By Sagarika Satapathy: Picnics and excursion remain part of New Year celebrations every year with people moving out of their houses to spend quality time with family members, relatives and friends at beautiful locations. And, this year is no different. Let’s have a look at some of the best picnic spots in Odisha which enthrall the visitors with their scintillating beauty and charm.
- Bhitarkanika National Park
- Khandadhar Falls, Kendujhar
- Goseindhara Waterfall Jharigam, Nabarangpur
- Baliharachandi Beach
- Ansupa Lake
- Harishankar Temple, Balangir
- Bhimkund, Mayurbhanj
- Satapada
- Daringbadi
- Nilagiri
- Jaydev Vatika Waterfall
Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district is a wonderful place for Scientists, Scholars, Nature Lovers and Tourists.
Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is home to over 215 species of birds, leopard cat, hyena, wild boar, spotted deer, sambar, porcupine, dolphin, salt water crocodile, Indian python, king cobra and numerous varieties of other animal species. Sightseeing can be done on boats.
The park is of immense geomorphologic, ecological and biological significance and constitutes an ideal location for trekking, camping and picnic.
Khandadhar is 54 km. away from Keonjhar town of Odisha, is located in Khandadhar Hill. Originating from the Korapani Nala, this is the 12th highest waterfall of India and offers a rare scenic beauty.
Another waterfall with the same name is placed on the opposite side of the hill, which is located in Bonei subdivision of Sundagarh district.
Goseindhara Waterfall is one of the lesser known places in Odisha. Situated in Bainsibandha village, the fall is about 4km away from Jharigam Block in Nabarangpur district.
Goseindhara Waterfall consists of seven falls. The place is now being revived by the State Government as a tourist destination. This waterfall draws a large number of people every year.
Baliharachandi
Baliharachandi is located 27km south west of Puri on the road towards Satapada. A small river flows into the sea just 200 m away from the Baliharachandi temple, and can be crossed in a boat.
On the other side of the river, there is a massive casuarina trees and wonderful sea beach that makes the tourist an ideal place for picnic.
Ansupa Lake
Ansupa Lake in Banki is located at 40 km from the city of Cuttack, which also acts as a shelter for the migratory birds in the wintry weather season.
Ansupa Lake is horseshoe shaped and also the largest freshwater lake in Odisha, enclosed by bamboo trees. A gorgeous park with boating facilities that simply leave you mesmerized.
Harishankar Temple, Balangir
Around 81 km from Balangir District, Harisankar Temple is situated on the slopes of the Gandhamardhan hills. This is one of the ancient temples of Odisha.
This beautiful temple is popular for its scenic beauty and connection to two Hindu lords, Vishnu and Shiva.
Visitors can even go for sightseeing at the deer park situated at the nearby temple. Overall, this place is a mixture of religion, history and nature at its very best.
Bhimkund or Bhima Kunda is a beautiful natural waterfall on the River Baitarani. It is located at a distance of about 40km from Karanjia, near Booring village in Thakurmunda P.S in Mayurbhanj District.
The legend reveals that Bhima, the second Pandava used to take his bath in this pool when they were passing their incognito life in Birat Nagar.
In the month of January during Makar Sankranti people gather here to take their holy bath.
Satapada is a popular picnic spot of Odisha, located at a distance of 50 kilometers from Puri. The main attraction at Satapada is its Chilika boating and Dolphin watch.
Other attractions of Satapada are migratory birds, Rajahansa island, red crabs.
It is advisable to reach there in the morning so that you can spend much time with dolphins.
Nalaban Bird Sanctuary, which is famous for migratory birds, falls under the Chilika lagoon, is very close to Satapada.
Daringbadi
Daringbadi in Kandhmal district of Odisha is also called the Kashmir of Odhisha for its natural magnificence and snowfall in winter.
Hill View Point, Biranchi Narayan Temple, Coffee Plantation, Putudi Waterfalls, Belghar Sanctuary, Doluri River are some of the best places to visit in Daringbadi. This spot is perfect for picnic and photographers.
Winter is the best time to visit Nilagiri. The driving distance between Balasore and Nilgiri Hills is 21 kms.
Every year during the winter season’s numbers of tourists flock to enjoy the natural beauty of Nilagiri.
Panchalingeswara temple, waterfall, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, the Jagannath temple and Guhuribal dam are worth visiting places of Nilagiri.
Besides, special arrangements have been made for boating and bird watching in the Guhuribal dam .
The ancient 8th–9th-century’s Buddhist and Jainism relics located in Ajodhya, 15 km from Nilgiri.
Jaydev Vatika Waterfall
Jaydev Vatika in Bhubaneswar is located closely to two of the most popular tourist destinations i.e., Khandagiri and Udayagiri.
The park has so many big and dense trees and an artificial waterfall which is the main attraction for tourists. There is separate place allocated there for picnic.