If a beach vacation away from the madding crowd is your idea of a weekend getaway, nothing defines this better than a quiet retreat to Gopalpur-on-Sea. Once a bustling port under the East India Company, the place has now turned into a sleepy fishing village. Here you can spend a relaxed holiday away from the crowded and polluted beaches in Vizag. The promenade is dotted with tiny wallet friendly hotels. For the luxury travellers, the 99-year-old resort – Mayfair Palm Beach Resort – offers a spectacular view of the sunrise. Ideal for both sailing and surfing, the beach here is isolated and remains undisturbed by the day trippers. The sea waters are calm and comparatively clean for swimming and sun bathing. The biggest attraction apart from the beach is the quaint lighthouse on one end of the beach.
Where to stay: There are number of budget friendly hotels. The Orissa Tourism-run Panthanivas Gopalpur (http://panthanivas.com/ booking.html) is a decent option in the mid-range. You can also book your rooms at the grand Mayfair Palm Beach Resort through their website.
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