Birding Hotspots in Odisha

Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake is undoubtedly the crown jewel of bird watching in Odisha. This vast expanse of brackish water, nestled along the Bay of Bengal, is a haven for avian enthusiasts. With home to over 277 species of birds, the lake offers a top tourist spot that welcomes native as well as migratory birds adding to the overall beauty of this lake. Some of the most popularly sighted bird species of this region are the Little Egret, Black-headed Ibis, Purple Heron, Little Cormorant, House Crow, Lesser whistling duck and White-breasted Waterhen.

Sundarpada

Considered among the top birding hotspots of the state, Sundarpada offers an intimate birding experience where visitors can get visuals of some of the rare and endangered bird species that are limited to this region. Located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, this wetland area is a haven for water birds. Some of the most popular birds of this region include the Eastern Cattle Egret, Asian Open Bill, Scaly-breasted Munia, Great Egret, Little Egret, Black-headed Ibis and many others.

Nandankanan Zoological Park

One of the finest zoos in the state, Nandankanan boasts a good collection of birds. That attracts bird enthusiasts and nature lovers in a huge number. Surrounded by rich greenery and diverse flora and fauna, the park is home to hundreds of bird species. Asian Open Bill, Ruddy Shelduck, Barn Swallow, Scaly-breasted Munia, Rock Pigeon and Rosy Starling are some of the most sighted bird species of this region.

RPRC Botanical Garden

The RPRC Botanical Garden is primarily a botanical garden, and while it is not as popular as other birding destinations. However, you might encounter some of the rare bird species in this region. Some of the most commonly sighted birds in this botanical garden include Lesser Whistling-Duck, Rosy Starling, Eastern Cattle Egret, Chestnut-tailed Starling, Scaly-breasted Munia, Indian Pied Starling and many others.

Binka, Sonepur

Binka in Sonepur district is an offbeat village located in the western part of the state. Although the village is not well known among tourists and visitors, the place is home to numerous bird species making it an ideal place for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers. Some of the most popular birds of this region include Kentish Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Cotton Pygmy-Goose, Great Cormorant, Blue-tailed Bee-eater and Small Pratincole.

Trekking Trails in Odisha

Deomali

As the highest peak in Odisha, Deomali offers challenging yet rewarding hikes. The trek through lush green forests, waterfalls, and tribal villages offers visitors with an opportunity to witness the authentic lifestyle of this region. Although it is an easy trek the adventure offers a series of experiences that cannot be explained in words.

Mahendragiri

Mahendragiri is the second highest point of the state with an altitude of more than 4900ft that offers its visitors adrenaline-rushing trekking options. Known for its religious significance, Mahendragiri offers a combination of spirituality and adventure. The top of the mountain offers a stunning view of the entire city and surrounding valley that makes the journey worthy of the challenges it offers.

Niyamgiri Hills

Situated on the verdant hills of the Eastern Ghats, Niyamgiri Hills has been a preferred choice among adventure enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush green valleys, dense forest and numerous off-road trails, the hill is one of the best places to indulge in trekking activity. While the trek can be challenging and may require climbing steep rocks, the top view of the hills offers a sigh of relief with its panoramic view that attracts trekkers from all over the country.

Similipal National Park

Similipal National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is a treasure for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife make it a perfect destination for trekking. The park is located on an off-beat location and therefore needs assistance from a trekking guide who can help you reach the top of the park. The place offers a variety of trekking routes that can be selected based on difficulty levels and duration.