Four-day coastal celebration blending tradition, culture, and modernity at this historic beach in Ganjam district. Features the first-ever Sea Aarti ceremony performed by Varanasi saints, torch processions from local temples, Star Nights with Bollywood and Odissi performances, traditional dances (Sambalpuri, Kuchipudi, Ghumura), and Pallishree Mela with 250+ handicraft and food stalls.
Why it mattersPositions Gopalpur as a global coastal tourism destination while highlighting Odisha's ancient maritime heritage and cultural significance. Celebrates the merging of history with the present.
Going for this? Gopalpur-on-Sea in January
Getting there
Nearest airport
Biju Patnaik Intl (BBI) — 190km
Nearest railway
Berhampur Railway Station — 15km
Where to stay in Gopalpur-on-Sea
Swosti Palm Resort Gopalpur
₹₹₹resort · Gopalpur-on-Sea, Ganjam district — a 28-room resort about 200m from the beach
A former Tata guest house converted into a 28-room resort — homely, comfortable and just 200m from the sand. The mid-range alternative to Mayfair for a relaxed Gopalpur beach stay.
Mayfair Palm Beach Resort Gopalpur
₹₹₹₹luxury-resort · Gopalpur-on-Sea, Ganjam district — a 1914 colonial heritage resort on 12 acres of seafront
A genuine heritage property — built in 1914, once part of the Oberoi group, now Mayfair's flagship Gopalpur resort across 12 acres of seafront in white-and-blue colonial architecture. The standout beach-luxury address on Odisha's southern coast.
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Where to eat
1914 Dining Room — Mayfair Palm Beach Resort
LegendaryBoxipalli, Beach Road · ₹₹₹₹
SignatureBay of Bengal seafood platter on the colonial verandah
Skip the indoor air-conditioned section — eat on the colonial verandah where the original 1914 architecture sits. The afternoon tea (3:30-5:30 PM) is the move if you're a day-tripper from Berhampur; you get the verandah, the heritage, and a 200-rupee scone-and-chai service without paying the full dinner ticket.
Song of the Sea Restaurant
Lighthouse Road · ₹₹
SignatureMustard fish curry from the morning catch
Order the fish before you sit — they procure from the jetty by request, and turnaround is 40-50 minutes for the mustard curry. Walk to the lighthouse during the wait; sunset from there pairs better than the meal itself.
Krishna Restaurant
Beach Road, opposite Hotel Sea Pearl · ₹
SignatureSpicy Ganjam-style fish curry
No menu printed for daily catch — ask Krishna what came in that morning. Food is freshly prepared so order 30 minutes before you want to eat. Cash only.
Sea Dine Restaurant — Hotel Sea Pearl
Main Beach Road · ₹₹
SignatureFresh prawn preparations from Gopalpur jetty
Reviewers consistently note: "order quite some time before, as they go to the market and buy things fresh." Allow 45 minutes for fish; the kitchen is honest, not slow. Sea-facing balcony seats fill up by 7 PM — arrive earlier.
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What else to see in Gopalpur-on-Sea
Gopalpur Lighthouse
Historic 40-meter tall red and white striped lighthouse commissioned in 1967, standing on the headland. Originally established in 1871, now offers panoramic 360-degree views of th…
Gopalpur Beach Shoreline
Four-kilometer stretch of clean sandy beach lined with casuarina and coconut groves. Quiet Bay of Bengal coastline without crowds. Suitable for long walks and occasional sightings…
Colonial Port Warehouses Remnants
Ruins of East India Company warehouses and colonial trading structures from the 19th-20th centuries. Gopalpur was a prominent trading port for rice from Burma under British rule.…
