Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is known for its ancient temples, modern architecture, and vibrant culture. But did you know that it also has a natural wonder in its backyard? Kanjia Lake (Odia: କାଞ୍ଜିଆ ହ୍ରଦ), a freshwater lake on the northern outskirts of the city, is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil and scenic escape from the urban chaos. In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about Kanjia Lake, including how to get there, what to do there, and why it is important for the environment.
What is Kanjia Lake?
Kanjia Lake is a horseshoe-shaped freshwater lake on the left bank of the Mahanadi River, opposite Banki in the Cuttack district. It covers an area of 75 hectares (190 acres), while the total wetland covers an area of 105 hectares (260 acres) with the scuba diving facility It is a part of the Nandankanan Zoological Park and is used for recreational boating by visitors.
Kanjia Lake is not just a beautiful lake, but also a biodiversity hotspot. It is declared as a ‘Wetland of National Importance’ by the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 2006. It has a rich floral and faunal diversity, consisting of 10 species of submerged macrophytes, 14 species of floating macrophytes, 24 species of emergent macrophytes, 39 species of birds, 14 species of reptiles, 10 species of amphibians, 46 species of fish and 3 species of prawns.
How to get to Kanjia Lake?
Kanjia Lake is an ideal destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway from Bhubaneswar. It is easily accessible by road and is about 20 km from Bhubaneswar City. You can take a bus, taxi, auto riksa, or your own vehicle to reach the lake. The nearest railway station is Bhubaneswar and the nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport.
What to do at Kanjia Lake?
Kanjia 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.
- Go for birdwatching or photography and capture the beauty of the lake and its inhabitants.
- Visit the Nandankanan Zoological Park and see various animals and birds in their natural habitat.
- Visit some other nearby attractions such as Dhauli Shanti Stupa, Lingaraj Temple, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, etc.
Conclusion
Kanjia Lake is a natural wonder in Bhubaneswar that offers a tranquil and scenic escape from the urban chaos. 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.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post on Kanjia 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 Sangram Keshari Senapati.
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