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.

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:

Last Engagement

The setting was perfect.
The girl's parents and the girl occupied the classy antique chairs on the left, while the boy and his parents sat on the right.

PHOTO PROMPT © Fatima Fakier Deria

They had finally settled to complete the engagement formalities.
The boy proposed and the girl accepted.
Their parents smiled.
No one could hear their laughter.
The cool breeze made the shady tree's leaves rustle.

Some kilometres away, some time ago, there had been a terrible road-accident.
The next day's newspaper reported that a boy and girl, along with their parents, had been killed on way to a resort for a private engagement...

We can never say when the ghosts are having a party... Do you believe that there is a lot that we cannot see?
100 Words Story for-
Friday Fictioneers and ABC Wednesday- L for Last, Laughter, Leaves, Left

Very #Fantastico Zica Experience

I was thrilled when I received an invite to Goa for the exclusive preview launch and to be one of the first few to experience the newest car from Tata Motors- ZICA.

IndiBlogger and Tata Motors had selected me for the #madeofgreat experience! 

In this year's beginning, I was Boltified when I was introduced to the Tata Bolt.

Delivering newer models that delight customers speaks of Tata Motors' quality commitment and continuous performance and improvement. Its innovation has won Tata Motors a prized rank in the 2015 BCG list of the world's 50 most innovative companies. It is a matter of pride that Tata Motors is the only Indian company in the list.

Source: Mayank Pareek, President Passenger Vehicles, Tata Motors

As I had loved my Bolt experience at the malls, I was looking forward to experience the Zica.
Earlier, I was aware of Zica- but of a different kind!

This was d #Zica I cud spot in #Bhubaneswar! Excited that #Fantastico #madeofgreat @ZicaTataMotors will b on road! pic.twitter.com/rAgJsMTnE4

— Anita (@anitaexplorer) December 6, 2015

I looked up the new Zica car online and found many tempting images! 

Source: Zica Tata Motors

Utkala Dibasa

Odisha, a state in India, has a rich cultural heritage and ancient history. 

1st April is celebrated as Utkala Dibasa. It is also called Odisha Dibasa or Odisha Day.

In Odia language, Dibasa means a day of celebration.

On this day in 1936, Odisha was created as a separate state. It was the first state created on linguistic basis.

Odisha was previously called Utkala. Utkala finds a mention in our National Anthem too.

On the occasion of Utkala Dibasa, buildings are lit and there are celebrations.

Here is the video of the song 'Bande Utkala Janani' (Hail Utkala Motherland)