Ansupa Lake: A Natural Wonder of Odisha

Ansupa Lake: A Natural Wonder of Odisha

Table of Contents

• Introduction
  • What is Ansupa Lake?
  • Where is Ansupa Lake?
  • How do I get to Ansupa Lake?
• History of Ansupa Lake
• Features of Ansupa Lake
  • The horseshoe-shaped lake
  • The lush greenery
  • The abundant wildlife
  • The boating and fishing opportunities
• Things to do at Ansupa Lake
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Bird watching
  • Picnicking
  • Trekking
• How to plan your trip to Ansupa Lake
  • When to go
  • Where to stay
  • What to pack
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Introduction:

Ansupa Lake is a beautiful horseshoe-shaped lake located in the Cuttack district of Odisha, India. It is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty, lush greenery, and abundant wildlife.

What is Ansupa Lake?

Ansupa Lake is a freshwater oxbow lake formed by the Mahanadi River. It is approximately 231 hectares in size and has a maximum depth of 10 metres. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, including bamboo trees, mango trees, and marshland.

Where is Ansupa Lake?

Ansupa Lake is located in the Cuttack district of Odisha, India. It is approximately 40 kilometres from the city of Cuttack and 20 kilometres from the town of Banki.

How do I get to Ansupa Lake?

The nearest airport to Ansupa Lake is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to the town of Banki. From Banki, you can take a rickshaw or taxi to Ansupa Lake.

History of Ansupa Lake

Ansupa Lake is a freshwater oxbow lake located in the Cuttack district of Odisha, India. It is approximately 231 hectares in size and has a maximum depth of 10 metres. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, including bamboo trees, mango trees, and marshland.

The lake is believed to have been formed centuries ago by a change in the course of the Mahanadi River. The lake was once used for irrigation and transportation, but it is now a popular tourist destination.

In the early 1900s, the lake was used to supply water to the nearby town of Banki. However, the lake began to silt up, and by the 1960s, it was no longer used for irrigation.

In the 1980s, the lake was declared a Ramsar site, which is an international designation for wetlands of international importance. This designation helped protect the lake from development, and it has since been restored to its former glory.

Features of Ansupa Lake

Ansupa Lake is a beautiful and serene lake that is home to a variety of plants and animals. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, including bamboo trees, mango trees, and marshland. The lake is also home to a variety of birds, including herons, egrets, pelicans, and ducks.

Here are some of the features of Ansupa Lake:

• Horseshoe-shaped lake: Ansupa Lake is a horseshoe-shaped lake, which means that it is shaped like a horseshoe. This shape makes the lake very scenic, and it is a popular spot for boating and fishing.
• Lush greenery: Ansupa Lake is surrounded by lush greenery, including bamboo trees, mango trees, and marshland. This greenery provides a beautiful backdrop for the lake, and it is home to a variety of plants and animals.
• Abundant wildlife: Ansupa Lake is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and reptiles. The lake is a popular spot for bird watching, and it is home to over 150 species of birds.
• Boating and fishing opportunities: Ansupa Lake is a great place to go boating and fishing. There are several boathouses located near the lake where you can rent a boat. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing, and you can catch a variety of fish, including carp, tilapia, and catfish.

Things to do at Ansupa Lake

There are a variety of things to do at Ansupa Lake, including boating, fishing, bird watching, picnicking, and trekking.

• Boating: One of the most popular activities at Ansupa Lake is boating. You can rent a boat from the boathouse near the lake and explore the lake at your own pace.
• Fishing: Ansupa Lake is a popular fishing spot. You can fish for a variety of fish, including carp, tilapia, and catfish.
• Bird watching: Ansupa Lake is a great place to birdwatch. You can see a variety of birds, including herons, egrets, pelicans, and ducks.
• Picnicking: Ansupa Lake is a great place to have a picnic. There are several picnic spots located around the lake.
• Trekking: If you are looking for an adventure, you can go trekking in the hills near Ansupa Lake.

How to plan your trip to Ansupa Lake

If you are planning a trip to Ansupa Lake, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• When to go: The best time to visit Ansupa Lake is during the winter months (November–February). The weather is pleasant during this time, and the lake is full of water.
• Where to stay: There are a few hotels and guesthouses located near Ansupa Lake. You can also choose to stay in the town of Banki.
• What to pack: Be sure to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and sunglasses. You may also want to pack a picnic lunch if you plan on spending the day at the lake.

Conclusion

Ansupa Lake is a beautiful and serene lake that is a must-visit for anyone visiting Odisha. The lake is home to a variety of plants and animals, and there are a variety of things to do at the lake. Whether you enjoy boating, fishing, bird watching, or picnicking.

FAQs

• What is the best way to get to Ansupa Lake?

The best way to get to Ansupa Lake is by car or bus. If you are coming from Bhubaneswar, you can take the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack highway and then take a detour to Banki. From Banki, you can follow the signs to Ansupa Lake.

• What are the opening and closing hours of Ansupa Lake?

Ansupa Lake is open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.

• Is there an entrance fee to Ansupa Lake?

Yes, there is an entrance fee of INR 5 for adults and INR 2 for children.

• Are there any facilities available at Ansupa Lake?

Yes, there are a few facilities available at Ansupa Lake, including a boathouse, a picnic spot, and a restroom.

• What are the safety precautions to be taken at Ansupa Lake?

It is important to be aware of the following safety precautions when visiting Ansupa Lake:

Do not swim in the lake unless you are a strong swimmer. Be careful when walking around the lake, as there are some areas that are muddy and slippery. Be aware of the wildlife in the area and do not approach any animals that you do not know.

• What are the environmental concerns associated with Ansupa Lake?

Ansupa Lake is facing some environmental concerns, including:

Pollution from the surrounding areas; Sedimentation from the Mahanadi River; Invasive species

These concerns are being addressed by the government and local communities.

I hope this article has answered all of your questions about Ansupa Lake. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.