Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
Odisha is a true gem and is known for its cultural richness and scenic beauty, and with it come some of the most beautiful lakes in the country. Every famous lake in Odisha is suitable for an avid birdwatcher, a lover of nature, or an adventure seeker. You can find a perfect escape with opportunities for boating, fishing, and birdwatching. Not to forget, these water bodies are also of historical, ecological, and religious importance, which makes them a once-in-a-lifetime must-visit place.
10 Famous Lakes Of Odisha
Following are the 10 famous lakes in Odisha with attractions, best time to visit and unique features.
1. Chilika Lake
Photo: Achyuta.das1 / Wikimedia Commons
Covering an area of more than 1,100 square kilometres (425 square miles), Chilika Lake is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the world. This brackish water lake is a wetland of international importance recognised by UNESCO. This famous lake in Odisha is home to more than 200 species of fish and a winter sanctuary for more than a million migratory birds from the Arctic and Siberia. You can find Irrawaddy dolphins, which are sometimes observed in the Satpada region. There are Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, Kalijai Temple and Honeymoon Island on the lake too. Prawn and crab farming are a lifeline for fishermen from the adjacent villages.
Location: Puri, Ganjam, and Khurda districts
Best Time To Visit: November to February
2. Ansupa Lake
Photo: Krushna C Mahapatra / Wikimedia Commons
The largest freshwater lake of Odisha, Ansupa, is situated between the Saranda and Bishnupur hills. This crescent-shaped lake is formed by Mahanadi River water and is a delight for nature lovers and photographers due to its exquisite beauty. The lake was regarded as an important waterway that was used by traders. Today, it lures migratory birds, especially in winter, such as open-billed storks and kingfishers. The Odisha government has started boating facilities for tourists to enjoy pedal boats and appreciate the pristine landscape. It has a hilltop viewpoint for a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding forests.
Location: Cuttack district, near Banki
Best Time To Visit: October to March
3. Kanjia Lake
Photo: Luistxo / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located within the Nandankanan Zoological Park, Kanjia Lake, a wetland ecosystem, occupies an area of 134 hectares. The lake was once a water reservoir from the time of the Kalinga Empire. In addition to adding aesthetic value to the zoo, this lake is also very important for the biodiversity of the zoo. It is a habitat for many aquatic species, such as freshwater turtles, fish, and marsh-trunked birds. The lake’s clear waters mirror the bordering forests, creating a picturesque scene for photography. You can take a boat ride onto the lake to check out the small islands and get up close to some waterfowl.
Location: Nandankanan Zoological Park, Bhubaneswar
Best Time To Visit: October to February
4. Indravati Lake
Photo: Syedsamali / Wikimedia Commons
Indravati Lake is a mesmerising reservoir formed by the Indravati Reservoir crafted from the Indravati Dam, which is one of Odisha’s major hydroelectric projects. Surrounded by lush forest, this lake is set among a well-known hill in the Eastern Ghats and its deep blue water is stunning. The lake receives inflow from the Indravati River, which flows in neighbouring Chhattisgarh. It supports numerous fish species and allows for drinking water and irrigation in surrounding areas. The crocodiles it contains are a rare feature of this famous lake in Odisha, as they flourish in the reservoir.
Location: Kalahandi district
Best Time To Visit: October to February
5. Hirakud Reservoir
Photo: Manas Nayak / Wikimedia Commons
The stunning Hirakud reservoir is formed by one of the longest earthen dams, the Hirakud Dam. The Mahanadi River basin is home to this large reservoir spread over 743 square kilometres. It is essential for hydroelectric power generation, irrigation and flood control. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which hugs the reservoir’s shoreline, is one of the best attractions here. The sanctuary shelters leopards, elephants and migratory birds, including pintail ducks and red-crested pochards. The dam’s massive structure can be seen from a vantage point at Gandhi Minar.
Location: Sambalpur district
Best Time To Visit: November to February
6. Pata Lake
Photo: Ckpcb / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Pata Lake, a hidden beauty in Odisha, is located close to the town of Titlagarh in the Balangir District. Its natural freshwater body is surrounded by dense forests and rocky terrain, making it a pollution-free retreat for nature lovers. This famous lake in Odisha is mentioned in ancient Odia folklore with historical importance. The lake is best known for its blooming lotus flowers, which blanket the water’s surface in monsoon and winter months. The engineering of pink and white lotus flowers and deep and lush green water creates wonder for the city seekers. The lake provides a source of livelihood for local fishermen, who you can see still practising traditional fishing methods.
Location: Balangir district
Best Time To Visit: September to February
7. Tampara Lake
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the fastest-emerging eco-tourism destinations in Odisha, Tampara Lake is a backwater-like area known for its serenity. The name Tampara is said to be derived from the word Tampra, which means lotus, as the lake was filled with blooming lotuses at that time. You can enjoy speed boating, jet skiing, kayaking, etc., and the Odisha Tourism Department has now added a floating restaurant for tourists to eat while enjoying stunning views of the lake. A well-maintained walkway runs along the shore, so morning strolls are ideal. It has been a famous lake in Odisha for weekend getaways for the people of Bhubaneswar and Berhampur.
Location: Ganjam district, near Chatrapur
Best Time To Visit: October to March
8. Rengali Reservoir
Photo: Rasmi68 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Rengali Reservoir is an embankment dam constructed on the Brahmani River. It is among the biggest reservoirs in Odisha, used for irrigation, hydroelectric power and controlled flooding. The lake is located in a setting of rugged hills and dense forests and is an adventurous retreat.
One of the distinct features of the Rengali Lake is its high aquatic biodiversity. It supports commercial fishing and is inhabited by catla, rohu and mrigal fish. The reservoir’s depths make it a popular spot for angling and freshwater fishing competitions. Kingfishers, grey herons, and river terns can be spotted by birdwatchers along its shores.
Location: Angul and Deogarh districts
Best Time To Visit: October to February
9. Salia Dam Lake
Photo: Pranabandhu Nayak / Wikimedia Commons
Salia Dam Lake is one of the most exotic reservoirs in the setting of the Chilika backwater. Salia Dam, which provides the irrigation water for the adjacent farmlands, created the lake. The lake is famous for its mirror reflections of the surrounding hills and is a photographer’s dream. Migratory birds, including egrets, cormorants, and Brahminy kites, gather in this water body during the winter, turning the spot into a birdwatchers’ feast. Salia Dam Lake is a public spot where many prefer to go for picnics, and local tour guides offer boat rides sailing through beautiful places.
Location: Khurda district, near Banapur
Best Time To Visit: November to February
10. Debjharan Lake
Photo: Ddd1141 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Debjharan Lake is just on the side of the famous Debjharan Waterfall of Sambalpur. This one is a natural formation that came into existence due to the cascading waters of the Debjharan stream, which formed a waterfall-fed lake that makes it different from many others nestled in dense forests. It is believed to have a spiritual significance, as local legends claim that the water boasts medicinal properties. The place is overwhelmed with the scent of flowering Sal and Mahua trees and thus provides a soothing experience. This natural lake is also a crowd favourite among trekkers and campers since it is situated along a trail through the jungle that is adventurous to trek.
Location: Sambalpur district
Best Time To Visit: August to February
Every famous lake in Odisha isn’t just a natural attraction but serves the ecology, culture and tourism as well. Whether you want to explore the dolphin-populated waters or the untouched beauty, each lake has something different to offer. These lakes make unforgettable memories toward your desires for adventure, relaxation or birdwatching. Plan your visit with TripXL and make your trip unforgettable with the beauty of nature, wildlife and tranquillity.
Cover Photo: Shree9405 / Wikimedia Commons
