1.   History of Gopalpur.    Originally a small fishing village on the coast of Orissa, it was so named when a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was constructed sometime in the 18th century. Apart from its temple, Gopalpur was distinguished for its magnificent beach and was discovered as a perfect winter resort. Soon hotels and guesthouses lined its seafront. The East India Company built huge warehouses and godowns because the trade with Burma had picked up and Gopalpur had become a trading point for rice from Rangoon. In those days, there were dances and parties that continued until the early hours and wealthy Bengalis from Calcutta made it their holiday home. Till Today Gopalpur is amongst the popular beaches in Orissa. Gopalpur's importance dwindled when trade with Burma abruptly ceased during the war and never revived again. When the British left India, even members of rich Bengali homes preferred to holiday in other places and Gopalpur reverted to what it originally was, a fishing village. With an increase in tourist trade in the late seventies, and the opening of luxury hotels, a slow revival began and today Gopalpur-On-Sea is one of the foremost beach resorts in India. Though now there are many popular beaches in Orissa.

2.    Places of historical, religious and tourist interest around Gopalpur.

 
SUN TEMPLE – KONARK

It is located approximately 60 Km from Bhubaneswar. It has a towering chariot of the Sun God, famous throughout the world as the ‘Black Pagoda’. Exquisite artistic images register pure body forms of the classical Odissi dance of Odisha craved all around the temple. Its life-size images are unique in the world.

SHRI JAGANNATH TEMPLE –PURI

One of the four ‘Dhams’ of Hindis and adobe of Lord Jagannath. It is situated 55 Km from Bhubaneswar on the shore of the Bay of Bengal. This 65 meters high temple was constructed in 12th Century AD.

 
UDAYAGIRI AND KHANDAGIRI

About 5 Km from Bhubaneswar, there are two hills flanking the National Highway which are riddled with caves. Udayagiri or the ‘Sunrise Hill’ has more interesting caves scattered at various levels up to the top. This hill, about 5000 ft high, provides a beautiful and scenic trek for the lovers of nature.

 
CHILIKA LAKE AND KALIJAI TEMPLE

It is the largest brackish water lake in Asia, located about 70 km from Army AD College. Hemmed between the blue capped mountains and creamy blue water of the Bay of Bengal this pear shaped lake provides nesting, watering and breeding grounds to many local and migratory birds from as far off as Siberia. A Naval Est, INS Chilka is located here.

 
TAPTAPAANI

The Sulphur spring here is on the state highway about 60 km from Army AD College. The hot water is channelized to a pond nearby to facilitate Sulphur bathing for visitors. There exists State Guest House near the spring besides a well constructed Tree-House.

TARATARINI

The Temple of Goddesses Taratarini adorns this hill top from where the natural panorama is enjoyable. It is located about 30 km from Army AD College.

MAHENDRAGIRI

This hill about 5000 ft high, provides a beautiful and scenic trekking spot for the lovers of nature. This is also associated with