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. Tucked away in the North-eastern edge of Odisha’s Chilika Lake 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.
Mangalajodi village is a landscape of Bamboo and Mango trees which creates a natural ambience. It is surreal and offers an incredible experience for the travellers at all time of the year but the winter months from November to February are ideal for bird watching on a boat ride. The beautiful blue lagoon and thousands of birds flying over the bright sunlight, the black and silver clouds appearing alternatively and suddenly at few hundred feet away from one’s boat ride mesmerise travellers of the thought to visit this part of the world.
A decade back villagers of Mangalajodi were involved in poaching, mostly poisoning or twisting their neck after catching, as the twisted neck of birds were much in demand and it helped the locals to earn handsome amount of money for sustenance. There was an urgent need to change the mindset of the locals to save this unique paradise and several serious endeavours gradually made this village a unique place for bird congregation. Now in the present day situation, Mangalajodi has placed itself on the world tourism map for its unique conservation method and second highest assembly of migratory birds in this area of Chilika Lake.
Mangalajodi is a pristine paradise of Nature’s beauty and the view of these beautiful migratory birds one finds here is truly mesmerising. While you are here in this amazing master stroke of Nature don’t forget to carry your Camera and off-course Binoculars. Mangalajodi also offers the mouth-watering prawn of Chilika to satiate the taste buds of Foodies, so don’t forget to grab some of these as well.
How to Reach: Mangalajodi is 75 Km away from Bhubaneswar and can be reached through buses and bikes as well. The nearest Railhead to Mangalajodi is Mukteswar and another is Kalupada Ghat Railway station which is well connected to express trains. The nearest Bus Stop is Tangi.
