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.

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:

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.