Rambha, Odisha – Located at the southern coast of the Chilika

Rambha is located at the southern coast of the Chilika which is the largest lagoon containing brackish water. It is 40 km from Berhampur on National Highway 5. The lake is also a residence to 150 species of migratory birds during winter. It is dotted with numerous islands. The panoramic beauty of the place overlooking the Chilika Lake and the hills will cast a magic spell upon you. Here you can enjoy the dolphin watching and bird watching in different islands like the Breakfast Island, Becon Island and Birds Island.

Places to see at Rambha: You can make trip to the Honeymoon Island, nestled in the Rambha bay, beside the Sankuda Island. The Breakfast Island, which has been formed between Badakuda Island and Somolo Island in the Rambha Bay, is truly the most beautiful place to have your packed breakfast. The Somolo Island has the remnants of a dilapidated bungalow, built by the King of Kalikote. Some of the other major islands of the Rambha bay are Honeymoon Island, Birds Island, Parikud Island, Island of Nalabana, Rajhans Island and New Mouth. Among all these islands, the island of Nalbana deserves a special mention, as it is a sanctuary and a prime refuge point of the migratory birds. You can also savour the view of dolphins at the mouth of Chilka near Satpada.

The Beacon Island is also an impressive sightseeing location. The Khalikote range is also admirable, forming a wonderful backdrop of the Somolo and Dumkudi islands. Many tourists also visit the Bird’s Island, found in the southern sector of Chilka. Tourists with religious bent of mind can make a trip to the Kalijai Temple, devoted to Goddess Kalijai. Trips can also be made to the small island of Barunkuda, near Magarmukh, which houses a shrine of Lord Varuna. The Bhabakundeswar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is also worth visiting.

Nearby attractions of Rambha: A number of nearby attractions enhance the beauty of the place. At a distance of around 22 km from Rambha, the temple of Goddess Narayani adorns the valley hilltop. This scenic site is also a preferred picnic spot. You can also make a trip to Nirmaljhara, located 11 km from Rambha. The place has gained popularity as both a picnic spot and a pilgrimage site. Many tourists also make tour to Banpur, which is a famous Shakti-pitha of Goddess Bhagabati. The place also houses a number of Buddhist images.

You will also truly treasure your visit to the nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles in Rusikulya Beach near Rambha in Chilka. However, no accommodation facility is available at Rusikulya Beach. So, the tourists need to stay at Rambha, from where hired cars are available early in the morning to the Rusikulya beach. The temple towns of Puri and Bhubaneshwar are the popular getaways from Rambha.

Things to do at Rambha: You will never have a single dull moment during your stay at Rambha, with so many activities around. Cruising on Chilka Lake is truly an unforgettable experience. Speed boat and motorized yacht are available at fixed price from Orissa Tourism Development Corporation. Many tourists also hire a sea kayak from Orissa Tourism’s Water Sports Complex (WSC) to move around the Nalabana Island.  Rambha is also considered a great spot for bird watching. The place being a home of around 150 species of migratory birds is truly a bird watcher’s paradise.

Best time to visit Rambha: Rambha welcomes guests throughout the year. However, winter is more charming as the migratory birds visit the region during this time. Monsoons in Rambha have a different beauty with the dark clouds rolling through the mountains over the deep blue Chilka.

How to go ?

Rambha is situated on NH 5 between Berhampur and Bhubaneswar. The nearest airport of the destination is located at Bhubaneswar, 130 km from Rambha. If you prefer to travel by train, then the closest main railhead is at Balugaon, located at a distance of 35 km from Rambha. You can hire cars or avail local buses from Balugaon to Rambha. Moreover, the buses running between Berhampur and Bhubaneswar through NH 5, also halts at Rambha.  There is a railhead in Rambha too, but express trains usually do not stop here.

Where to stay ?

The Tourist Lodge at Rambha overlooking the Chilka Lake offers excellent accommodation and dining facilities. AC as well as non AC rooms and cottages are available offering spectacular view of the lake. For booking details you may contact:

OTDC Central Reservation Counter:
Phone: 0674 – 2430764,  1800 208 1414 (Toll Free)
Official website: www.panthanivas.com

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.