On our way back home after a month-long South India driving holiday, we found this gem of a place on NH 16 from Visakh to Bhubaneshwar in Orissa, India. It is a little village located at the southern tip of the Chilika lagoon.
Chilika is one of the largest brackish water lagoons in Orissa offering shelter to a huge number of birds and aquatic plants. It is a safe haven for over 150 species of migratory birds during winter. Rambha is a great spot for bird watching.
The only decent place to stay overnight was the modest Tourist Lodge at Rambha overlooking the Chilika Lake. The rooms and cottages offered spectacular views of the lake.
Cruising on Chilika Lake is truly an unforgettable experience. You are very close to the water and it feels as if you are a part of the lake itself. We took a boat ride that lasted a few hours, stopping at the various islands such as the Breakfast Island, Becon Island and Birds Island.
The sunset views were simply stunning! We were so impressed by the sheer serenity and beauty of this experience that we went for an early morning boat ride the next day at an unearthly hour to view and experience the sunrise! It was well worth it!
The only scenes apart from the rowing and water sounds were the sights of fishermen mending their boats or getting ready to throw their net for the fresh catch of the day.
If time permits, do drive towards the neighboring villages to take in the village scenes, complete with bullock carts and herds of cattle and goats ambling along the road, parting reluctantly to let your car through. It will surely be a pleasant change from our everyday lives in cities!
Omg amazing sunsets
Beautiful sunsets! Looks so serene!!
Beautiful photos!
Shall definitely try to do this…. is Bhubaneswar the closest airport? Also how good are the lodges?
Hi Priya, Yes, Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport. But you need to drive at least 2 hours to reach Rambha. The only good accommodation are cottages provided by ITDC (Orissa state). But the location is simply fantastic next to the Chilika Lake.
Ok… 2 hours is not bad at all… we keep looking for interesting birding places… this seems promising … Thank u 😊
What a charming little town! Anyplace with such amazing sunsets is definitely worth a visit in my books!
An early morning boat ride at dawn sounds like a tranquil and rejuvenating way to start your day. I’m hardly ever up early enough to enjoy the sunrise, but I try and catch as many sunsets as possible, no two are ever the same … isn’t nature amazing!
That is just gorgeous.
The great thing about road trips is finding gems like Orissa. I can see that a boat ride would be a great way to enjoy the idyllic scene. And I have no doubt that it was worthwhile to get up early for the sunrise.