Gopalpur is a town and a Notified Area Council on the Bay of Bengal coast in Ganjam district in the southern part of Odisha, India. Once a commercial port, it is now a famous sea beach and tourist destination around 15 km from Berhampur. The reconstruction of the port is under development. 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. 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. Barely 16 km away from Brahmapur, the commercial hub of southern Odisha 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. Gopalpur Beach Festival: 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 Mr V.Santosh Kumar and Mr Sayed Rahim Members of Ganjam district Hotel Association, Brahmapur. the Ganjam District Hotel Association and Government of Odisha have been jointly organizing the festival since 1996 in the month of December. Aqua Sports: Renowned Scuba Diver Shabbir Bux has been instrumental in establishing a Training cum fun ride facility on the back waters of Gopalpur sea. Wind Surfing, Rowing, Scuba Diving, Swimming, Paddle Boat, Water Scooter are some of the major sports and fun rides being provided for tourists as well as professionals.