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Mangalajodi birds, tour, how to reach, accommodation

Mangalajodi is a small fishing village on the northern banks of the Chilika Lake. Way back, it was known as a poacher’s village. Over a decade of persuasion managed to convert them into protectors. Transition was not easy but continuous efforts through awareness and support from different agencies proved effective. Now the birds are returning and each census is registering increasing in numbers. Normally the lake hosts over 200 species of birds during the peak season of which at least 80 are migratory.

Mangalajodi

Now-a-days the erstwhile poachers of Mangalajodi village actively patrol & protect birds in its marshes. Born in the lap of nature, they monitor the bird population, co-ordinate with the forest department, take tourists around on birding trips. Protection has saved not only birds, but also benefitted its rich bio-diversity, including fishes, snakes, monitor lizards & the rare fishing cats. Mangalajodi now hosts more than 300,000 birds in the peak season of November-December. It has been designated as an ‘Important Bird Area’ by Birdlife International for its importance as a significant global waterfowl habitat.

Mangalajodi Ecotourism

It is an initiative to support livelihoods and community conservation efforts. The local communities have been proactive in protecting the wetland ecosystem over a period of two decades. However, what is important that it gives a traveller an opportunity to feel close to nature and to experience a harmonious coexistence with it.

What to do at Mangalajodi

  • Birding from the Watch Towers, the place offering Birding from closest distance possible
  • Guided Boat ride on special routes to spot birds. Knowledge of Birds, their migratory patterns and breeding cycles from poachers-turned-ecoguides.
  • Taste local cuisines which are prepared and offered.
  • Hear the story “Poachers to Protectors” from the locals.
  • Stay in Bamboo cottages.
  • Hands on experience of local skills and activities like: boat making, bamboo works, pottery works, fishnet making.

How to reach Mangalajodi

Mangalajodi is 75 kms from Bhubaneswar en-route to Chennai on NH-5. Bhubaneswar is well connected by Air and Train. Nearest Bus stand is Chandpur Tangi. Nearest Railheads are Kalupada ghat and Mukteswar.

Mangalajodi accommodation

Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust is offering basket of products best suited to the travellers:

  • Stay packages – Cottages and Dormitories.
  • Day Packages.
  • Student Group Packages
  • Corporate Group Packages
  • Premium peak season packages (15 Dec – 15 Jan).
  • Premium service package for Bird Watchers and Photographers

Mangalajodi Eco-tourist

As an Eco Tourist, your experience will be enriching, if you keep the following in mind.

  • Do not litter in and around the lake.
  • Dispose all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles. tins, plastic bags etc in dustbins only.
  • Ask for prior permission before taking a photo.
  • Smoking & Drinking are prohibited.
  • Respect the local culture. Pay particular attention to customs such as greetings.
  • Give a fair price to rural produce by buying local.
  • Following “Birding Rules & Ethics” displayed at Mangalajodi. Violation of Rules will invite penalty.

Mangalajodi tour booking

Website: www.mangalajodiecotourism.com
Email: mangalajodiecotourism@gmail.com
Mob: +91-9776696800, 8895288955

Check : Places to visit in Odisha.

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