The sea and the golden sand makes it one of the highly sought after beaches in India. Good accommodation options in serene and clam atmosphere turns it into a favored holiday destination. Bathing and surfing in the sea waters with the assistance from nolias can be a great experience.

Picture 1 - Gopalpur-on-sea Map

With an increase in the number of tourists from the late 70s, this beach has experienced a slow revival. The crumblings walls and old jetty pillers are clear witness to the maritime past of Gopalpur. The disturbance of the temple towns is fully absent in this place.

How to reach Gopalpur-on-sea?

• By air: The nearest airport, to Gopalpur-on-sea, is Bhubaneswar which is about 180 kilometers away. Flights to Bhubaneswar are available from all metro cities in India. From Kolkata, it only takes one hour to reach Bhubaneswar by air.
• By rail: The closest rail-station is Berhampur (falls on the Howrah – Chennai line) which is 16 kilometers away from Gopalpur-on-sea beach. Berhampur station is just 608 kilometers from Howrah and about 1069 kilometers from Chennai. Trains that stop at Berhampur are – 5228/5227 Muzaffarpur Yeshvantpur Express, 6003/6004 Howrah Chennai Mail, 2863/2864 Howrah Yeshvantpur Express, 2703/2704 Faluknama Express, 2508/2507 Guwahati Ernakulam Express, 8645/8646 East Coast Express, 6355/6356 Kanyakumari Express, 2660/2659 Gurudev Express, 2863/2864 Howrah Yeshvantpur Express, 5630/5629 Guwahati Chennai Egmore Express, 2530/2509 Guwahati Bangalore Express, 5628/5627 Guwahati Trivandrum Express and Howrah Tiruchirapalli Express. For timings, please check with the Indian Railways’ website.
• By road: One can also reach Gopalpur-on-sea through National Highway 5. Gopalpur is just seventy miles away from Puri.

Gopalpur-on-sea History

Gopalpur acted as a salient trading port for the British East India Company. The Britishers constructed large godowns and warehouses as their business with Burma began to thrive.  Once the wealthy Bengalis and British who earlier made this place happening and vibrant, left, it reverted back to being a relaxed and quite place with a unique charm of its own.

Gopalpur-on-sea Beach

This quiet and pristine beach stretches around half mile on the Bay of Bengal shores. The sand is quite clean and almost free from shells. The water is comforting and warm enough throughout the year.  The quiet ambiance of the beach makes it a perfect place for people to relax under the blue skies and easy breeze. As the beach faces east, watching sunrise is absolutely spectacular.Getting up quite early to experience the sarrounding places can be a good option. Seeing the endless empty shoreline of Gopalpur getting pullulated with fishermen and their hand nets full of catch is interesting.

Gopalpur-on-sea Weather

Best time to visit Gopalpur-on-sea is from October till April, especially during winter. In summer, temperature revolves around 35 degrees centigrade and in winter, it stays around 16 degrees centigrade.

Gopalpur-on-sea Lighthouse

The lighthouse provides a 360 degree view of the place as well as a part of the Chilika Lake. It opens at 3.30 (IST) and closes at 5.30 (IST). Bags are permitted atop the lighthouse.

Picture 2 - Gopalpur-on-sea Picture

Gopalpur-on-Sea Food and Dining

Gopalpur-on Sea is a perfect place for fish lovers. Mustard fish (Bengali style) and other continental fish dishes are some of the popular delicacies cooked in nearby hotels and restaurants. During evening’s gayety, one can also enjoy jhal muri, chana chat or grilled fish near beachside.

Gopalpur-on-sea Travel Tips

• Swimming would not be a good option because of the undercurrent, though one may hire nolias. It is advisable to see their identity card before hiring.
• Auto is the best possible option to travel around. Good bargaining skill is needed as the drivers do not run on meter at times and tend to charge more.

Gopalpur-on-sea Accommodations

As far as accoodation is concerned, visitors get a wide range of options starting from luxury tourist resorts, holiday homes to cheap and budget hotels. In a budget hotel, tariff may start from Rs. 200 per day to Rs. 500 per day and in luxury deluxe hotels and resorts, charges may start from around Rs. 800 and may go up to Rs. 3000 or more. Charges go up during peak seasons. Economy options include youth hostel. Tourists may also take refurbished old houses or bungalows on rent.

Picture 3 - Gopalpur-on-sea Hotel

Here is a list of some popular hotels and resorts :

Panthanivas: There is a government operated Panthanivas, which is located around one and a half kilometers away from the beach front. Telephone – +91 680 2243931, +91 680 2242088. Email – otdc@ortel.net, otdc@panthanivas.com

Swosti Palm Resort: Swosti Palm Resort, near Gopalpur-on-sea, is a very popular luxury resort. It has a multi cuisine restaurant along with all the amenities that a deluxe resort offers. Telephone No. – 0674 23 000 008, Fax No. – 0674 23 018 80.

Hotel Sea Pearl: Hotel Sea Pearl, near Gopalpur-on-sea, is absolutely the right hotels for a comfortable stay. The bright and golden sunrise as well as the magnificent Bay of Bengal is a treat to watch from here.

Hotel Kalinga: Hotel Kalinga is one of the most sought after places to stay in Gopalpur-on-sea. The home like atmosphere is certain to make you feel like home.  Phone No: 0680-282067.

Oberoi Palm Beach: Oberoi Palm Beach is another famous place to stay. This hotel is just 17 kilometers away from the railway station. Most of the rooms in this hotel are sea facing.

Motel Mermaid: Motel Mermaid, which stands for comfort and care, is situated on the Beach Road.

Hotel Green Park, Hotel Rohini and Hotel Sea Side Breeze are some of the other popular hotels for staying in.

Gopalpur-on-sea Sightseeing and Nearby Places

There are many nearby places which may add extra fun to your holiday.

• Berhampur (16 kms): Berhampur is an important as well as popular commercial town. The market, in Berhampur, displays an eye-popping array of Odisha’s Handloom products and Handicraft. Horn Toys and Silk Sarees are spectacular among them.
• Aryapalli (16 km): Ayapalli beach, in Odisha, with its quiet and charming atmosphere is a perfect place for nature lovers.
• Taptapani (65 km): Taptapani is located on the Eastern Ghats. The lavish green jungle along with a hot spring has always attracted tourists from all over the country. There is an OTDC run Panthanivas, which is an ideal location for spending few days in natural environment.
• Rambha (45 km): Just 45 kilometers away from Gopalpur-on-sea, Rambha is well known for its scenic beauty. Boating is the most popular activity in this place. There is an OTDC operated Panthanivas next to the lake.

Apart from these places, Mahuri Kalua (30 km), Taratarini (30 km), Patisonapur (30 km) and Jaugarh (35 km) are some other nearby places one can easily go from Gopalpur-on-sea. Small tourist cars can be hired to go to these places. Auto rickshaws can be hired for moving around near Gopalpur.

Picture 4 - Gopalpur-on-sea Image

Gopalpur-on-sea Contact Information

• Address: Government of Odisha tourist office, New Bus Stand (1st Floor), Berhampur, Dist. Ganjam.
• Telephone: +91 680 2280226.

For more information on Gopalpur-on-sea, please contact to government of Odisha’s tourist office or visit their official website.

Gopalpur-on-sea is not as trendy or commercial as Goa, but it has got its very own charm. This fairly undisturbed and isolated beach is counted among India’s best beaches. The sand dunes of the beach are attracting tourists from all over the world.

Satpura National Park Area

The Satpura National Park and Tiger Reserve covers a total area of 524 square km. It is the core area of Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve. This Biosphere Reserve consists of Bori Sanctuary, Panchmarhi Sanctuary and Satpura National Park that makes up the total of 1427 square km approximately. The altitude of the region varies within 300 m and 1352 m. The park terrain is extremely challenging, consisting of narrow gorges, waterfalls, sandstone peaks, dense forests, rivulets and deep valleys. Dhoopgarh is the highest peak of this park, situated at 4500 ft. altitude.

Picture 1 - Satpura National Park Map

Satpura National Park Direction

• By Air – Nearest airport to the park is situated at Bhopal, the Raja Bhoj Airport, around 200 km from the national park. Private cars are available, from this airporte plying to and from the park. Rates are negotiable. The other two nearby airports are Jabalpur Airport (250kms) and Nagpur Airport (320kms).
• By Train – Nearest railway stations to the park are Itarsi (75kms), Sohagpur (19km), Pipariya (50kms) and Hoshangabad (50kms). Pipariya station, being the main line of Mumbai-Howrah route, is a major rail transport way and the most convenient one.
• By Road – There are three entrances to the national park. Madhai Entrance Gate is the most commonly used entry way. This gate is about 100kms from Pachmarhi. This entry way is not more than 19 kms from Pipariya-Hoshangabad road. If plying in a private vehicle then make sure that the vehicle is fit enough to carry itself in the challenging terrain of the region.

To get detailed information about direction, please log in to the national park’s official website.

Satpura National Park History

During 17th and 18th century this region witnessed termoils between the Mughals and the Marathas. In the year 1857, Captain J. Forsyth of Bengal Cavalry Regiment came tothis beautiful region in search of Tantya Tope, the famous freedom fighter. He thought it to be a perfect place to set up a military base. In the year 1861, the central provinces’ forest department was found under Captain GF Pearson. Captain J. Forsyth played an important role in the department. Next year, the forest department started operating from a building in the national park, called Bison Lodge.

The original Bison Lodge does not exist anymore. A new building with the same name has been constructed in the park and has been turned into a forest museum.

To know more about the history of this place, visit the park’s website.

Satpura National Park Weather

The park remains close during monsoons. Weather condition is pleasant  in summers, maximum temperature does not go beyond 35°C. In winters the temperature goes below 4°C at night.

Log in to the tiger reserve’s website to get datails about the weather condition.

Satpura National Park Wildlife Attractions

Gaur, sloth bear, dhole (Wild Dog) and leopard sightings are better than any other national parks  in this part of India. This park is also a home to Tiger, Leopard, Spotted Dear, Wild boar, Sambhar, Chowsingha (four horned antelopes), Smooth otter, Marsh crocodile, Pangolin, Pocupine and many more species. Black buck is another great attraction and sometimes even an Indian Giant squirrel, which is a rare species these days, could be spotted in the park.

Picture 2 - Wildlife of Satpura National Park

Hornbill, Woodpecker and Peafowl are some of the most commonly spotted birds in this park. Other species like Kingfisher, Crested Serpent Eagles, Honey Buzzards, Crested Hawk Eagles, Thrushes, Cuckoo, Pheasants, Heron, Parakeet, Owl, Paradise Flycatchers and Pittas are also seen in this park.

Satpura National Park Flora

This national park is a home to over a thousand species of plants, including sal, mahua, teak, tendu, bel (stone-apple), grasses, lantanas and bamboos. It also includes various kinds of medicinal plants and herbs. Sal is the most commonly found tree in this forest.

Satpura National Park Safari

Jungle safari is the best way to explore this tiger reserve. The national park authority provides chauffeur driven fourwheeler for the adventurous safari ride. It is neither allowed nor safe to go on private exploration in the park.

Picture 3 - Satpura National Park Jeep Safari

Pre-booking is compulsary, especially through December to April, as the forest department have limited vehicles to take you for the safari. Forest department booking counter, near Denwa River, opens at 6 a.m. Booking is also possible through the resort or lodge you are staying in.

• Morning Safari   – 06:30 Hrs. – 11:00 Hrs.
• Morning Safari   – 06:30 Hrs. – 12:30 Hrs. (extended)
• Full Day Safari    – 06:30 Hrs. – 17:00 Hrs.
• Evening Safari    – 15:30 Hrs. – 17:00 Hrs.

Visit Satpura National Park’s website to get details about the safari.

Satpura National Park Activities

Apart from the jungle safari there are many more adventurous activities to be experienced in the Satpura National Park.

Elephant ride

The Elephant Safari is another thrilling way to explore the jungle. The park owns a few trained elephants for the safari purpose. This is the best way to spot a wild animal from a close distance that jeep safari does not allow. Everyday the elephant safari starts from 7a.m. and continues till 11a.m. The park does not conduct any guided tiger safari. Elephant Safari is the best way to see and photograph a tiger.

Picture 4 - Elephant Safary in Satpura National Park

Boating

Boating is a perfect way for bird watching or simply enjoying the serenity of the forest. It is a great way to spot the marsh crocodiles and if lucky enough then some mammals can also be seen on the river bank. A canoe or paddle boat operated by authorized and trained boatmen of the park are to be hired.

Trailing

Satpura National Park is one of those very few forests in India that allow visitors to walk through a certain area (buffer zone) of the forest trails.

Log in to the park’s official website, to gat the details of all the activities.

Satpura National Park Denwa River

Denwa River flows through the entrance of the park and is needed to be crossed during the safari from Madhai entrance gate. Denwa is a very important resource of water for the wildlife of this ecosystem and thus it is called the life-line of this reserve.

Satpura National Park Accommodation

Hotel charges are not too expensive in Pachmarhi. There are so many budget hotels around the national park. Forest department have their own lodging facilities.

Picture 5 - Satpura National Park Accomodation

Some other private lodging places are:

Denwa Backwater Escape resort

Denwa Backwater Escape resort is located close to the Madhai entrance gate. It is a 4-Star luxury resort. The resort is built in a 10 acers of forest land near the river. It is decorated on the countryside theme so the visitors can feel close to nature. It has 12 air-conditioned cottages with all modern amenities and facilities. It offers a beautiful view of the Denwa River and the hills of Satpura range.

Reni Pani Lodge

Reni Pani Lodge is about 10 kms away from Satpura Park entrance gate, covering over 30 acres of area.

Madai Wildlife Lodge

Madai Wildlife Lodge is located at the edge of the Denwa River. This place is the best for budget travelers

Forsyth Lodge

Named after Captain J. Forsyth, this lodge is another classic place for staying. It is located in Sarangpur village, near Madai entrance gate.

For further details about accomodation in and around the park please visit the official website of the park.

Satpura National Park Nearby Attractions

Satpura national park does not come alone for the long vacation duration. Several other notable attractions like Cahuragarh, Dhupgarh, B-Falls and Tamiya are near by and worth a visit.

Cahuragarh and Dhupgarh are two seperate hills. There is an ancient Shiva temple in Cahuragarh. B-Falls, a 150 feet high water fall, is another popular tourist destination for a day-out. Tamiya is a beautiful place to tour around. There are several budget hotels in Tamiya.

Satpura National Park Best Time To Visit

The tiger reserve remains open from 16th October to 30th June, seven days a week. It stays closed for visitors from 1st July to 15th October. The best time to visit the park is from December to April, as the animals come outof their den to soak the winter sun and it becomes easier to spot them.

Satpura National Park Tips

• Speaking in loud voice is not advisable.
• Do not wear any kind of fragrance.
• Do not wear bright colored clothes.
• Carrying plastic bags and other non-degradable materials are not allowed.
• Use dustbins to throw wastages.

Satpura National Park Contact Details

Address: Hoshangabad District, Madhya Pradesh State, India.

Phone: 07574-254838(0) of The Field Director Satpura Tiger Reserve

Website: www.satpura-national-park.com