This place is a gold mine for spotting and watching migratory birds. Serious photographers pack their super tele photo lenses for this area.
Mangalajodi is a small hamlet located on the northern shores of the Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lake in Asia. It is a mere 70 km (1.5 hours drive) from Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha. That makes it an easy getaway from the capital. Mangalajodi comes under the Tangi block of Odisha which is why you will notice your mobile location as Tangi all the time you are in Mangalajodi.
The Mangalajodi side of Chilika lake is filled with marshy wetlands. That makes this area a perfect spot for birds to fly in from all parts of the world, nest, and breed. Over 230 species of birds live in Mangalajodi or migrate here during the winter months. It is also one of the largest wintering grounds in Asia. Over 100 exotic bird species fly in from Europe and the Arctic regions every November – February to escape the chilling cold of their home bases. Mangalajodi provides them with warmth and friendly environs.
Vegetation in Mangalajodi is quite unique. The wetlands are covered by Nala Dala (the common reed) that helps in nesting of birds and Chari Dala (pondweed) that are conducive for the proliferation of fish and prawns.
Pro Tip:
Visit to the Nalabana Island can also be planned from here, takes about 3 hours to reach there on a motorboat. The boats from Mangalajodi don’t have inner permit issues at Nalabana island.
Nalabana island is the place where you find maximum population of the flamingoes.
Location:
Reaching here
This place can be visited from Puri, Bubaneshwar or a short stay can be planned at the government guesthouses nearby. Expect basic amenities but if you are a serious bird watcher, this place will never disappoint you.
Note that not a lot of drivers in puri would be knowing about this place because it is not a big tourist spot yet. After a lot of searching, we found one travel desk that took us there. Following are the details:
Satyajit Sahoo [email protected] 9040362357, 06752-221376
For staying at Mangalajodi, look for the hotels in the following area:
Ensure that you have access to drivers or at least their contact for travelling to the birding site
Prices:
INR 1200 for a boat for 2 hours for a local tour.
For tour to Nalabana island, the prices vary and range from 3000 – 6000.
You will be accompanied by 2 people from the team, one will guide you through the various birds and the other will operate the boat.
Best time to visit:
November to March
Maximum number of birds are seen generally during December, January and February
The boat rides start around 6 Am in the morning and the final boat leaves around 4 pm in the evening.