Sunrise On The Chilika Lake

I love sunrise for the new hope, energy and freshness it ushers.
Recently, I had the great opportunity to watch the sunrise at Asia's largest lagoon and the second largest lagoon in the world, Chilika Lake.
This eco-paradise, located in the Ganjam district of Odisha, attracts lakhs of migratory birds.

Watching the sunrise at a tourist place is an incentive to say bye to sleep & the facilities of a comfortable room!
Do you like sacrificing sleep to greet the morning rays of the sun?

When I woke up in the morning and looked out, I could see the lights from the Kalijai Island nearby.
I hurried to the banks of the Chilika ready to greet the sun!

Swosti Chilika Resort Odisha

We were excited to visit the Swosti Chilika Resort located near Asia's largest lagoon and the second largest lagoon in the world, Chilika Lake.

It was an exhilarating experience to step into the impressive eco-resort and experience the unmistakable aura of the resort spread across nine acres on the banks of the Chilika Lake.

After a traditional warm welcome complete with 'Mangal Tika' and welcome-drinks, we made ourselves comfortable on the battery-operated vehicle and set out for our room. The aesthetically-designed resort in the resplendent verdant locale made its presence felt.
   
Eco-Resort, Chilika Lake View, And Greenery
As we journeyed on our eco-vehicle, we soaked in all the sights, sounds, and smells that seemed to greet and transport us to another world... Birds were singing even in the afternoon! 

The gentle breeze and the lush greenery welcomed us as we crossed elegant cottages and presidential suites to reach our well-furnished 'Lake View' room in the 'Wind Chimes'.

The view from the common balcony leading to the room was great.

Boat Ride On The Chilika Lake

I went for a boat ride on the Chilika Lake from Swosti Chilika Resort in Ganjam district, Odisha.

Because of its rich biodiversity, Chilika Lake was designated as the first Indian "Ramsar site" i.e. a wetland of international importance.

I loved to visit Kalijai Goddess, Temple, Kalijai Island and some other islands of the Chilika Lake.

Bateswar Temple And Sea Beach, Odisha

Sri Bateswar Mahaprabhu Temple is an 8th-century temple near the Rushikulya rookery (of Olive Ridley turtles) and Humma village in the Ganjam district of Odisha. 

There is a sea beach near the temple.

Situated about 8 kilometres from the NH16, this temple is of archaeological importance. Devanagari and Kutila scripts are in the inscriptions at the site. However, they cannot be read due to the poor clarity of these inscriptions dating to the 10th Century.

How To Reach Swosti Chilika Resort From Bhubaneswar

The pristine surroundings of the Chilika Lake make visitors feel at one with nature. Small wonder, Chilika Lake attracts many guests from all over the world- not just humans, avian species too! We have visited the Chilika Lake many times.

Last year, we were very excited to learn about the inauguration of the newest resort in Odisha - the Swosti Chilika Resort in Ganjam district of Odisha. The best thing is that this luxury resort has come up near the Chilika Lake! It is said that only three things should be considered while booking/choosing a property/place-
1. Location,
2. Location,
&
3. Location!
We love the super location choice by the Swosti group of hotels.

The location beckoned! Swosti Chilika Resort's warm invitation promised us a memorable journey and stay.

One fine morning two months ago, a comfortable vehicle from Swosti Travels picked us from our home in Bhubaneswar.
We travelled 112 kilometres on NH16, from Bhubaneswar to Chilika. The scenic drive took us about 2 hours by car. There are many places of interest on the scenic route from Bhubaneswar to Chilika. I will be sharing about those in another post.

The Swosti Chilika Resort is located at Odia Alapur, Pathara via Gorapali in Ganjam district of Odisha. As we were travelling by road from Bhubaneswar to Chilika, after crossing Narayani Temple gate, we took the left turn at Vejiput village (before the Gorapali toll-gate). We waited for a train to pass at the Kalijai station level-crossing. Then, after a short journey, we reached!
Take a look at this video to see snapshots of our journey to reach the Swosti Chilika Resort:

Tampara Lake Odisha #AToZChallenge

Odisha has many lakes. Tampara Lake is one of them.
Humuri Tampara Lake is situated in Ganjam district.
It is located just 0.5 kms from a point at NH16. We had crossed the sign-board scores of times, but had never travelled that distance of  0.5 kms...

Humuri Tampara Lake is located about 15 kms from Gopalpur-on-Sea beach. After a quick trip to Swosti Resort, Gopalpur, we were thrilled to see the sign-boards on our way back.

The approach to Tampara Lake is a narrow road with hedges on the side. And then we reached!

Qila - Forts Of Odisha #AToZChallenge

Odisha has some impressive forts with great historical significance that reflect glory and architectural grandeur. In Odia language, the word 'Gada' means 'Fort'.

Barabati Fort

Barabati Fort is located in Cuttack on the banks of the Mahanadi River. In the past, Cuttack was the capital of Odisha. Built by the Ganga dynasty in the 14th Century, Barabati Fort is the most famous fort of Odisha.  King Narnupa Kesri built a stone-like structure around the river to save it from the flood. King Anangbhima Dev III developed the Barabati fort. Many rulers rebuilt the fort.

Visitors can see the ruins of the fort. War marks are visible on its walls. The fort provides a great view of Cuttack city.
Barabati Cricket Stadium is near the fort. Also, the temple dedicated to Goddess Cuttack Chandi is close by.

Silver City Cuttack's Railway Station is designed like the Barabati Fort.

Nirmala Jhara, Odisha #AToZChallenge

Nirmal Jhar or Nirmaljhar or Nirmala Jhara is a scenic spot with a perennial spring and a temple-complex near Khallikote in Ganjam district of Odisha, India.

Kalijai Goddess, Temple And Island #AToZChallenge

Odisha boasts of many Goddesses, temples and islands. Kalijai is one of them.

This island named Kalijai is located in Asia's largest lagoon, the Chilika Lake. There is a temple named Kalijai Temple that is dedicated to Goddess Kalijai. 

Chilika Lake has many islands out of which Kalijai is the most famous island as it has the legend of Kalijai associated with it. Kalijai was a newly-married girl who was on her way to her in-laws place when bad weather capsized the boat, she was travelling in, in Chilika Lake. Since then, she has been worshipped as Goddess Kalijai. It is believed that She protects the boats and the travellers.

Local residents worship Goddess Kalijai. Goddess Kalijai is the presiding deity of the lagoon.