Mangalajodi, The Bird's Paradise,

Winter is probably the best time to travel in state of Odisha. There is so much that  anybody can enjoy during the winter tour in the state  and indeed few things get better in this pleasant season. So I Plan a Family trip with my mother, grandson, wife, daughter-in-law and son to  Mangalajodi, the unknown best pace in India for bird watching. 

Mangalajodi is an northern edge of Chilika lake very small  village  near Tangi  in Khordha district of Odisha.  75 Km away from Bhubaneswar and 70 km from Puri lies on National Highway 16 connecting Kolkata to Chennai.

We traveled by our car from Puri, it is quite a beautiful drive through small villages, pond, rivers and the most beautiful landscapes, as far as an eye can see.

After about two hours drive we arrived at Mangalajodi.  The landscape of Mangalajodi is swampy and flat and there is a pleasant silence.  The road near Mangalajodi is not paved (asphalt/concrete), but made of dirt. This is due to the fact that concrete roads increase the temperature of the surrounding which the birds may not like.

Mangalajodi village is a landscape of Bamboo and Mango trees which creates a natural ambience. It is surreal and offers an incredible experience for us.

Most of the villagers of Mangalajodi till year 2000 were engaged in the poaching of migratory birds around  Chilika Lake but now they stand as true defenders of wildlife in the region. Now it’s a victory of the villagers’ hard work. Nowadays poachers were converted to protectors.

Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust is community owned and managed venture promoted by RBS Foundation India and Indian Grameen Services. There are many hand powered boats made of wood so no engine noise. It   believes to be a thing of the old generation.

After parking the car at the eco-tourism complex, Car parking charge Rs. 50/-

We reserve one boat  Rs.1200/- for two hours which includes 4 passengers + one guide, + one boat man. They provide binocular and a bird guide book.  We all stepped on a boat.  Our journey started through this  wetland the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia. We accompanied by a enthused local village guide on our boat and he explain us about the birds.

Gliding through the shallow waters of Mangalajodi is a joy in itself. It gives the experience of birding from closest distance with pleasant silence. We are lost in the ethereal magic of nature.  It is a paradise of nature’s beauty and the view of these beautiful migratory birds, one finds here is truly mesmerizing. It is the best places for photography in India so don’t forget to carry a camera.

Mangalajodi is a paradise for bird watchers. More than 200 varieties of migratory birds fill the air of Mangalajodi with life with the onset of winters,  Mangalajodi is a place for Bird lovers. These birds come here in large numbers and settle amongst thousands of water lilies in the wetlands giving an amazing view.

Experience is good, friendly atmosphere, no trouble for visiting tourists.  It was an amazing time for us while watching birds from our boat. Great location for spotting the migratory as well as Indian birds. December to February is the best time to visit.

I’ve had so many memorable moments but there are a few that stand out above the rest.

Mangalajodi,  Land of birds,  The Bird's Paradise, 

We enjoy too much at this trip, A memorable journey is not in the destination itself, but in the small moments and memorable experiences that we have.