Mangalajodi - The Paradise of Birds in Odisha

This weekend, Life Breezy plans to take you to Mangalajodi in Orissa – a village that locates in the lap of the peaceful and green nature. Once, the region was dominated by poachers and hunters, but with the help of the locals, social workers and bird protection committee it regained its stable condition. Years of hard work finally paying off! Now, the region and its flora/fauna breathing free from any threats. It has now developed as an international bird conservation area and thus it inspires all to give room to greenery and nature. Let's check out some important details that makes this place an interesting destination for travellers and bird lovers.

Far in the distance appears the range of small ridges and on the lap of these natural elevations locate the dwelling place of the tribal fishers. The region has its own unique physical features – a portion of the region covered with wide stretching wetland while the other portion covered with the deep dense growth of the Nalkhedi and the Hogla Forests. Mangalajodi lying on the north-west of the Chilika river (Odisha) known as the 'Paradise of Birds'.

It's a wonderful experience to move ahead in the small wooden boats plying on the bosom of the Chilika river. At certain points, the river water shallows to knee-deep while at other points it rises to the neck height. During winter, in the wetlands of the Mangalajodi thousands of colourful birds migrate in the region. A boat ride in the river would provide with the most fascinating opportunity to have a glimpse on these birds from a close proximity. Different types of birds including the tern, black-tailed godwit, bronze-winged jacana, oriental pratincole, cotton til, shamukhol, shoveller, pheasant-tail jacana, etc., make it the most idle place for bird lovers.

If you want to scrutinise the activities of birds, their beauty and carry these wonderful experience along with you in the mind you need to come down at Mangalajodi in the winter. Just imagine, the height of excitement when you would see thousands of birds leaving the water and making their way to the bank. Besides, the sound produced by their flapping wings, flying together in the open sky making circles of different shapes, building their nests and their art of raising the younger ones would leave you spellbound and speechless for sometime for sure.

For bird watching, boating and guide you may contact Nanda Kishore Bhujbal who is a member of the Sri Sri Mahavir Pakshi Suraksha Samity or the SSMPSS – a bird protection committee. The charge for the three hour boating of four person RS 750. The contact number is 99371-53857.

If you have some time in your hand than make sure to visit the red soil region's Sabuj Bon, Vetnai. It locates 75 kilometres away from Balugaon. Here, rare species of the Krishansar deer or the Blackbuck breeds in the natural threat free atmosphere. The way the locals dwell and gel with the animals is really noteworthy.

Regular trains for Balugaon available from the Howrah Station, Kolkata like the Falaknuma express, East-coast express, Howrah-Yesvantpur express, Howrah-Chennai mail, etc. Mangalajodi lies 30 kilometres away from the Balugaon. You may hire a car or board an auto from Balgaon to reach Mangalajodi.

Orissa Eco Tourism available for suitable lodging at Mangalajodi. Rent for single bedroom is RS 1850, double bedrooms is RS 2350, triple bedrooms is RS 3250. Moreover, the nine bedrooms sized dormitory charge is RS 850 per bed. The rent includes the breakfast, lunch and dinner charges. The contact number is 084550-75584.

Alternatively, you may plan to live at Barkul. Here, Panthanivas of the Orissa tourism department available for suitable lodging. The rent for the non-AC double bedrooms RS 900, rent for the non-AC four bedroom RS 1250, rent for the AC-Deluxe double bedrooms RS 2100, the rent for AC cottage RS 2400, rent for the AC double bedrooms houseboat RS 6650. Rent includes the bed tea and breakfast charges. The contact number is 06756-227488/227388.