Odisha Bird Festival 2025 at Chilika Lake – Birdwatching, Itinerary & Eco-Tourism Highlights

Odisha’s Grand Celebration of Birds Begins!

Odisha is once again taking flight with its Bird Festival 2025, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. This annual celebration of avian life brings together birdwatchers, photographers, scientists, and conservationists from across India and beyond.

Hosted by the Odisha Forest Department, in collaboration with the Chilika Development Authority (CDA) and Odisha Tourism, the event showcases the state’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and eco-tourism.

This year’s festival highlights include:

• Birdwatching sessions at Chilika, Mangalajodi, and Nalabana.

• Workshops and photography exhibitions on migratory bird species.

• Interaction with ornithologists and local eco-guides.

• Boat safaris and nature walks for an immersive wetland experience.

Why Chilika Lake is a Birder’s Paradise

Every winter, over a million migratory birds arrive at Chilika from as far as Siberia, Mongolia, Central Asia, and the Caspian region.
Home to more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds, the lake’s ecosystem supports flamingos, herons, ducks, and waders — making it one of the richest avian habitats in India.

Key birding hotspots around Chilika include:

• Mangalajodi Wetlands – Known as “Bird Lovers’ Paradise”, managed by the local community.

• Nalabana Bird Sanctuary – A core protected zone within the lake, famous for flamingos and pelicans.

• Satpada Dolphin Sanctuary – Unique blend of avifauna and aquatic wildlife, including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin.

Sustainable Tourism Focus

The Odisha Bird Festival promotes community-based eco-tourism, where local villagers serve as guides, boatmen, and homestay hosts — ensuring that tourism directly supports conservation and livelihoods.

The Odisha Forest Department has also introduced strict eco-guidelines, emphasizing minimal disturbance to birds, controlled visitor movement, and plastic-free zones.

Eco-Conservation Efforts

The Chilika Bird Festival is more than a tourist attraction — it’s a symbol of community-based conservation.
Villagers of Mangalajodi, once hunters of migratory birds, now serve as guides and guardians of the lake, showing the world how eco-tourism can save ecosystems while empowering locals.

The government also plans to establish India’s first Bird Museum near Chilika, highlighting the state’s commitment to preserving avian heritage. 

3-Day Birdwatching Itinerary at Chilika Lake

Day 1 – Arrival & First Glimpse of Chilika

Morning:
Arrive in Bhubaneswar or Puri and drive to Mangalajodi (approx. 2.5 hours).
Check in at Mangalajodi Eco Cottages or local homestays.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a traditional Odia meal.

• Go on a guided boat tour through the wetlands — spot Northern Pintails, Shovellers, and Godwits.

• Learn about Mangalajodi’s inspiring shift from poaching to conservation.

Evening:
Relax by the marshlands with sunset views and local folk performances.

Day 2 – Explore Nalabana & Satpada

Morning:

• Early departure to Nalabana Bird Sanctuary.

• Witness thousands of flamingos and pelicans during sunrise.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at OTDC Panthanivas Barkul.

• Proceed to Satpada Dolphin Sanctuary for dolphin spotting by boat.

Evening:
Stay overnight at Swosti Chilika Resort or other eco-lodges.
Optional: Attend cultural evening or photo exhibitions if scheduled during the festival.

Day 3 – Cultural Trails & Departure

Morning:

• Visit Raghurajpur Heritage Village, famous for Pattachitra paintings.

• Stop by Puri Jagannath Temple or Puri Beach for a relaxed finale.

Afternoon:
Lunch in Puri or Bhubaneswar before departure. 

Accommodation

• Eco-Stays: Mangalajodi Eco Cottages, OTDC Panthanivas Satpada.

• Luxury Options: Sterling Puri, Toshali Sands, Swosti Chilika Resort.

• Budget Stays: Local homestays & lodges near Balugaon and Barkul

Travel Tips

• Best Time: November to February

• Ideal Birding Hours: 6:00 AM – 9:30 AM & 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM

• What to Carry: Binoculars, camera with zoom lens, sunhat, water-resistant shoes

• How to Reach:

  • By Air: Bhubaneswar (Biju Patnaik International Airport)

  • By Train: Bhubaneswar / Puri

  • By Road: 120 km from Bhubaneswar to Mangalajodi

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. When is the Odisha Bird Festival 2025 scheduled?
The festival usually takes place between January and February, coinciding with the peak migratory bird season.

Q2. Do visitors need permits to visit Chilika’s birding zones?
Entry to Nalabana Sanctuary requires prior permission from the Chilika Development Authority. However, other zones like Mangalajodi are open to tourists under eco-guided tours.

Q3. What species can be spotted during the festival?
Visitors can witness flamingos, pelicans, pintails, storks, egrets, and waders among hundreds of migratory and resident bird species.

Q4. Are accommodation options available near Chilika?
Yes, options include Mangalajodi Eco Cottages, Swosti Chilika Resort, and OTDC Panthanivas Barkul

Conclusion

The Odisha Bird Festival 2025 at Chilika Lake is more than a wildlife event — it’s a celebration of coexistence between humans and nature.
From the harmonious calls of migratory birds to the community-led conservation spirit of Mangalajodi, every moment here reminds us why Odisha remains India’s premier destination for eco-tourism and birdwatching.

Whether you’re a wildlife photographer, nature lover, or eco-traveler, Chilika Lake invites you to experience the rhythm of wings that unite the skies of Odisha with the world.