Vacations play a vital role in breaking the monotony of our lives, and every trip adds a fresh layer of joy and discovery to our memories. This time, we set out for Gopalpur-on-Sea, a quiet coastal town in Ganjam district, Odisha — very close to the Andhra Pradesh border. What awaited us there was not just a beach holiday, but a blend of history, serenity, and unforgettable moments.

The Journey to Gopalpur

We began our journey with a train ride to Brahmapur (Berhampur), popularly known as the Silk City of Odisha. Gopalpur is just 16 km away, connected by a smooth all-weather road that branches off from the bustling NH-16.

A minibus arranged by our hotel, Sea Side Breeze, picked up our group of eight families from Brahmapur station. Excitement was already in the air as we drove towards the Bay of Bengal.

Hotel Sea Side Breeze — Living by the Sea

When Mashimoni finalized Hotel Sea Side Breeze, little did we know that its location would turn out to be such a gem. The hotel stands right on the beach — so close that the rhythm of the waves became a part of our daily soundtrack.

Polite and helpful staff, fresh and homely food, and the sight of the sea right from our rooms made it an experience worth every moment.

The sparkling golden sands and the azure waters stretched endlessly, offering a perfect mix of quietness and charm.

Gopalpur Beach — Rough Waves, Gentle Charm

The beach at Gopalpur carries its own character. Unlike many shallow beaches, the sea here is rough and deep. Locals warned us against venturing too far because of the strong undercurrents, but staying close to the shore was pure bliss.

With its golden sands, frothy waves, and a sleepy charm, the beach is a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or simply letting time drift away. Watching the fishermen cast their nets into the sea was another sight that kept us captivated.

A Glimpse into History

Gopalpur’s story is not just about its present-day calmness; it is layered with fascinating history.

• In ancient times, it was known as Paloura, a thriving port from where traders sailed to Java, Bali, and Sumatra, dealing in silk and pearls. Even Ptolemy, the Greek geographer, recorded its maritime importance in the 2nd century CE.
• During the British colonial period, Gopalpur once again rose to prominence as a port for exporting sugar and sending laborers to Assam’s tea gardens. Ruins of the old British warehouse, now serving mundane purposes, still stand as silent witnesses of that bygone era.

Today, fishing is its lifeline, while tourism adds a gentle but steady pulse to the town’s economy.

Sunrise at Gopalpur — A Divine Experience

If there is one thing etched permanently in my memory from this trip, it is the sunrise over the Bay of Bengal.

Standing barefoot on the cool sand, watching the first rays of the sun rise from the endless horizon, while waves lapped in perfect rhythm, was nothing short of divine.

The first dawn of 2018 at Gopalpur felt like nature itself was ushering us into a new year filled with hope.

The Lighthouse — A Silent Guardian

There is a quaint lighthouse on one end of the beach.

Originally a mast-light set up in 1871, it was replaced by a skeletal tower in 1925, and the present structure was commissioned in 1967. The lighthouse is not just functional — aiding ships, the Navy, and Coast Guard — but also symbolic, having weathered two devastating cyclones: the 1999 Odisha super-cyclone and Phailin in 2013.

At night, its beams shine every five seconds, adding a unique glow to the Gopalpur seascape.

We enjoyed the first day on the sea beach. The second day was planned for a visit to Rambha, Chilka.

A Day Trip to Chilka Lake

Chilka is one of the largest brackish water lagoons in the world, offering shelter to a huge variety of birds and aquatic plants. Rambha is located at the southern coast of the Chilka lagoon, at a distance of 40 km from Brahmapur on National Highway NH-16. The lake also serves as a safe haven of around 150 species of migratory birds during winter. Dotted with numerous islands, Rambha boasts of its enchanting picturesque beauty overlooking the Chilka Lake and the hills. We reached the OTDC resort — Rambha Panthanivas by a minibus. We negotiated for motor boats at the jetty behind the Panthanivas.

We split us into two groups and each group cruised into Chilka lake in separate motor boats.

We first reached the Breakfast Island. It took us around 20 minutes. The Breakfast Island has been formed between Badakuda Island and Somolo Island in the Rambha Bay is truly the most beautiful place to have your packed breakfast.

The Somolo Island has the remnants of a dilapidated bungalow, built by the King of Kalikote. The name breakfast point came from British rule time where this place was used as the breakfast point.

From Breakfast Island, we cruised for another 20 minutes to reach a small island with one statue of Dinosaur at one side the island constructed by the Odisha tourism department. Some part of it was damaged by the recent cyclone. This island is also known as Birds Island. All trees and birds nest were affected by the cyclone Phailin in the month of October 2013.

We then cruised to a small rocky island named Sanakuda Island. There is a small cave that houses the Siddeshwar idol in this rocky uninhabited island. We prayed to Siddeshwar from the boat and moved ahead.

Cruising on Chilka lake is truly an unforgettable experience. We returned to our hotel at Gopalpur-on-sea after having our lunch at a Dhaba by the National Highway NH-16.

Village Fair & Local Flavours

Since it was Christmas–New Year time, Gopalpur hosted a small village fair right beside our hotel. Brightly lit stalls, local vendors, and joyrides kept the children thrilled.

We also roamed the local market, buying fresh chicken to prepare our own barbecue feast for New Year’s Eve.

Welcoming the New Year on the Beach

Welcoming the New Year on the Beach

December 31st was spent leisurely — playing with waves, strolling the beach, and preparing for the big night.

As evening fell, we lit a bonfire, grilled chicken over makeshift barbecue pits, played music, and danced away. Our hotelier added to the festivities with fireworks at midnight.

Farewell to Gopalpur

On January 1st, we packed our bags, bid adieu to the sea, and boarded our train back from Brahmapur railway station.

The trip left us with countless memories — of golden beaches, divine sunrises, fascinating history, and shared joy.

Gopalpur-on-Sea may not be as commercialised as Puri or Goa, but that is precisely its charm. Its peace, remoteness, and natural beauty make it one of India’s most beautiful offbeat beaches. Perfect for friends and families looking to unwind away from the crowd.