Mangalajodi: A Story of Birds, Wetlands, and Community Conservation

Blogs
September 2, 2025

“When someone was pregnant in our village, we were told to bring bird meat,” says Sanatan as we return from a wonderful late afternoon boat ride in Manglajodi. I had asked him what happened before the Mahavir Pakshi Surakhya Samiti (Bird Protection Committee) organized boats with guides for travelers eager to explore this sanctuary for birds. Noticing my disbelief, he quickly added that they believed exotic bird meat provided women with the added strength needed during pregnancy.

Sanatan tells me that most of the fishermen used to sell bird meat during the winter for extra income. The roadside dhabas were a favorite among locals, where you could choose your exotic meat. But everything changed in 1999 when Nandakishore Bhujbal, a nature lover pained by his personal experiences, vowed to stop the hunting of birds. He spoke to the villagers and convinced them that there was a better alternative to killing; as protectors of these winter guests, they could earn even more money than by selling bird meat. By this time, the communities of Mangalajodi had gained the reputation of being referred to as “bird poachers.”

Sanatan still remembers how every day Mr. Bhujbal would arrive at dawn to help them spot and identify birds and their habitats. His dedication meant that within a year or two, he received help from other NGOs and donors, leading to the formation of the Manglajodi Ecotourism Trust (MET). In the following years, MET, with the help of locals, managed to conserve wetland biodiversity by curbing poaching activities and sustaining livelihoods through income-generating opportunities via ecotourism.

Looking across at other boats meandering peacefully through hidden waterways and reeds, some with photographers seemingly frozen in anticipation of their next National Geographic Wildlife Photographer of the Year shot—it seems unimaginable that this region had such a gruesome past. Gazing at Sanatan’s weather-beaten face, I sense he is much happier now. As if he read my thoughts, Sanatan tells me that just last week, they had a group of German and Italian tourists. “If it weren’t for this work, where would a person like me, who is barely literate, get to meet people from around the world?” He credits his entire success, from learning about avifauna to dealing with guests to Mr. Bhujbal. As the boat ride comes to an end, I spot herons, bitterns, grebes, cormorants, shags, egrets, storks, ibises, geese, ducks, raptors, and pheasants, making it one of the best bird-watching spots in all of Chilika.

Manglajodi and its boatmen still face challenges like low income during the off-season and sporadic cases of poaching due to the vast area and inadequate funds for patrolling. Bringing Mangalajodi under the Wildlife Protection Act would provide legal backing to the community’s protection efforts. However, with a steady flow of eco-conscious tourists and the right policies, their future looks bright.

So when are you coming to Manglajodi?

– Written by Soumya Mukherji

About our guest blogger

In the shadow of corporate skyscrapers, Soumya Mukherji’s life pulsed to the relentless rhythm of deadlines and airport terminals. For a decade, hidden behind a computer he navigated the world of global travel for an international agency, crafting journeys for others while his own spirit yearned for roots. Finally in 2016 Soumya traded spreadsheets for saplings, suits for soil and built something wild, something true. Soumya now runs Svanir inviting guests to dine under ‘Thanda Chaya’ (sweet shade) sharing stories that mend urban fractures and stay in cottages mimicking the elegant pragmatism of Santhal tribal homes. For the immersive traveller, Soumya, who is also an award winning photography and his partner conduct curated tours exploring Odisha.

Exploring Odisha with AEJ

At Arth Explorative Journeys, we believe a stay like this is just the beginning of what Odisha has to offer. That’s why we collaborate closely with Soumya, the host of this retreat, to design immersive itineraries around Bhubaneswar and beyond. Together, we weave in experiences that connect you to Odisha’s living traditions—whether it’s temple walks, craft village visits, or time spent in the wetlands of Mangalajodi with its incredible birdlife.

To bring these experiences to life, your journey can begin at this thoughtfully designed ecostay near Bhubaneswar, where comfort, craft, and nature meet.

Visit Mangalajodi from this Ecostay

Tucked away on the edge of a forest near Bhubaneswar, this ecostay feels less like a resort and more like a slow journey back to nature. Handcrafted cottages take their cue from tribal homes and are built around trees rather than replacing them. The setting is alive with orchards and birdsong, while interiors celebrate Odisha’s artistry through textiles, scroll paintings, and traditional craftwork. Sustainability is part of everyday life here—rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and a thoughtful ban on plastic keep the footprint light. What makes the experience truly special, though, are the hosts, whose warmth and hospitality shine through in every detail. Their focus on uplifting local communities and artisans adds depth to the stay, making each visit not just restorative for travellers but meaningful for the region as well.

Good to know

Best Time: November – February

Boating with Guide: Twice a day | Early Morning & Late Afternoon. Life jackets are provided.

Duration: 2.5 hours
Drive time from the ecostay: 1.5 hours

Bookings and more info

Planning a trip to Mangalajodi or looking to stay at this ecostay? Book through our blog, and we’ll cover one home-cooked meal during your stay — our way of making your experience a little warmer, a little more memorable.

📅 Valid for stays Oct–Dec 2025 only.
🔑 Code: AEJSEH25

**Exclusive perks only when you book through AEJ.