Looking for a monsoon break? Try Gopalpur-on-Sea.

Although October to March is main season here, this laidback seaport village is at its prettiest during the rains (from mid-June to late August). This makes it an ideal destination for a lazy monsoon vacation.

Located about 180 km from Bhubaneshwar, Gopalpur-on-Sea is a picturesque and peaceful seaside resort that touches the Bay of Bengal. You will find it difficult to resist its pristine, palm-fringed beaches with coconut and casuarina groves and gentle sand dunes.

Gopalpur was once part of the ancient and wealthy kingdom of Kalinga. It was also a prominent trading port during the days of the British East India Company. One can still see the crumbling walls and pillars of the jetty, mute witnesses to its past as a port of commerce.

If you want to take a break and don't know where head, explore Gopalpur-on-Sea as a getaway option. Here are some suggestions on where you can stay and places of interest around Gopalpur:

• Your Say: Hot monsoon getaways

Around Gopalpur-on-Sea

Chilika Lake

Located about 45 km from Gopalpur, this is the country's largest brackish water lake; it spreads over an area of 1,100 sq km.

Also called the Honeymooners' Paradise by some, Chilika Lake is dotted with a number of islands. It attracts large number of migratory birds.

Taptapani

As the name suggests, it is a hot water sulphur spring situated around 67 km from Gopalpur.

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How to get there

By Air

The nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar with regular flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad.

Train

The closest railhead is at Berhampur, 16 km away on the Howrah-Chennai line.

Road

Gopalpur is connected by road to Barkul (75 km), Berhampur (16 km), Bhubaneshwar (180 km) and Puri (242 km).

Where to stay

Comfortable accommodation is available on the beach.

You should be able to get 20 percent off on main season (October-March) prices.

Swosti Palm Resort
Gopalpur
Phones: (0680) 2243718, 2242455
e-mail: hsplbbs@sanharnet.in
Tariff: Rs 2,310 to Rs 4,950 per night for a double room.

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Hotel Song of the Sea
Gopalpur
Phone: (0680) 2242347
Tariff: Rs 750 to Rs 1,100 per night for a double room.

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Panthanivas (OTDC)
Gopalpur
Phone: (0680) 2243931
Tariff: Rs 300 to Rs 600 per night for a double room.

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Sea Side Breeze
Gopalpur
Phone: (0680) 2242075
Tariff: Rs 450 to Rs 600 per night for a double room.

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Hotel Green Park
Beach Road
Gopalpur
Phone: (0680) 2242016
Tariff: Rs 400 to Rs 600 per night for a double room.

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Hotel Kalinga
Gopalpur
Phone: (0680) 2242067
Tariff: Rs 450 to Rs 750 per night for a double room.

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Hotel Sea Pearl
Gopalpur
Phone: (0680) 2242556
Tariff: Rs 600 to Rs 850 per night for a double room.

Tourist information

Address
OTDC Head Office
Panthanivas (Old Block)
Lewis Road
Bhubaneswar -- 751 014

Phone: (0674) 2430764

e-mail: otdc@ortel.net

Web site: http://www.orissatourism.gov.in or http://www.otdc.in

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