The extremely picturesque lakes of Orissa hold a prominent position in the tourist map of India for their beauty, for enclosing an immense variety of fish, and the fact that they play host to hundreds of thousands of migratory birds during winter and are a home to a variety of flora and fauna. Just south of Puri, the sea mixes in with the 1100 sq.km inland Chilika Lake to create the largest brackish water lake in Asia, and a spot of enchanting beauty. The large fishing community adds flavour to the lakes with their traditional colourful sail boats bobbing expertly across the water, reminiscent of the ancient maritime heritage of Orissa. Various facilities for canoeing, kayaking, and boating are available at some of the lakes. Hirakud Dam on the river Mahanadi is one of the longest dams in the world and the largest dam made of earth. From horizon to horizon, the reservoir forms the largest artificial lake in Asia with an area of 746 sq km and a shore line of over 640 km. The vast blue expanse guarded by green capped soaring hills makes this lake a delightful sight - a lifetime memory.

This small but extremely picturesque lake holds a prominent position in the tourist map of Orissa for its beauty, proximity to Cuttack and the fact that till the recent past, it used to play host to migratory birds during winter. 

Just south of Puri, the sea mixes in with the 1100 sq.km inland Chilika Lake to create the largest brackish water lake in Asia. These shallow waters enclose an immense area of marshes, lowlands, and islands. There are more than 160 varieties of fish, and, in the winter season (from November through March), the area is home to hundreds of thousands of migratory birds as well.

The surrounding hills and sandy stretches abound in cheetals, blackbucks, monkeys, fishing cats, mongoose, and porcupines. At the channel meeting the sea, dolphins can be seen cavorting playfully. Snakes, turtles and lizards inhabit the surrounding beach area and wooded undergrowth.

A number of islands dot the expanse of the lake. Nalbana Island, because of its varied flora and fauna, forms the core of the Chilika sanctuary. Kalijai Island is home to the Goddess Kalijai, venerated by the local fisher folk. This island plays host to a huge fair on 'Makar Sankranti' held annually in the month of January. The large fishing community adds flavour to the lake with their traditional colourful sail boats bobbing expertly across the water, reminiscent of the ancient maritime heritage of Orissa. In fact, the fisher folk can be persuaded to take visitors on their boats.

Chilika is worth visiting the year round, however, the winter months, when the air reverberates with the din of the birds, are the nicest times. Barkul, Rambha, Balugaon and Satpada are the bases for visiting Chilika, where boats can be hired. 

A mere 16 km north of Sambalpur town stands the Hirakud Dam on the river Mahanadi - the longest dam in the world and the largest dam made of earth. Hirakud is an engineering marvel as well as a stunning site. From horizon to horizon, the reservoir forms the largest artificial lake in Asia with an area of 746 sq km and a shore line of over 640 km. A twenty-one km drive on the dyke offers a unique experience of calm serenity. One can comfortably enjoy the sight of the mighty Hirakud Dam and the fantastic expanse of water from the top of the revolving minaret called Gandhi Minar on the north, or from the Nehru Minar on the other end of the dam. A considerable number of migratory birds also come here during winter. 

Originating near Thuamul-Rampur, the river Indravati makes its winding course through dense forests and sunkissed valleys till she halts at Khatiguda, 20 km from Nowrangpur, to form a reservoir in the hands of modern sculptors. The vast blue expanse guarded by green capped soaring hills makes this lake a delightful sight - a lifetime memory. 

Only 15 km from Koraput, the river Kolab makes a spectacular jump at Bagra to form a reservoir called the "Upper Kolab Irrigation Project". An ideal place for an outing, it is also a panacea for city dwellers. 

About 80 km from Berhampur, Sorada holds in its bosom a reservoir amidst uncommon scenic charm. Popularly known as Sorada Ghai, it blends itself beautifully into an enchanting picnic spot.