Orissa State Road Transportation Corporation has buses plying in and out of Gopalpur quite frequently. There are talks in play of moving an inter-state bus terminus to Gopalpur which will make commuting to the city all the more easier.
All the major hotels and resorts are located on the beach itself and cater to the transportation needs. You can also hire private taxis or take one of the many local buses to reach the beach.
Top Tourist Places in Gopalpur
Shopping in Gopalpur
Gopalpur Lighthouse
Ramha (Chilika)
Mayfair Palm Beach Resort
Chilika Lake
OTDC Shop, Behrampur
All Tourist Places in Gopalpur
Tips
1. Apply lots of sunscreen before heading to the beach.2. Take care of jewellery and clothing as they often get swept away by the waves.3. Swimming in the turbid sea is usually discouraged by locals due to high tides. Better listen to them!4. There aren't any changing rooms or washrooms near the beach.
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