PLACES TO VISIT NEAR CHILIKA LAKE

The top sightseeing places around Chilika are Tampara Lake, Nirmal Jhar, Narayani Temple, Manikapatna, Taptapani, Banapur Bhagawati Temple and Gopalpur Sea Beach.

Tampara Lake

26 Kilometers from Rambha, Tampara Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the State of Odisha. Tampara Lake is a 300 hectare (740 acre) lake situated on the right bank of the Rushikulya River, near Chhatrapur, the district headquarters of Ganjam district, Odisha. The flood waters from the river enriches its biodiversity, thus the wetland supports 60 species of birds and 46 fish species. The lake is instrumental in flood control during the monsoon season. The beautiful lake & the nearby Chilika Lagoon highlight the ecological diversity Odisha is blessed with. While Tampara is a freshwater lake, Chilika is a brackish water lagoon. The lake has been designated as a protected Ramsar site since 2021.

Tampara lake is serene and scenic. You can see resident birds, migratory birds, peacocks. Boat ride in the lake is a must. It is maintained by OTDC . There is a park adjacent to the lake where one can go for a walk while enjoying a good view of the lake. There is an entry fee of Rs.20/ to the park.There are wooden bridges which has enhanced the beauty of the park. Some eateries are avaiable too inside the park. Your trip may not be complete without a stay at Tampara Resort which is on the banks of Tampara lake. It's a well-maintained property with courteous staff.

Nirmal Jhar

35 Kilometers from Chilika, the place is sanctified by the shrine of Lord Vishnu. The name Nirmal Jhar is a combination of two words, 'Nirmal' means 'Pure' and 'Jhar' means 'Stream'. The persistent stream flows with its pure water through the Badaghati Mountain of the eastern Ghat is channelised to different ponds at Nirmal Jhar. The main temple premise consists of various small temples like Jagannath temple, Vimala temple, Radhakrishna temple, Niakantheswara temple, Surya Narayan temple and Ganesha temple. These temples were built in 1700 A.D. As a picnic spot and a place for religious worship, Nirmal Jhar has earned considerable distinction. The small ponds present in premises of Nirmala Jhar are main attractions for visitors.

Narayani Temple

7 Kilometers from Chilika lagoon, the holy shrine of Goddess Narayani is a great attraction for the devotees and picnickers. Narayani is on of the famous Shakti Peetha of Odisha and the presiding delity of this temple is six-armed Goddess Durga. The deity has her place on the top of the Bhalleri hill, surrounded by a dense mango and sal trees. By the side of a natural spring, it is a picnic spot of great scenic beauty. The green jungle with its calm and quiet environment attracts large number of visitors every year. During winter season the number of picnickers to this place is multiplied. The beautiful view of Chillika Lake from the top of bhalleri mountain is unforgetable.

Manikapatna

Manikapatna village is located on the Puri-Satapada Road. It is located around 19 kilometres from Chilika Lake. A village named after Manika, a milkmaid who had supposedly sold yoghurt to Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra when they were on their way to Kanchi. The word 'Manikapatna' is a combination of two words 'Manika' and 'Patana'. 'Manika', the name of the milkmaid and 'Patana' means 'Village'. It is close to the mouth of Chilika lake. Manikapatana, one of the excavated Archeological Sites of Puri district, is in Krushnaprasad block from which the remains at the mediaeval period are found. This village is also famous for Bhabakundaleswar Shiva Temple. The temple is facing towards the east. The presiding deity is a Siva Linga made of black chlorite stone. Maha Shivaratri, Kartika Purnima, Ekadasi are main festival observed in this temple. More information on Manikapatna

Taptapani

125 Kilometers from chilika, Taptapani is a bubbling hot sulphur spring. The name Taptapani is a combination of two words, 'Tapta' means 'Hot' and 'Pani' means 'Water'. Due to high sulphur content present in the water, it has medicinal properties to cure skin diseases like scabies and eczema. The water is extremely hot near the origin of the spring (900 to 1000 F), is channelised into a pond where people take their bath. The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation has pipelined the water of the spring to the baths of the Panthanivas (tourist bunglaow) where tourists can stay and enjoy this at lieasure. Taptapani, an all season destination, is surrounded by hills inhabited by the Odishan tribal. Near the pool there is a small shrine dedicated to a tribal Goddess Kandhuni. Lord Shiva is worshiped in the middle of the pool surrounded by iron fence. The presence of a deer park about half a kilometer away from the pool is another attraction for visitors.

Banapur Bhagawati Temple

15 Kilometers from chilika, Banapur is a centre of religious activities. It is famous for the temple of Goddess Bhagawati. This temple is one of the twelve famous sakti pithas of Odisha. An image of Mahisamardini Durga , known as Bhagavati in local language, is worshiped in the sanctum of the main temple. Bhagavati temple is famous for Durgapuja. Devotees from different parts of Odisha enjoy this festival at Banapur. Banapur is also famous for Dakshya Prajapati or Daksesvara Shiva Temple. This temple is one of the best preserved temple of the first half of the 13th century A.D and is a fine example of extraordinary artistic excellence of Odishan temple art.

Gopalpur Sea Beach

90 Kilometers from Chilika, Gopalpur is one of the most popular sea-side resort of Odisha. Gopalpur has become a favourite resort for the tourists for combating the foamy waves of the sea. It is one of the ancient sea ports of Odisha during the days of the British East India Company. Near the sea there is a old light house stand witness to the old port. Gopalpur is also famous for delicious seafood.
Gopalpur got its name from an 18th century temple dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna .Gopalpur has a uniform temperature throughout the year. Temperature in the summer months touches a high of 35°C and a low of 23°C respectively. Winter months are relatively cold with a maximum and minimum temperature of 27°C and 16°C respectively. Though a year-round destination, the best time to visit this place is from October to April.

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