6-Day Odisha Birding: Chilika, Mangalajodi and Bhitarkanika
A six-day private Odisha route combining wetland and mangrove birding at Chilika, Mangalajodi and Bhitarkanika with selected cultural stops.
About this tour
Travel through coastal Odisha on a private six-day route shaped around two contrasting birding landscapes: the wetlands of Chilika Lake and Mangalajodi, followed by the mangrove creeks of Bhitarkanika. The journey begins and ends in Bhubaneswar, with overnight stages in Puri, near Mangalajodi, Bhubaneswar and Bhitarkanika.
At Chilika, the program explores the Satapada side of the lagoon before moving to Mangalajodi for boat-based wetland birding and an early-morning field session. Winter brings the strongest concentration of migratory waterbirds, while resident species can be encountered throughout the year. The itinerary then continues to Bhitarkanika, where guided evening and morning outings focus on mangrove channels, nesting colonies and a notably varied kingfisher community.
The overland route also includes cultural and coastal stops around Dhauli, Pipili, Puri and Konark. These visits give the journey a broader sense of Odisha while keeping dedicated birding time at Mangalajodi and Bhitarkanika. The order can be adjusted to local conditions and traveler interests.
The published program includes private air-conditioned road transport, accommodation for five nights, breakfast according to the confirmed hotel plan, local guiding at Mangalajodi and Bhitarkanika, and one boat ride at each birding site. Exact travel dates and the current quotation are confirmed after inquiry.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to India.
Itinerary
Day 1
Bhubaneswar to Puri
Meet at Bhubaneswar Airport or railway station and travel to Puri, with planned stops at Dhauli and the craft village of Pipili. After check-in, the program allows time around Puri’s temple district and Golden Beach before an overnight stay in Puri.
Day 2
Chilika Lake from Satapada
Travel to the Satapada side of Chilika Lake to explore the lagoon, islands and Sea Mouth area. Return to Puri for time on the coast and a second overnight stay.
Day 3
Mangalajodi wetland birding
Continue to Mangalajodi on the northeastern edge of Chilika Lake. A guided boat outing enters the shallow wetland, where resident birds are joined by large numbers of migrants in winter. Overnight near Mangalajodi or in Puri, according to the confirmed arrangement.
Day 4
Morning birding and Konark
Begin with an early birding session at Mangalajodi, then travel toward Bhubaneswar. The route includes coastal and cultural stops around Ramachandi, Chandrabhaga Beach and Konark Sun Temple before an overnight stay in Bhubaneswar.
Day 5
Bhitarkanika mangroves
Drive to Bhitarkanika and settle into the confirmed homestay or park-area accommodation. Join a local guide for an evening birding session in the mangrove landscape, with attention to creek-side birds, nesting colonies and kingfishers.
Day 6
Morning birding and return to Bhubaneswar
Take a second guided birding outing in the morning. After breakfast and check-out, return to Bhubaneswar for the onward journey.
Locations & map
- Bhubaneswar - Odisha India (Arrival and departure city for the overland route.)
- Puri and Chilika - Odisha India (Coastal and lagoon stage based in Puri.)
- Mangalajodi - Odisha India (Freshwater wetland on the northeastern edge of Chilika Lake; winter is the main migratory-bird season.)
- Konark - Odisha India (Cultural and coastal stop between Mangalajodi and Bhubaneswar.)
- Bhitarkanika - Odisha India (Mangrove creeks, heronry habitat and guided birding by boat and on foot.)
5 stops. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Mangalajodi is especially rewarding for migratory waterbirds from November to March. The route is available on request,
Price: Price on request
Included
- Meet and greet in Bhubaneswar - At the airport or railway station.
- Five nights of accommodation - Two nights in Puri, one near Mangalajodi, one in Bhubaneswar and one at Bhitarkanika, subject to the confirmed arrangement.
- Breakfast - Provided at the respective stays according to the confirmed plan.
- Private air-conditioned compact sedan - Road transfers follow the itinerary and include tolls, parking, driver allowance, fuel and overnight driver costs.
- Local guiding - Guides at Mangalajodi and Bhitarkanika, plus a guide at Konark Sun Temple.
- Two boat outings - One boat ride at Mangalajodi and one at Bhitarkanika.
- Drinking water in the vehicle - One 500 ml bottle per person per day.
- Taxes and GST - Included in the confirmed package.
Not included
- Travel to Bhubaneswar - Flights, trains or other transport to the meeting city are not included.
- Entry and camera fees - Paid separately where applicable.
- Unlisted meals and personal expenses - Anything not stated in the confirmed inclusion list is excluded.
Transport & stays
- Private air-conditioned compact sedan The vehicle follows the six-day Odisha itinerary; tolls, parking, fuel, driver allowance and overnight driver costs are included. | Meet: Bhubaneswar Airport or railway station | Pickup: Arrival pickup and final return to Bhubaneswar are included.
Accommodations
- Puri hotel
- Mangalajodi-area stay
- Bhubaneswar hotel
- Bhitarkanika stay
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Can the route be customized?
Yes. KeyTerns can adjust the sequence and selected stops to the group’s interests, subject to local conditions and the confirmed quotation.
When is the main birding season at Mangalajodi?
November to March is the strongest period for migratory waterbirds. Resident birds can also be present outside that period.
Are bird sightings guaranteed?
No. Species and numbers depend on season, weather, water levels and wild bird activity.
What price applies?
The current price is supplied on request after dates, occupancy and any itinerary adjustments are confirmed.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.