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LAKES
Ansupa
This small but extremely picturesque lake holds a prominent
position in the tourist map of Orissa for its beauty, proximity
to Cuttack and the fact that till the recent past, it used to
play host to migratory birds during winter.
Chilika
Just south of Puri, the sea mixes in with the 1100 sq.km inland
Chilika Lake to create the largest brackish water lake in Asia.
These shallow waters enclose an immense area of marshes,
lowlands, and islands. There are more than 160 varieties of
fish, and, in the winter season (from November through March),
the area is home to hundreds of thousands of migratory birds as
well.
The surrounding hills and sandy stretches abound
in cheetals, blackbucks, monkeys, fishing cats, mongoose, and
porcupines. At the channel meeting the sea, dolphins can be seen
cavorting playfully. Snakes, turtles and lizards inhabit the
surrounding beach area and wooded undergrowth.
A number of islands dot the expanse of the lake.
Nalbana Island, because of its varied flora and fauna, forms the
core of the Chilika sanctuary. Kalijai Island is home to the
Goddess Kalijai, venerated by the local fisher folk. This island
plays host to a huge fair on 'Makar Sankranti' held annually in
the month of January. The large fishing community adds flavour
to the lake with their traditional colourful sail boats bobbing
expertly across the water, reminiscent of the ancient maritime
heritage of Orissa. In fact, the fisher folk can be persuaded to
take visitors on their boats.
Chilika is worth visiting the year round,
however, the winter months, when the air reverberates with the
din of the birds, are the nicest times. Barkul, Rambha, Balugaon
and Satpada are the bases for visiting Chilika, where boats can
be hired.
RESERVOIRS
Hirakud
A mere 16 km north of Sambalpur town stands the Hirakud Dam on
the river Mahanadi - the longest dam in the world and the
largest dam made of earth. Hirakud is an engineering marvel as
well as a stunning site. From horizon to horizon, the reservoir
forms the largest artificial lake in Asia with an area of 746 sq
km and a shore line of over 640 km. A twenty-one km drive on the
dyke offers a unique experience of calm serenity. One can
comfortably enjoy the sight of the mighty Hirakud Dam and the
fantastic expanse of water from the top of the revolving minaret
called Gandhi Minar on the north, or from the Nehru Minar on the
other end of the dam. A considerable number of migratory birds
also come here during winter.
Indravati
Originating near Thuamul-Rampur, the river Indravati makes its
winding course through dense forests and sunkissed valleys till
she halts at Khatiguda, 20 km from Nowrangpur, to form a
reservoir in the hands of modern sculptors. The vast blue
expanse guarded by green capped soaring hills makes this lake a
delightful sight - a lifetime memory.
Kolab
15 km from Koraput, the river Kolab makes a spectacular jump at
Bagra to form a reservoir called the "Upper Kolab
Irrigation Project". An ideal place for an outing, it is
also a panacea for city dwellers.
Machhakund
The Machkund hydro electric project has created a lovely
reservoir that is definitely worth a visit.
Rengali
The Rengali reservoir, situated in the midst of nature's beauty,
is a popular picnic spot for localites and visitors alike.
Sorada Ghai
About 80 km from Berhampur, Sorada holds in its bosom a
reservoir amidst uncommon scenic charm. Popularly known as
Sorada Ghai, it blends itself beautifully into an enchanting
picnic spot.
HOT SPRINGS
Taptapani
The bubbling hot spring of Taptapani lies deep in the forests
and high on a hill around 50 km from Berhampur. The waters,
believed to have medicinal properties, are also piped directly
into the bathrooms of the Pantha Niwas (tourist bungalow). The
beauty of the rolling tribal inhabited hills is an added bonus.
Tarabalo
In the Nayagarh district, Tarabalo is famous for a cluster of
hot springs dotted over an area of 8 acres. Located 75 km from
Bhubaneswar, it makes a delightful spot for outings and picnics.
Atri
Situated about 42 km from Bhubaneswar, Atri is best known for
its hot sulphur springs and the famous Shrine Lord Hatakeswar
temple. The waters of the spring remain at a constant 55
degrees-Centigrade (131 degrees F) and are believed to have
medicinal properties. Tourists can enjoy steam bath in the
Bathing Complex, located close to the spring. The winding
highway leading to Atri is lined with neem (margosa), banyan,
and peepul trees, and passes through scenic rural countryside
making even the drive here a delightful experience.
Deulajhari,
90 km from Angul, near Athamalik, are the famed hot springs of
Deulajhari. The hot spring seems to flow from the bottom of a
Shiva Linga, and is channelised to 36 ponds on the outskirts of
the Shiva temple. Believed to contain medicinal properties, a
bath in the spring has religious importance too.
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