If you are planning to go for outings near Puri, at that point keep in mind to visit Satapada. Situated at a distance of about 50 kilometers from Puri and almost 100 KM from Bhubaneswar. Satapada on Chilika is very famous for Irrawaddy Dolphins (Orcaella brevirostrate). ‘Sata’ means ‘Seven’ and ‘Pada’ Means ‘Village’, so the name Satapada means a group of seven villages. It is located in the southern part of the Chilika Lake. Satapada is also famous for Sea Mouth Island where Chilka lake meets the Bay of Bengal. This beautiful resort like holiday destination is worth a visit.
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.
Dolphin Watch
Dolphins are the main attraction of Satapada boat ride. The highest population of Irrawaddy dolphins in the world are seen in Chilika. But it depends on your luck also, usually some small part of the tail of the dolphin is visible. If they jump then only the back of the Dolphin can be seen. The motor boats switch off the engine at the Dolphin points to maintain silence. At the jetty, the instruction is displayed for the tourist on care to be taken near the Dolphin point. Boats have to switch off the engine and maintain 50 M distance from the Dolphins. Not more than 5 boats are allowed at the same time near the Dolphin.
Tourism
Satpada is located at the northeast cape of Chilika Lake and Bay of Bengal. The famous Chilika dolphins can be seen in their natural best here. There are also ample opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and boating. A small island called Rajahamsa is situated near this place at the mouth of the lagoon. It is named after the rajahamsa (mute swan). This island is 18 kilometers from Satapada. Rajahans is a small strip of land of which one side is placed near the lagoon and the other side is towards the Bay of Bengal.
Migratory birds do not visit Satapada very often, but a few varieties of migratory birds move to Nalabana bird sanctuary. It takes around four hours by boat from Satapada to reach Nalaban.
