Does Odisha remind you of just Konark and Puri? Ever wondered whether there are other unique places to visit away from the typical tourist map. This is your guide for the same.
Mangalajodi
When anyone wants to see the largest brackish water lake in the world, it is the Chilika lake. Tourists usually are taken to the eastern side of the lake at Satpada. But there are other places along the Chilika on the western side which are away from the tourist route. A short drive from Bhubaneswar of 73 kms down south will bring you to a village called Mangalajodi.
It is at the north western tip of the Chilika lake . Long back people in this village used to kill the birds that used to visit the Chilika lake from Russia but have since become keepers of the birds. Rent a row boat to get an unique experience of bird watching. The guys who row you out on to the chilika would know the birds by their name and point them out to you as you pass them. Never rent a motor boat. The motor's sound scare the birds away.
Barkul
40kms from Mangalajodi is Barkul. This is another stop on the western side of the chilka lake. Take a night halt here. The morning views from the government hotel accommodation is amazing.
Taptapani
120kms down south through Berhampur(now Brahmapur) is Taptapani hot water springs. The government accommodation is the only decent option there to stay.
It gets pretty cold here in the winter. So carry suitable clothing.
The hot springs are inside a temple which is a small walk from the government accommodation.
Jiranga Buddhist Monastery
34kms from Taptapani is this small haven for buddhists. It is the Jiranga Buddhist Monastery.
Exquisite drawings adorn the walls of the monastery.
The above were some of the places that I visited on my trip to Odisha. There are other must visit places in Odisha like Duduma waterfall, Barehipani, Bhimkund, Khandadhar and Keonjhar.
Hope you find these list of places a worthwhile visit. Do let me know your opinions and feedback.