Bhubaneswar, Feb. 16: Chilika lake is known for its migratory birds, but Mangalajodi is the place where you can spot the winged guests closely.

You could also see the birds by taking a ride on country boats cruising slowly through the waters.

A huge marshland along the northern fringe of Chilika lake, is a prominent site both for the migratory and the resident birds.

According to the forest department officials in a year around three lakh migratory birds visit Mangalajodi and the peak time to watch them is from December 5 to January end. However, if you are lucky, you might see some of them till the end of February, if winter lasts longer. But the resident birds can be seen throughout the year.

Many small channels crisscross an area of nearly 10sqkm around the village and the local boatmen can take you along those channels to see the birds. By road you have to travel 70km from Bhubaneswar and reach there. With the huge bird population found in marshland during winter, the place is also known as an International Bird Area.

Tias Dutta, public relations professional from the city, accompanied several friends of her from Odisha, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh to Mangalajodi in the last week of January.

“I went to Chilika first with the friends, but later went to Mangalajodi after hearing that it is the best place to see birds. I am happy to explore the ecology, surrounding and especially the communities managing the eco-tourism activities there.’’

Belal Khan, a media professional from Delhi, who was with Tias on the Mangalajodi tour, said: “The brackish water from the largest lagoon in Asia feeds the marshland in Mangalajodi and the birds perhaps get their food from there. Anyone visiting Chilika should make it a point to visit the place.’’

Situated along a 20-km shoreline along the NH-5 connecting Bhubaneswar to Berhampur near Chilika and the railway line connecting Howrah and Chennai, the marshland is between Sundarpur, Abhimanpur, Balipatpur and Bhusandpur.

It is 7km from Tangi, one of the oldest villages in Khurda district.

On February 9 this year, forest and environment minister of Odisha Bijayshree Routray released a special cover on endangered birds of Mangalajodi and a set of eight picture postcards on the birds.

Akash Vishen, a tourist from Lucknow, said: “Mangalajodi has the potential to become one of the most sought-after destination for bird watchers. The local wildlife and tourism authorities should take enough care for its development and publicity. More development of basic infrastructure is also desired.’’ Bimal Acharya, divisional forest officer of Chilika, said three social service organisations are working in Mangalajodi to support the socio-economic uplift of the local communities .

Reena Sahu, an official with Mangalajodi Eco-tourism Trust said: “Apart from boating, staying in eco-tourism cottages, nature trail and pottery tourists also enjoy the simple ambiance of the Odia village life during their stay at Mangalajodi. In a year about 1,500 or more visit the eco-tourism site, which is currently run with support from the Royal Bank of Scotland.’’

Photographer and founding member of the Bhubaneswar Bird Walks Panchami Manoo Ukil said: “The eco-tourism activities also need support for basic sanitation and cleanliness in the surrounding so that more and more tourists from western lands will come to Mangalajodi to locate birds and take their photographs.’’