The sun is just rising and shining over the coconut trees and the rays of the sun are reflected in Tampara lake’s surface so that the water looks like a vast sheet of glass. Tampara lake, a freshwater lake located nearly 23 kilometers from the hustle and bustle of Berhampur in the Ganjam district, right next to the town of Chhatrapur. This is neither a packed beach nor a noisy park but a huge natural water expanse that goes on for almost 6 kilometers.
A common question is why the sea is so close to the lake. There is an ancient story that the old people of Chhatrapur narrate. They tell of a time in the 1700s when the British were battling the French for the possession of the land, using explosives to blast the ground. These blasts created large holes or “tamps”. This is how the monsoon rains and the overflowing river helped these deserted holes to turn into the beautiful lake.
The geography of this area is quite unique. You have the lake with its fresh water on one side. On the other hand, just a few steps through dense cashew plantations, you can hear the sound of the Bay of Bengal. The floor is sandy and soft.
When you are planning on visiting Tampara Lake, do not proceed directly to the large motorboats. Just sit back on the shores for a short while. You will find fishermen from the local area in wooden fishing boats. They do not shout or scream. They simply glide using the oars at the rear of the wooden boats. The lake is home to 46 species of fish and 60 species of birds. If you are very cautious and do not make much noise, you can actually spot the River Tern dipping its beak in the water.
One of the best kept secrets in this area is the “walk to the other side. ” The majority of people remain near the boating area, but if you undertake a trek of about 2 kilometers through dense cashew and screw, pine (Keuda) plantations, you will come upon a virgin beach of the Bay of Bengal. It is quite a peculiar yet beautiful sensation to have fresh water on one side and the salty sea on the other.
If you linger long enough by the lake, you might be lucky to watch some young men in military uniform moving near the water in complete discipline. It is because Tampara lake Odisha serves as a water training base of the Indian Army. One gets strength and protection vibes from the peaceful atmosphere when the soldiers training can be seen at the quiet sunset time.
Your stomach will more likely require a meal after a pretty tiring Tampara lake tour, and you will instinctively walk toward Chhatrapur. However, while the large hotels offer elaborate menu choices, the locals will guide you to the “Tampara Special” sweets. In the small local restaurants, you can order the bread, and, rabdi dessert which is wonderful. It is the kind of heavy, sugary, home made fresh milk local dish that is not very photogenic but tastes like a warm hug.
It is wise to take binoculars with you. Besides the 60 different species of birds that inhabit the area, the Malabar Giant Squirrel in the trees is another of your potential sightings. Since the lake was made a protected Ramsar site, it now flaunts a very balanced natural environment. What you are seeing is not just a lake but a refuge for thousands of living creatures.
It is recommended to come to the lake between November and February. It is a pleasant season and the early morning fog makes the lake resemble a ‘fairytale’ lake. One also has the option to take the train to the Chhatrapur station, which is 4 km away from the lake, or a bus and/or rickshaw from Berhampur.
Please don’t just come here for your pictures. In fact, the locals rarely speak about the “beautiful” surroundings of the place. It is a normal environment for them. They will be found mending fish nets or just daydreaming. They silently revere the waters. It is a modest place. It doesn’t try to impress you with lights and music.
