Mangalajodi

About this place

On the northern edge of Chilika in Khordha district, Mangalajodi is a community-led wetland conservation success story and one of India's premier birding sites. Between November and February, over 300,000 birds from more than 150 species converge here — most famously northern pintails, garganey, ruddy shelduck, Asian openbill, glossy ibis, black-tailed godwit, and the elusive bar-headed goose. Former bird poachers from the village now operate quiet country boats (man-poled, no motor) through the reed channels — a model citizen-led conservation programme. Best time: dawn departure in the cold months.