Information about Satapada –
Satapada is a very popular place due to the world-famous Chilika Lake and Irrawaddy dolphin. It is located on the southern part of the Chilika Lake near to village Panasapada which is 36 km from Puri. It is the place where Chilika Lake meets the Bay of Bengal. The name has distinct meaning. In Odia, ‘sata’ means seven and ‘pada’ means village. So, the name indicates that it is a group of seven villages.
Satapada Odisha is a village situated at the southern part of Chilika Lake, which is the largest brackish water lagoon in India, in Puri district. Chilika Lake is famous worldwide because of the migratory birds. During winter, the bird-watchers can observe over 400 species of birds which migrate here. The best time to visit the lake is from October to March, when the climate is pleasant with low temperatures and activities of birds on the backdrop of scenic lake just looks fascinating.
The Chilika Lake is also well-known due to its Sea Mouth, where it meets the Bay of Bengal, separated by 60 km long sand-flats. Chilika Satapada is also famous for boating and dolphin activities. It is easily accessible as Puri to Satapada distance is just about 50 km. One can also reach from Bhubaneshwar (nearest airport) as the distance is mere 100 km with a lot of commuting connectivity.
Chilika Satapada Dolphin Habitat –
Satapada is very popular as a lot of travelers, from all over the world come here for mainly two big attractions, bird-watching and dolphin vicinity. The endangered species of Irrawaddy dolphins can be seen here almost throughout the year. These dolphins sway their way through rippling waters of Chilika and give us their graceful glimpse in these serene wetlands.
Visitors enjoy the sight when their curved tails break the water surface and maybe their full leap above the water, if one is lucky as it seldom happens.
Activities and Attractions done in Chilika Satapada –
Visiting tourists can explore some activities at Satapada and Chilika, Odisha. This place offers several activities which tourists can enjoy during their stay here. They can get to bird watching which is the major attraction at Satapada and Chilika Lake. Chilika Lake is well-known as the bird-watchers paradise, especially during winter. Tourists can spot rare and colorful birds at Nalabana Bird Sanctuary and Mangalajodi. They can enjoy the boat riding at Chilika Lake to see the natural beauty and wildlife.
Water sports like kayaking or canoeing can be tried as an adventure sports. The tourists can spot the flagship species of Irrawaddy dolphins at Chilika Lake. Other attractions include, visiting the islands like Nalabana, Honeymoon, Breakfast, and Rajhans, Kalijai Temple, or take a boat journey from Satapada or Janhikuda Boat Jetty to reach Chilika Island Resort.
Nearby Attractions: Places to Visit in Satapada –
The visitors can go to Geo Eco Resorts situated in the eastern part of Chilika, the largest estuarine lake in Asia. The lake is spread across 1165 sq km during rainy season and 740 sq km during summer. The lake is a home for around 160 migratory birds. Other attractions to explore are –
Chilika Sea Mouth where the Chilika Lake meets the Bay of Bengal. Chilika Lake is World famous lake with the distinction of largest in Asia and the second-largest in the world. This lake is the heart of coastal Odisha extending Bhusanpur in Puri district in the North to Rambha-Malud in Ganjan district in South, separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60 km long narrow strip of marshy islands and sand-flats.
Satapada dolphin sanctuary is one of the major attractions where tourists can witness the Chilika Satapada dolphin habitat from distance. Dolphin point at Satapada offers tourists, the best to watch dolphins and the scenic Sea Mouth together.
Kalijai Temple is situated on the island or one can say a hill. It is about 1 8 km away from Balugaon in south east direction, the residence of Goddess Kalijai. Most of the visitors won’t forget to visit Kalijai Temple when they are on tour to Chilika Lake.
Alarnath Temple is another temple where pilgrims, who knows about it surely visit. This is not a big or famous destination but those who have faith do not miss to come here. It is located in Brahmagiri around 14 k from Our Resort.
Travel Information of Chilika Satapada –
Those who aspire to travel to Satapada can get all the relevant information from the official website of Odisha government or from visitor center. The place is easily accessible as there are many buses plying from Puri to reach Satapada. Those traveling by air can take a flight till Bhubaneshwar, which is the nearest airport, and reach to Satapada by taxi or bus. The distance from Bhubaneshwar is 100 km and Puri to Satapada distance by road is 50 km. Traveling time chosen by tourists should preferably early morning or mid-day to avoid missing the destination.
Roads are bearable and travel can be comfortable if one has hired vehicle. For budget tourists, it is advisable to travel by bus as there is good connectivity between Puri and Satapada.
Accommodations in Satapada Chilika–
Tourists can avail any type of accommodation based on their budget, from budget to luxury, or even dharamshala at Satapada. The tourists can also choose the location for accommodation as per their plan. Hotels are available near Chilika Lake, Satapada, or even nearby places. Satapada is known for the geo eco resort Satapada and there are many available. One can stay at resorts like Eco-Cottage Chilika Island Resort, Swosti Chilika Resort, Samudra Resort and Spa, Starling Forest Resort, Apple Resort, M8 Eco Resort, and many more. These resorts are top rated ranging from Rs 3000 to Rs 8000.
The tourists can also opt for budget lodge stay which particularly ranges between Rs 1000 to Rs 3000. There is no shortage of types and numbers of accommodation Satapada hotels options as many pilgrims also stay in Yatri Niwas or Dharamshala with very minimal budget.
Local Experiences and Tips to Visit Satapada –
While visiting any place, we try to gather as much information as possible online and from experience people. This is to make out life easy and trip happy. Keeping a map of the place to visit is always the best option as we can get the right direction at least. It is also advisable to have the local guidance when we don’t know about the place. The guidance can be hired or from relative, as to avoid any untoward incidence sighting this is the lake and precaution is the best. To know when to visit, places of attraction and activities can make the plan smooth.
While on Satapada trip, no one should miss bird-watching and Irrawaddy dolphins as these re two major attractions that draws the tourists here. Tour operators or guide will tell you where to go for these activities so that we can get to see it from nearby. For example, if you know Dolphin Motorboat Association in Satapada gives you the best site to witness the dolphin activity, you can enjoy more and take memorable moments with you.
For marvelous lake sightseeing as the backdrop of bird-watching is once-in-a-life experience for the tourists who spend considerable amount to plan and execute their travel plans. Boating at Chilika Lake to watch birds and occasionally dolphins, is the best thing one can imagine to do.
Frequently Asked Questions –
1. What is the best time to visit Satapada?
Best time to visit Satapada in during winter months from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for spotting migratory birds and chance to see Irrawaddy dolphins in the Chilika Lake.
2. How far is Satapada from Puri and Bhubaneshwar?
Satapada is around 50 km from Puri and 100 km from Bhubaneshwar with continuous connectivity of transport.
3. Are dolphins visible year-round?
Dolphins are generally permanent residents where they stay. However, their activity cycle varies as per season. The best one can see dolphins at Chilika Lake are during winter months.
4. What is Satapada famous for?
Satapada is famous for being home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin and for its boat trips on Chilika Lake.
5. What activities can one do in Satapada?
One can go on boat trips, bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, and explore the islands in the vicinity.
Conclusion –
Those who plan for longer trips have many other destinations to visit at. Odisha is one of the most popular states in India known for its cultural and devotional monuments. It has ancient heritage of worshipping the deities in proper way. if one searches, he can find several places in Odisha, particularly near Puri, to visit and know the culture and architecture of the temples. Some of the places to visit include but not limited to –
Raghurajpur – 10 km from Puri
Konark – 35.8 km from Puri
Chilika Lake – 37 km from Puri
Pipili – 37.2 km from Puri
Astaranga Beach – 60 km from Puri
Bhubaneshwar – 61 km from Puri
Cuttack – 82 km from Puri
Brahmapur – 176 km from Puri
Balasore – 251 km from Puri
Rourkela – 394 km from Puri
In Puri, the tourist can enjoy at one of the three beaches, Chandrabhaga Beach, Golden Beach, and Swargdwar Beach.
