Sprawling through an area of 140 hectares, Ansupa Lake in Odisha glistens on the banks of River Mahanadi. This is the largest freshwater lake of Odisha, endowed with unbeatable visual beauty. The lake is horseshoe shaped and thus the name – Ansupa. This nature-kissed site is home to migratory birds during the winter season. Thereby, making the lake livelier and colorful.
The lake also boasts national importance and the credit for this goes to its biodiversity of flora and fauna. It is noteworthy that more than 9 species of submerged, 12 species of floating, and 26 species of emergent plants thrive in the lake. Apart from this, 3 species of prawns, 10 species of reptiles, and 10 species of reptiles. There is much more to this lake than just biodiversity and aquatic life. Let’s find out.
Location of Ansupa Lake
Ansupa Lake is situated just 40 km away from Cuttack. It is in the middle of the state highway connecting Athagarh and Banki block of Cuttack district.
Scenic Beauty of Ansupa Lake
Cut out from Mahanadi River, Ansupa Lake is looked over by the lofty Saranda Hills. Atop the hills, there stands an ancient fort that manifolds the charm of the place. On one side luxuriant greenery and shimmering lake dotted by flowers on the other present a sight to behold. During showers, the lake water shows different hues, adding to the visual treat. A hill-top park is perched opposite to the lake, offering pleasurable picnic opportunities.
Ansupa Lake Timings
Although the lake can be visited any time of the day, the most preferable hours are 03:00 pm – 06:00 pm.
Ansupa Lake Visit Duration
1 hour
Things to Do
Those looking forward to exciting things to do at Ansupa Lake can go for boating. While enjoying the boat ride, the boatman might enrich the visit with some anecdotes. The adjacent park offers this facility. To enjoy more at the lake, visitors can simply soak in the glorious views of budding lotus, white water lilies, shining water, and striking birds against lofty hills in the backdrop.
Apart from these experiences, visitors can also visit the Sarandagarh ruins and marvel at the splendid sunrise and sunset views. They can go for trekking to nearby areas as well.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ansupa Lake is from November to February. Although it is frequented by tourists all through the year, the best season to visit Ansupa Lake is winters. During this season, the beauty here is at its peak.
How to Reach
Those wondering about how to reach Ansupa Lake have convenient travel options.
By Air
Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar Airport. From there, tourists can hire a cab to reach the lake.
By Train
Cuttack is the nearest railway station (62 km), followed by Bhubaneswar railway station (72 km). Cabs can be hired from the railway station to the lake. From the Cuttack railway station, auto-rickshaws also ply regularly to Ansupa Lake.
By Road
Regular Bus services are available up to Subarnapur, Banki near Ansupa, and to Athagarh from Cuttack.
Where to Stay Near Ansupa Lake
To draw more tourists to this place, the state government has provided a few accommodation facilities. Three bamboo cottages stand here with tasteful interiors and clean washrooms. So, there are decent accommodation facilities near Ansupa Lake.
Nearby Tourist Places
Places to visit near Ansupa Lake include:
- Amangeikuda (15 km) – A small island in River Mahanadi, which is baptized after its presiding deity Goddess Amangei. An ancient temple of Lord Balunkeswar Mahadev (Lord Shiva) is also there.
- Banki Charchika (15 km) – This is the shrine of Goddess Charchika that lies on the south of River Mahanadi. It is among the eight Shrines of Odisha.
- Chandaka Forest (17.8 km) – This wildlife reserve is in the north western fringe of Bhubaneswar, just 20 km by road from Bhubaneswar.
- Nuapatna (19.4 km) – This is the handloom cluster of Cuttack. About 15000 weavers are employed in the region across 6 villages, who are believed to have produced an offering to Lord Jagannath in Puri – Gita Gobinda khandua.
- Bhattarika Temple (43.3 km) – The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhattarika – an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The puranic tradition states that after being defeated by Saharasjuna, Parashurama prayed to Goddess Durga who appeared here for his aid by her divine power.
Visitors can also head to an eco-tourism complex, built atop the hill by the forest department.
