Chilika Nature Camp

Chilika Nature Camp Welcomes You !!!

MANGALAJODI NATURE CAMP - “Night Stay in the Birding Hotspot of Asia”

Mangalajodi, “The Birds Paradise of Asia” is in the North Eastern Part of Chilika Lagoon. Millions of migratory Birds congregate during different parts of the year here. Winter witnesses the highest gathering of around 4 to 5 Lakhs resident and migratory birds. It is the only place in India where large flocks of different species of colourful birds can be seen from close proximity of boat. This is not only the place for birders but also a Photographers paradise in Asia. More than 200 species of birds are recorded in Mangalajodi during winters. Lakhs of Ruffs, Godwits, Terns, Plovers, Sandpipers, rare Grey-headed Lapwings, Gulls, Pintails, Ruddy Shelducks, Skulkers like Ruddy-breasted Crakes, Baillon’s Crakes, Slaty-breasted Rails and the Greater Painted Snipes ,Black-tailed Godwits, Oriental Pratincoles and the Pacific Golden Plovers etc. Variety of Raptors are also seen hunting in different parts of Mangalajodi. Listen to different voices of different birds all around you, sometimes in chorus and sometimes simple exchange of language in form of Calls, Quacks, Chirps, Whistles, mimics & trills that echoes different stories of communication among them.

Enjoy the panoramic view of Mangalajodi from the 12 luxury(AC) cottages of Mangalajodi Nature Camp on hill slope. The Nature Camp offers spectacular view of Mangalajodi and lakhs of birds flocking all around the sky can be seen from the Nature Camp. The magical Sunrise and Sunset on the horizons of the blue Lagoon can be best viewed from the cottages. Food is included in accommodation price and best local delicacies are prepared in traditional manner by the local communities. After a day full of sighting different colors of birds from different continents of World here, enjoy evening cup of tea in the Nature Camp viewing the picturesque lagoon & wetland.

Distance
Mangalajodi is a popular place in Khurda district. 75 Km from State Capital Bhubaneswar towards Berhampur on NH (1hr.15 minutes drive). Mangalajodi is connected by 4 lane NH and 6 Km motorable road.

Tent house at Mangalajodi nature camp

Stay within Lake Chilika : Rajhans Nature Camp

Rajhans Island is a stretch of land separating the majestic Chilika lake from the Bay of Bengal Sea. Rajhans Nature Camp with Ten lake-facing luxurious tented accommodations(Swiss Cottage Tents with attached sophisticated toilets) is on Rajhans Island with Chilika lake on one side and Bay of Bengal on the other side. The nature camp is a perfect gateway for tourists who are looking for a stay in the wilderness of nature or a beach holiday or both. The nature camp is 45 minutes boat ride from Satpada (Satpada is 50 Kms of distance from Puri by road & 110 Kms distance from Bhubaneswar by road.). During the 45 minutes boat ride to Rajhans you can see groups of Dolphins diving & swimming up and down in the lake, a memorable watch by all tourists visiting Rajhans Nature Camp. Chilika lake hosts the highest global inland population of Irrawaddy Dolphins, currently the dolphin population in the lake is about 150. A 300 mtrs morning and evening walk from Chilika lake upto the Sea offers the visitor a whirl of new experiences and memories. Sports (Badminton, Volley) and Birding soaks your day with adventure and freshness. From thrills to solitude, away from the hustle of life, Rajhans Nature Camp is a perfect destination for beach lovers to forest travellers. From the nature camp through the Casuarinas forests on Island, you can see the Sun rising slowly on the east and in the evening after the sun set the view of glittering stars and the milky way is another incredible experience for the visitors. Whether you are looking for a vacation with family or friends or a day out in the wilderness, Rajhans nature camp is the place for you.

Dolphins diving- Rajhans Nature Camp
Dolphins diving- Rajhans Nature Camp
Berhampur nature camp

Chilika lake is a natural brackish water lagoon of marine origin spreading over an area of about 1100 km² in Puri, Khordha and Ganjam Districts of Odisha on the east coast of India. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India. Chilika is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent which witnesses a fascinating global carnival of winged guests every year. It is also home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals. The lagoon has been an important habitat for Irrawaddy dolphins. The current population of Chilika, about 150, is a globally significant population as it is considered a the highest inland population.

birding

Among the wetlands of India, Chilika occupies a place of pride being the first Indian wetland declared as “Wetland of International Importance” in 1981 under IUCN sponsored Ramsar Convention due to manifestation of unique characteristics as shown by the fact that:

  1. 1 Over a million migratory waterfowl and shore birds winter here and more than 1% of bio-geographical population in respect of 45 species recorded in Chilika.
  2. 2The lagoon serves as an important stopover in central Asian flyway.
  3. 3Over 400 vertebrate species have been recorded.
  4. 4The lagoon supports a unique assemblage of freshwater, brackish water and marine organisms.
  5. 5Several rare and endangered species are recorded in the region.
  6. 6The lagoon supports indigenous fisheries contributing to the livelihood of the communities and the lagoon plays great role in preserving genetic diversity.

Chilika lake has been declared as “Destination Flyway” by the United Nation’s World tourism Organisation (UNWTO) because of its natural treasure and bio-diversity.

Dolphins diving- Rajhans Nature Camp
Boating
walk on the beach
trip to sea mouth
Sports

Activities

  1. 1Birding with Ecoguides from Mangalajodi Village who are now protectors of the birds’ area and were poachers’ decades back. Listen to their transforming journey of “Poachers turned Protectors”.
  2. 2Treking, Boating, Photography etc.

Where to Stay

MANGALAJODI NATURE CAMP

Enjoy the panoramic view of Mangalajodi from the 12 luxury(AC) cottages of Mangalajodi Nature Camp on hill slope. The Nature Camp offers spectacular view of Mangalajodi and lakhs of birds flocking all around the sky can be seen from the Nature Camp. The magical Sunrise and Sunset on the horizons of the blue Lagoon can be best viewed from the cottages. Food is included in accommodation price and best local delicacies are prepared in traditional manner by the local communities. After a day full of sighting different colors of birds from different continents of World here, enjoy evening cup of tea in the Nature Camp viewing the picturesque lagoon & wetland.

RAJHANS NATURE CAMP

Ten air-conditioned lake-facing tents offer comfortable and memorable stay for the visitors.

Tent house at Rajhans nature camp
Tent house at Rajhans nature camp
Rajhans nature camp
Rajhans nature camp
Rajhans nature camp

BARHAMPURA NATURE CAMP

Ecotourism Complex of Forest Department at Berhampura island(About 25 minutes of boat journey from Satapada.)

Barhampura nature camp
Barhampura nature camp
Barhampura nature camp
Barhampura nature camp
Barhampura nature camp
Barhampura nature camp
Barhampura nature camp
Barhampura nature camp

Vehicle parking and accommodation for drivers available at Nature Camp.

How To Reach

Flight Icon

Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar Airport with a distance of 70 km.

Train Icon

Nearest Railway station is Balugao, Bhubaneswar and Puri.

Road Icon

All these nature camps are well connected by roads from Bhubaneswar, Balugaon, Berhampur and Puri.

Nearby Destinations

Vast stretch of blue water swarming with birdlife, magnificent islands and splendid shoreline on the backdrop of Eastern Ghat hills have made Chilika one of the finest wetlands on the Indian subcontinent with rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.Major entry points of Chilika for visitors are Satapada, Mangalajodi, Balugaon and Rambha. Major attractions for tourists in Chilika are:

Dolphins divingp

Rajhans :

About 45 min boat journey from Satapada, it is situated in the northern sector of the Chilika lake in an exclusive area having views of Bay of Bengal and Chilika lake. The sand bars, Casuarina shelter belt, the sea facing and lake facing Watch towers attracts the nature lovers and tourists to that place.

Satapada- Chilika lake
Rambhartia- Sea beach
Bird

Satapada: It is located in the eastern side of the lake about 50 Kms. away from Puri. It is bounded by lake on three sides and thus offers an excellent view of the lake. The interpretation center and eco-park at Satapada attract the tourists from the State and abroad. The surfacing Irrawaddy Dolphins in the lake is the main attraction of Satapada.

Rambhartia: About one and half hour boat journey from Satapada, the new sea mouth near Rambhartia and the Casuarina plantation on the sand bar standing as coastal shelterbelt also attract the nature lovers to Satapada. A beautiful stretch of endless stretch of empty beach exists along the sandbar, which separates the lake from the sea. Picnickers also are attracted by this place during winter in large numbers.

Manikpatna : It is situated in the outer channel having mythological and historical background. As per historical evidence, there was a port which was used for trade with the Far-East Asia. Bhaba Kundaleswar temple and one old mosque are located here.

Barunkuda: It is a small island situated near Magarmukh near satapada with a temple of Lord Varuna.

Nabagraha : An ancient deity located near village Berhampura on an island along the outer channel.

Choubar Shiva Temple : Located near the outer channel near village Alupatna.

Chilika Nature Camp

Mangalajodi : This is a marshy land situate in the northern part of Chilika lagoon, 5 km away from NH-16 near Tangi, which is unique place of bird congregation during winter. Resident birds also can be sighted here throughout the year. Boating in creeks inside tall Nala grasses and thick congregation of local and migratory birds attract the nature lovers. Local communities provide boating, guide and accommodation facilities for visitors.

Sundarpur : This is a continuation of Mangalajodi marsh. Visitors can have a panoramic view of the bird congregation area from the watch tower. It can be approached directly by road from Mangalajodi village or by boating or simply walking on the earthen bunds in the marsh.

From Balugaon :

Nalabana Island : It is a partly submerged island declared as Bird Sanctuary in the 1987. The natural food bed and the roosting ground of Nalabana attracts the migratory birds during the period from October – March every year. The tall Flamingoes and Grey Pelicans are the attraction of the Nalabana Sanctuary, the bird’s paradise. Tourist boats are not allowed to enter the sanctuary. However, tourists can enjoy the flock of migratory birds around boundary line of the sanctuary without disturbing the birds.

Kalijai Temple : It is situated on an island considered to be abode of the Goddess Kalijai. There is a popular folklore, which makes the jaunt even more interesting. Tourists from outside who visit Chilika also make it a point to visit Kalijai temple.

Parikud : A composite island along the eastern side of Chilika was originally known as Old Parikuda. They are collectively known as the Garh Krushna Prasad block and are ideal spots for nature lovers, during the winter season when migratory avifauna is abundant.

Sand- Chilika Nature Camp

Honeymoon Island : It is situated in the Rambha Bay near the Sanakuda island. It is 5 km away from Rambha jetty. It is also known as Barkuda island. Britishers used this island for picnicking. The water around the island is very clear and turquoise blue in colour. The limbless lizard was discovered on this island by Annandale and Kemp.

Breakfast Island : The island is located in the Rambha Bay and between Badakuda and Somolo island. It is a pear shaped island. It is also known as Sanakuda island. A bungalow was constructed on this island by the King of Khallikote. Mr. Snodgrass, the then Collector of Ganjam used to come to this Bungalow quite frequently. The island was full of greenery with Casupourea ceylanica, a mangrove associate. The vegetation at this moment is in a degraded condition.

Beacon Island : Located 3 km away from Rambha OTDC Bungalow, it ia an architectural marvel with a conical pillar and a small room constructed on a submerged mass of rock in the Rambha Bay near Ghantasila hill. This was built by Mr. Snodgrass, the then Collector of Ganjam under the East India Company. The ornamental pillar was constructed to put a light on the top. The water spread around the Beacon Island is breathtakingly beautiful.

Somolo and Dumkudi : Situated in the central and southern sectors of the lake, these islands are inundated remnants of the Eastern Ghats. Though rocky, they are rich in flora and fauna. Dolphins are often sighted on the peripheral water of Somolo island. A beautiful and unique backdrop to Somolo is the Khallikote hill range.

Birds Island : It is situated in the southern sector of Chilika. This is a small hillock with huge exposed hanging rocks. It is 4 km away from Rambha Tourist Bungalow and 1 km away from the eastern side of Ghantasila hill. The granite rocks are the remnants of Eastern Ghats. Some of the rocks are painted white with the droppings of the birds. Some local birds use the island as perching ground. During winter season, migratory birds are sighted here in large numbers. It is known for its rich algal communities.

Entry Fee Rs. 0.00 /- Per Day, Per Person Will Be Charged Extra.

Location Accomodation Details Price Per Night Per Room () Transaction Charge () Tax () Total Price Per Night Per Room ()
Berhampura(Satpada, Chilika) Suite 5000.00 500.00 690.00 6,190.00
Rajhans Nature Camp Tent 4500.00 450.00 621.00 5,571.00
Berhampura(Satpada, Chilika) Suite 5000.00 500.00 690.00 6,190.00
Mangalajodi Nature Camp Cottage 5000.00 500.00 690.00 6,190.00

Book Accommodation

Useful Information

  1. 1Visitor has to take print copy of accommodation booking and entry ticket along with identity proof.
  2. 2Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are complimentary and limited to number of person named in the ticket.
  3. 3Children from 3 years to 12 years accompanying the parents and Driver of the vehicle will be charged extra at the destination as per tariff of the destination to be paid at the destination.
  4. 4 For Berhampura(Satpada): Tariff inclusive of Pick up from Satpada to Berhampura by Boat and Sight Seeing.
  5. 5For Rajhans Nature Camp:
    Day 1--> Check-in 12.00 Noon...Boat transfer from Satapada to Rajhans...Lunch at Rajhans Nature Camp and visit to sea mouth in afternoon.
    Day 2--> Tea at 6.00 AM....Dolphin watching 6.30 AM to 8.00 AM...Back to camp,breakfast and check-out at 10.00 AM.. Boat transfer from Rajhans to Satapada. (Other Activities--> Nature Walk in the sand bar,outdoor and indoor games,wildlife film show.)

Cancellation Notes

  1. 1 In case Tickets are cancelled by the ecotour cell due to any unforeseen event not suitable for staying of the visitor, full amount will be refunded to the visitor.
  2. 2Cancellation of booking done online can only be done through the portal and by the visitors only. Cancellation cannot be done by the Ecotourism Cell or by the destinations on request Email and/or telephonic request. It is the responsibility of the visitor intending to cancel the ticket to ensure that the booking is cancelled and confirmation email is sent to the registered Email ID.
  3. 3 Tickets Booked by Agents can only be cancelled through the concerned Booking Agents only. Booking done at Cash Counter can only be cancelled at the concerned cash counter at which Booking is made.
  4. 4The above Charges will be applicable On the Total Booking Amount Excluding the Transaction Charge and applicable taxes thereon. Transaction Charge and taxes thereon is Non-refundable.
  5. 5In Case of Cancellation, the amount due to be refunded will be refunded to the visitor account within a period of 7 to 15 Days from the Date of Cancellation.
  6. 6Tickets Booked at Cash Counters need to be cancelled at the concerned Cash Counters.
Cancel Before Charges To Be Deducted (In %)
0-3 Days of Check-in Date 100
4-10 Days of Check-in Date 50
11-15 Days of Check-in Date 25
16- To More Days of Check-in Date 0