Rambha, Odisha

Rambha is a beautiful village on the southern shore of Chilka lake. It is an ideal location to explore Chilka lake and surrounding areas. During winter months its an excellent place from where to hire a row boat and watch the migratory birds.

Chilka lake map

The best place to stay at Rambha is the OTDC Pant Nivas.  Sadly this sprawling property set beside the Chilka lake is let down by poor management and pathetic maintenance. Food is decent and rooms offer good value for money. Dorms are also available

Boat rides can be arranged through Rambha Pant Nivas. The boat and boatman provided are, apparently, certified but I have serious doubts about the boatman assigned to us. The boat, however, had life-jackets. Local boats are available at the pier and are alot cheaper.

Taratarini temple

Places to Visit around Rambha

Islands in Chilka lake: Anticipate about 3 hours for visiting these 5 islands in a motorised boat.

• Breakfast Island: This was built by the king on a submerged rock to have breakfast. Royalty do know how to live it up :)

• Siddeshwar temple: This temple located in Chilka lake on the uninhabited Sanakuda island. There is a small cave that houses an idol.

• Solomon Island & Honeymoon island: Uninhabited islands in the Chilka lake.

• Birds island: Another rocky uninhabited island. Surprisingly, there are some dinosaur statues on that island.

Breakfast Island

Taratarini temple: Located about 1 hour from Rambha is TaraTarini temple. It is one of the major shakti peeths pilgrimage centers. As per mythology, the breasts of the corpse of Sati Devi (Wife of Lord Shiva) fell where the the temple is now located. The temple has been renovated recently. There is a new road leading to the temple. In addition there is a cable car to the temple.

Monkeys are a real menace there at the temple. I was attacked twice even-though I did not have any food with me.

Nirmaljhar temple: This beautiful temple built in 1676 AD is approximately20 minutes away from OTDC Pant Nivas, Rambha. This has magnificent carvings and is not to be missed. Click the link for details about the temple.

Narayani temple: There are two temples in this place. The temples are made of concrete and not worth visiting except from a religious perspective.

Bhagbati temple: Located closer to Balugaon, this is also considered a Shakti Peeth. Due to paucity of time, I was not able to go there.

 
Getting there: 

By road: Exit NH30 and get on the old road leading to Rambha. Rambha has been spared from the heavy traffic after the construction of the new bye-pass.

By train: The closest railway station is Rambha. Only a few trains halt here. Balugaon is the closest major station.