MANGALAJODI, ORISSA – 496 KMS. FROM KOLKATA

• Weekend Tour

The village of Mangalajodi or Monglajori is located about 60 km. southwest of the city of Bhubaneshwar off NH5 and 4 km. southeast of the Tangi town. It is located in the Khurda district of Orissa. The region is primarily a freshwater swamp, spotted at the northeastern fringe of the Chilka Lake. This wetland of Mangalajodi is fed by a number of channels that cross through the reed beds along the brackish water of the Chilka Lake. The area is covered with sprawling vegetation and reed beds, comprised mostly of Phragmites karka and Typha angustata. The prime channel flows from north to south for around 3 km. and features a nature track, running parallel to it for around 2 km. ending in a watchtower.

‘Mongaljori Ghera’ is a refuge of the waterfowl, which attracts a number of winter migrants. Mangalajodi, acknowledged as an IBA, supports around 200,000 – 300,000 waterfowls during the winter along with populations of around 15 other species, surpassing 1% of their bio-geographical population.

The population includes Red-crested Pochard, Tufted Duck, Fulvous Whistling-duck, Asian Openbill, Purple Swamphen, Grey-headed Lapwing and Cotton Pygmy-goose. Some other species found in considerable numbers are Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Black-tailed Godwit, Ruddy Shelduck, Garganey, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Eurasian Wigeon and other resident birds. Raptors include Brahminy Kite, Eurasian Marsh Harrier and White-bellied Sea Eagle. Whiskered Tern is also found in plenty in the season.

Few years back, hunters were very active at Monglajodi, who used to travel around this wetland with loaded guns in search of migratory birds. However, lately, bird poaching is not practiced anymore.

Places to see in Mangalajodi: Mangalajodi is an extensive wetland spanning an area over 300 sq. kms. The area is a safe haven of around 236 species of birds, among which, most are migratory. The tourists are truly thrilled by watching various species of birds, which include Northern Shoveller, Pintail, Brahminy Duck, Bar headed goose and others. Moreover, the tourists can also closely observe the nesting, breeding of some regional wetland birds like Open billed stork, Purple moorhen etc. during the rainy season. Guests can visit the watch tower or hire a boat from the Boating Point and indulge in the experience of bird watching.

Another major tourist attraction of the site is an age-old and largest temple of the village, popularly known as the Patita Paban Temple. The village also houses some other notable temples like, Gupteswar Temple, Maa Mangala Temple, Nilakathaswara Dev Temple and Maa Balimajhi Devi Temple. There is also a picnic spot surrounding Maa Balimajhi Devi Temple.

Nearby attractions of Mangalajodi: The nearby prime spots of tourist interest are the Chilka Lake and Nalabana Bird Sanctuary. Chilka Lake is a salt water estuarine lagoon, which is the haven of seven to eight lakh birds, comprised of 121 species.

Things to do at Mangalajodi: Monglajodi is the heaven for the avid bird watchers and bird photographers. Here, guests can hire a boat and explore this marsh area covering 100 sq. kms. spotting more than 236 species of birds. Also, water sports can be enjoyed on Lake Chilika from nearby Rambha and Barkul.

How to reach Monglajori: Balugaon is the closest rail station of Mangalajodi, which is accessible via Tangi by roadway.

Best time to visit Monglajori: The ideal time for visiting Mangalajodi are the months between November and March. This is the best time for bird watching in Mangalajodi.

Lodging and dining facilities at Mangalajodi: As of now, accommodations options are available at and eco resort and eco cottage in Monglajodi. The details are as follows:

ECO RESORT: Here, you can stay in 12 AC Double Bedded rooms with attached bathrooms. This eco resort offers spectacular sunrise views over the picturesque wetland of Mangalajodi and lakhs of birds flocking all around the sky. Food is included in the Tariff and is served in the Dining Hall.

ECO COTTAGE: Here, you can stay in 02 Non AC Double Bedded cottages, 01 Non AC Eight Bedded room, 01 AC Double Bedded cottage and 01 Non AC Double Bedded room. All rooms come with attached western bathrooms, wardrobes and hot water arrangements. Food is included in the Tariff and is served in the Dining Hall.