Places/institution available within 100km for study tour with brief description
CHANDRA BHAGA
At about 3 kms from the Sun Temple at
Konark is the Chandrabhaga beach. The strong currents do not make it either safe or easy for swimming. But the picturesque view of the sunrise and sunset at this place is enchanting.
According to a myth, the Sun God is believed to have sought a beautiful sea-maiden named Chandrabhaga. After chasing her up to this point, she is said to have disappeared into the sea. A river by the same name Chandrabhaga is supposed to have existed just 3 kms away from the temple where (as another legend goes), Shamba, the son of Lord Krishna prayed to the Sun God for 12 years to be cured of leprosy.
In memory of Shamba’s successful penance, the Chandrabhaga Mela (festival) is held every year. During the full-moon phase in the month of Magha, the festival
CHILIKA LAKE
NESTING in the heart of Coastal District Puri, Asia's largest & biggest inland Brackish water lake, Chilika, streching across the length of the three districts of Puri, Khurdha& Ganjam ,itjoins up with the Bay of Bengal through a narrow mouth ,forming an enormous lagoon of brackish water .Spread over an area of 1,100 sq. km it was declared a sanctuary in 1987. Dotted with many emerald green islands with colorful names such as honeymoon islands and Breakfast island ,Chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna .It is also a sanctuary and winter resort for migratory birds like a bird watcher's paradise. Sun rise and Sun set are memorable experiences here. Winter is the loveliest time at Chilika ,with thousands of migratory birds flying in from as far as Siberia to make their winter sojourn in strange waters . The water come alive with their raucous cries and colorful plumage as the birds battle to find space to make their new homes . While the lake's Nalabana island has been declared a sanctuary for its varied flora and fauna , Kalijai island is home to Goddess Kalijai and the venue for annual Makar Mela .
Boating and fishing facilities are available in this lake containing a large variety of fish.The lake provides a livelihood to thousands of fishermen . Chital and Black buck roam freely on the scrubby shores while Dolphins gambol playfully in the foam of the churning waters at Chilika mouth near Satapara .For crushing and visiting the islands , one can make use of the motor launches of the OTDC at Barakul and Rambha , and the revenue department at Balugaon. Private boats are also available here. OTDC organises water sports in Chilika at the Water sports complex , located at Barakul . Hundreds of boats sail out daily on the lake's blue expanse in search of mackerel , Prawn Crabs, the sight providing an insight into the pageant of rural India at its colorful best.
Encircled by Hills all along its arched shape, Chilika Lake 's colorful changes with passing clouds overhead and the shifting sun. The water ripples languidly , occasionally rippling with a gentle breeze across from the Bay of Bengal .
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