Are you looking for a serene and scenic getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you want to explore the natural beauty, history, and culture of Odisha? If yes, then you should visit Anshupa Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Odisha. In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about Anshupa Lake, including how to get there, what to do there, and where to stay.
What is Anshupa Lake?
Anshupa Lake (Odia: ଅଂଶୁପା ହ୍ରଦ) is a horseshoe-shaped freshwater lake on the banks of the Mahanadi River, opposite Banki in Cuttack district. It covers an area of 141 hectares and is surrounded by the lush green Saranda hills and bamboo and mango groves. It is home to a variety of migratory birds that flock to the lake during the winter season, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Anshupa Lake is not only a natural beauty but also a historical and cultural treasure. It is said that the lake was formed by the overflow of the Mahanadi River during a flood. The lake derives its name from the Sanskrit word “Anshu”, which means “teardrop”. According to a legend, Lord Shiva shed a teardrop on this spot when he was carrying the corpse of his beloved Sati. The teardrop became a lake and was named Anshupa.
The lake also has a connection with the ancient Sarandagarh fort, which was built by the Keshari dynasty in the 10th century AD. The fort was strategically located on a hill overlooking the lake and the river. It was a stronghold of the kings of Odisha and witnessed many battles and invasions. The ruins of the fort can still be seen on the hilltop and offer a panoramic view of the lake and its surroundings.
How to get to Anshupa Lake?
Anshupa Lake is an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway from Cuttack or Bhubaneswar. It is easily accessible by road and is about 40 km from Cuttack City. You can take a bus, taxi, or your own vehicle to reach the lake. The nearest railway station is Cuttack and the nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar.
What to do at Anshupa Lake?
Anshupa Lake is not only a place to admire nature, but also to enjoy some fun activities. You can:
- Take a boat ride on the lake and explore its vast expanse.
- Try fishing or angling with the help of local fishermen.
- Go for trekking or cycling along the trails around the lake and discover its flora and fauna.
- Visit the nearby villages and interact with the locals and learn about their culture and traditions.
- Visit some other nearby attractions such as Nandankanan Zoo, Dhabaleswar Temple, Barabati Fort, etc.
Where to stay at Anshupa Lake?
You can stay at one of the eco-friendly nature camps near the lake and enjoy its tranquility and hospitality. These camps offer comfortable tents with basic amenities and delicious local cuisine. You can also enjoy bonfires, cultural programs, and birdwatching at these camps. Some of the popular nature camps near Anshupa Lake are:
- Ansupa Nature Camp
- Saranda Nature Camp
- Bishnupur Nature Camp
Conclusion
Anshupa Lake is a hidden gem of Cuttack that offers you a refreshing and rejuvenating experience. It is a place where you can connect with nature, history, and culture. It is a place where you can relax, unwind and create some memorable moments.\
If you are planning to visit Anshupa Lake, make sure to book your accommodation in advance as these camps are quite popular among tourists. You can also check out our other blog posts on Odisha tourism for more information on other destinations in this beautiful state.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post on Anshupa Lake. If you did, please share it with your friends and family who might be interested in visiting this place. And don’t forget to leave us your feedback in the comments section below.
Happy traveling!
N.B.: All these photographs are taken by Manas Muduli and Madhusudan Sahu.
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