Category : Odisha

MANGALAJODI – The Bird’s Paradise

Bird’s Watching at Mangalajodi is a paradise of Birds that migrate from far away places of the world.

Mangalajodi hosts more than 1,50,000 birds on freshwater zone of Chilika Lake, especially in winter. It is a hidden gem for nature-lovers, bird watchers and photographers.

Mangalajodi is located in Tangi block in Khordha district of Odisha. It forms the northern boundary of the Chilika lake.

It is a marshy wetland and hence hosts a grater variety of birds which come from across the world for nesting and breeding. They come from Siberia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Central Europe and Himalayan region.

It is recognised globally as an important wetland for bird conservation. Hence declared as International Bird Conservation Area (IBCA).

Besides IBCA it is considered as an Important Bird Area and a major birding hotspot.

It is a place where one can find Local Communities actively involved in Conservation Efforts.

The marshy wetland is filler with dense marshy reeds called Nala Ghasa which not only offers shelter and habitat to migratory birds but also provides food.

Birds seen here are –

Lesser Whistling Duck, Little Grebe, Ruddy-Breasted Crake, Ruddy Shelduck, Brown Headed Gull, Little Cormorant, Grey Headed Swamphen, Cattle Egret, Purple Swamphen, Asian palm Swift and many more.

Best time to visit – In winter, after the arrival of migratory birds, precisely in  the month of December to early February. Try to visit in the morning time from 6am – 4pm.

Other cultural attractions include Danda Yatra and Paika Akhada.