Ansupa Lake:-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 Lake:-Just south of Puri, the sea mixes in with the
1100 sq.km inland Chilika Lake to create the largest
blackish 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.
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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 Reservoir:-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.
Sorada Reservoir:-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.
Kolab Reservoir:-Only 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.
