Satapada is located at a distance of 48 km from Puri. It is almost 100 km from Bhubaneswar. National highway number 203 A connects Satapada to Puri. This place is located next to Chilika and near the mouth of Chilika Lake to the sea. The main attraction of Satapada is its boat ride through Chilika and its dolphin watching. Tourists come to Satapada for a boat ride on Lake Chilika and to see the dolphins.
On the way to Satapada from Puri at a distance of 22 km, there is a place known as Brahmagiri and here is the Temple of Alarnath. Many devotees visit this temple during the Anasara period when Lord Jagannatha’s Darshan is closed. This period falls just before the time of Ratha Yatra (car festival).
Different types of boats are available at Satapada and all tourist boats are power driven. The motor boat association of Satapada manages these boats. They have rate chart for the boats based on capacity and duration. The association also maintains rest room, toilets and drinking water for the tourists. Here is the rate chart of the Boat
There are different types of boats available in Satapada and all tourist boats are motorized. The Satapada Motor Boats Association manages these boats. They have a rate table for boats based on capacity and duration. The association also maintains toilets, toilets and drinking water for tourists.
A family or group is allowed on a boat. In a group, it consists of 6 adults + 2 children.
Satapada boats can take you to the Balugaon side of Chilika. The duration is 3 hours. Boats are available to transport heavy vehicles to another part of Chilika.
Dolphins are the main attraction of the Satapada boat ride. The largest population of Irrawaddy dolphins in the world is found in Chilika. But it also depends on your luck, usually a small part of the dolphin’s tail is visible. If they jump, you can only see the back of the dolphin. Motorboats shut off the engine at Dolphin points to maintain silence. Instructions for the tourist on precautions to take near Dolphin Point are posted on the pier. Boats must shut off the engine and maintain a distance of 50 meters from the dolphins. No more than 5 boats are allowed at the same time near the Dolphin.
Timetable of Ferry service.
| GHAT No 1, Satapada | GHAT No 2 , Janhikuda | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Departure | 7.30 AM | Arrival | 8.00 AM |
| Arrival | 9.00 AM | Departure | 8.30 AM |
| Departure | 10.00 AM | Arrival | 10.30 AM |
| Arrival | 11.30 AM | Departure | 11.00 AM |
| Departure | 1.00 PM | Arrival | 1.30 PM |
| Arrival | 2.30 PM | Departure | 2.00 PM |
| Departure | 4.00 PM | Arrival | 4.30 PM |
| Arrival | 5.30 PM | Departure | 5.00 PM |
Eco Tour Cottages and all other Bookings can be done online through the OTDC portal – www.otdc.in
One can book online – www.ecotourodisha.com – click on Chilika
Email – support@ecotourodisha.com / Mgrkl.ofdc@odishafdc.com
Ph- 0674-2531891
Satapada Important Information:
Best time to watch the dolphins is between 7am-9am as there is less hustle bustle and few tourists in the lagoon.
For boating services check out the rate card of OTDC . Cost varies between Rs.1100-Rs.1200 per ride.
Ensure the boat allotted to you is in proper condition and there are life jackets available before embarking on your ride. Avoid over crowding the boat.
Beware of touts who stand 5-6 KM ahead of Satapada and tries to lure you with all sorts of promises. Before entering Satapada there is car parking cess that one has to give,so keep that as reference point.
If you opt to have to stay at any places mentioned in the “Where to Stay” section, please note that will it be your only option as far as food is concerned. However the sea food at the Yatrinivas it’s sumptuous but be prepared to wait for the services.
One can also ask the boatman to take the boat to one of the lake side shacks- the food is quite good, but check out the price and put on your bargaining cap and ensure that the fish or prawns or crabs are fresh.
Avoid littering and be respectful towards the environment.
Where to stay at Satapada :
Satapada resort accommodation from the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. resort (OTDC). It is known as Yatrinivas and offers excellent accommodation. The rooms can be reserved at the tourist offices of Puri, Chilika and Bhubaneswar. An online reservation service is also available.
Yatrinivas Satapada Address:
Brahmagiri,
Puri – 752001
Phone: (06752) 262077
Email: otdc@panthanivas.com
Total Room/Bed: 25/50
Facilities: Restaurant, T.V.
Website: https://visitodisha.org/hotel_details.php?id=22
How to Reach Satapada :
By Air:
Biju Patnaik International Airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest Airport to Chilika Lake which is 105 km.
By Rail:
Balugaon, Puri and Bhubaneswar are the nearest Railway Stations to reach Chilika Lake.
By Road:
Frequent Buses are available from major cities of India. Puri and Bhubaneswar are the nearest places to reach by bus.