Discover the 5 Best Natural Destinations in Odisha : A Guide to Nature’s Beauty (2024)
Discover the Best Natural Destinations in Odisha
Odisha, a state in India, is a nature lover’s paradise. With its lush green forests, magnificent lakes, and diverse biodiversity, it offers a treasure trove of destinations for those seeking to relax and rejuvenate in the lap of nature. From the breathtaking beauty of Chilika Lake, the largest estuarine water lagoon in Asia, to the hill station of Daringbadi, known as the “Kashmir of Odisha,” and the unique Giant Squirrel Nature Camp, there is something for everyone. This article highlights the best natural places in Odisha, including Ansupa Lake, Bichitra Mangrove Forest, and more. Whether you’re a bird watcher, an eco-tourist, or simply someone looking for a peaceful escape, Odisha has much to offer. Mentioned below are some of the best destinations in Odisha for those who love to relax on the lap of mother nature.
1. Chilika Lake And Nature (Puri-Khurda-Ganjam)
Chilika Lake is a magical beauty gifted to the state of Odisha. It is Asia’s largest estuarine water lagoon and covers an area of 1100 sq. km. The unique combination of salt and fresh water, the richness of biodiversity, and the home to over a million migratory waterfowl and shore birds make Chilika Lake one of the most magnificent places to visit. The lake has been recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance because of its biodiversity. More than 225 species of fish and the playful Irrawady dolphins reside in this huge and beautiful lake. Usually, during the winter season, migratory birds from Siberia and other far-off places visit this lake.
If you are a bird lover and love to spend time watching the beautiful sunset in a place of natural beauty, then you cannot afford to miss visiting Chilika Lake in Odisha.
Best Time To Visit: November to February (Winter times)
Location: Chilika, Odisha
How To Reach: Bhubaneswar Airport is the nearest airport, while the nearest railway station is in Balugaon. However, the major railway station near Chilika is Khurda railway station.
2. Daringbadi (Kandhamal District, Odisha)
Daringbadi, also known as, “The Kashmir of Odisha”, is a hill station located in the Kandhamal district. This is located at an altitude of 3000 feet and is the only place in the state that gets snowfall during extreme winter days. The beauty of this place attracts many tourists every year, especially during the winter season. You can drive through pine plantations to the Daringbadi hilltop and witness a stunning sight from the top.
Best Time To Visit: Round the year
Location: Daringbadi, Kandhamal District, Odisha
How To Reach: The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar and the nearest railway station is in Berhampur.
3. Ansupa Lake (Cuttack District, Odisha)
Ansupa Lake in the Cuttack district of Odisha is the largest and one of the oldest freshwater lakes in Odisha. This magnificent lake is situated in Athgarh Forest Division. The lake is directly linked with Mahanadi by a channel called Kabula Nala.
The lake derives its name from its horse-shoe shape( Ansupa). The presence of several migratory birds during the winter season add a different charm to this place. You can enjoy boating in the lake. If you have been thinking about visiting a place with natural magnificence, then visit Ansupa Lake, and you will never regret it.
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Location: Cuttack, Odisha
How To Reach: The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack railway station is the closest railhead.
4. Bichitra Mangrove Forest (Balasore District, Odisha)
Bichitra Mangrove Forest is a special gift of nature to the state of Odisha. It is situated in a remote place in the Balasore district. This is situated close to the mouth of river Subarnarekha and is spread over an area of 563 Ha. Along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. This is famous for the Marine ecosystem having a huge and unique assemblage of fauna and flora. The pleasant view of Mangroves, the green sentinels of the nearby villages, beautiful beaches, and plenty of crabs, makes it a beautiful place to be in. Many migratory birds and resident birds come here to hunt for the crabs and it is worth watching for all eco-tourists.
Bhusandeswar, Chandaneswar, Talsari Beach, Udaipur, Digha( in West Bengal), etc. are some of the nearby places of attraction you can visit while you are in this place.
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year
Location: Bichitrapur, Balasore, Odisha, India
How To Reach: The nearest railhead is in Digha, i.e. just 15 km away. The nearest airport is Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkatta.
5. Giant Squirrel Nature Camp/Tree House (Ganjam District, Odisha)
Located at a distance of 72 km from Berhampur, in the Ganjam District of Odisha is the Giant Squirrel Nature Camp. It is situated in the middle of the Kaliamba forest in the Kaliamba village near Bhanjanagar, Ganjam. This is a unique place to experience wildlife and forest stay with Giant Squirrels. These Giant Squirrels have 2 feet long beautiful and colorful tails and dark red fur on their slender body. You can find these squirrels hopping and jumping from one branch to the other of the trees in the forest campus making loud calls. Staying with these Giant squirrels will surely give you a unique wildlife and nature experience.
The best part of this Giant Squirrel Nature Camp is that you can stay in the tree house with all comforts. There are also forest rest houses where you can prefer staying while your visit to this place.
Best Time To Visit: Round the year
Location: Kaliamba, Bhanjanagar, Ganjam, Odisha
How To Reach: Bhubaneswar Airport is the nearest airport while the nearest major railway station is in Berhmpur.
Final Words
Blessed by nature and a treasure to a bounty of fauna and flora, Odisha is one of the major states in India that houses so many wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and places of natural significance. We have listed some of the most amazing wildlife sanctuaries and natural spots of Odisha that would really excite any wildlife or nature lover to plan a trip to the state and witness the beauty of nature and wildlife. Are you excited enough to be in this blessed state and stay close to nature? Visit these amazing places of natural beauty and wildlife in Odisha and share your experiences with us.
