Gopalpur-on-Sea

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Gopalpur-on Sea | type = fishermen's cove | latd = 19.27 | longd = 84.92
locator_position = right | state_name = Orissa
district = Ganjam
leader_title =
leader_name = Koka Madhusudan Rao
altitude = 1
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 6660| population_density =
area_magnitude=
area_total =
area_telephone = 0680
postal_code =
vehicle_code_range =
sex_ratio = 1000
unlocode =
website =
footnotes =

Gopalpur is a town and a notified area committee in Ganjam District in the Indian state of Orissa.

Geography

Gopalpur is located at coord|19.27|N|84.92|E|. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/21/Gopalpur.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Gopalpur] ] It has an average elevation of 1 metres (3 ft).

Gopalpur-on-Sea is a beach and tourist attraction near Berhampur. It is about 15 km by road from the nearest town, Berhampur. It on the shore of the Bay of Bengal.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Gopalpur had a population of 6660. Males constitute 50% of the population and females 50%. Gopalpur has an average literacy rate of 51%, lower than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 59%, and female literacy is 42%. In Gopalpur, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age.

History

Gopalpur also has an ancient, commercial port, now lying in ruins. From an obscure little fishing village, Gopalpur became a prominent trading port during the days of British East India Company. The East India Company built large warehouses and godowns because the trade with Burma had picked up and it had become a trading point for rice from Rangoon. The British and the wealthy Bengalis, who once made Gopalpur a vibrant, happening place, have left. Gopalpur has reverted to being a quiet, relaxed place but with one major difference — it is one of India's most sought after beaches, with a distinct charm of its own.

Beach

Barely 16 km away from Berhampur, the commercial hub of southern Orissa and close to the border of Andhra Pradesh, is the tiny town of Gopalpur on the Bay of Bengal. This languorous beach with coconut groves, casuarinas and gentle sand dunes is deserted for miles.

Development

Renovated in 1970s at the initiative of the Orissa Government, the jetties were supposed to revive the trading activities of Gopalpur port. It's a wonderful drive-in for the people and from here, you could see the vast expanse of deep blue sea and the horizon. Another thrilling sight was the long stretch of cashew nut trees. Cashew nuts are processed here and exported. A major landmark of Gopalpur-on-Sea is its lighthouse. The view from the top is splendid and one can see at a glance the entire town of Gopalpur. Gopalour-on-sea is also famous for its 'beach festival' organised annually.A nearby beach is Dhabaleshwar, which also houses temple of the same name.

Beach festival

Gopalpur Beach Fesival:The first Gopalpur beach festival was started in the year 1996 by Ganjam District Hotel Association to promote tourism and culture. The concept of Gopalpur Beach Festival was conceived by V.Santosh Kumar, President of Ganjam district Hotel Association, Berhampur. The festival became success with the support of Ganjam District Administration.

Politics

Current MLA from Gopalpur (SC) Assembly Constituency is Dr. Trinath Behera of INC, who won the seat in State elections of 2004. Previous MLAs from this seat include Rama Chandra Sethy who won this seat in 2000 as BJD candidate and as JD candidate in 1995 and 1990, and Ghanashyam Behera who won this seat as INC candidate in 1985 and 1977 and as INC(I) candidate in 1980. [cite web
url = http://archive.eci.gov.in/March2004/pollupd/ac/states/s18/Partycomp74.htm
title = State Elections 2004 - Partywise Comparision for 74-Gopalpur Constituency of ORISSA
publisher = Election Commission of India
accessdate = 2008-09-25]

Gopalpur is part of Berhampur (Lok Sabha constituency). [cite web
url = http://archive.eci.gov.in/se2000/background/S18/Orissa_AC_Dist_PC.pdf
title = Assembly Constituencies - Corresponding Districts and Parliamentary Constituencies of Orissa
publisher = Election Commission of India
accessdate = 2008-09-25]

References

External links