Help on Chilka and Konark

Dimitrz

Hi Guys,

This Jan I would be in Bhubaneswar (Orissa ) to attend my friend’s marriage.
Me and one of my other friends decided to make this trip more productive by Visiting Konark and Chilka lake.
Ideally we have just 2 days to do this due to work constrain.

Our first plan was to take a local day package tour from Bhubaneswar to Konark and back on 17th Jan 2009. and then on on 18th visit Chilka lake from Bhubaneswar and catch the morning train to Chennai on 19th.

Then after a few look around I have this plan.
On 17th Morning leave for Konark by rental Taxi and after visiting Konark reach Chilka lake by evening
Book room in PANTHANIVAS BARKUL in Balugaon.
Walk around Chilka that evening and next day go for boating in the lake
Then Spend that night as well at (Balugaon) and reach Balugaon station early morning around 8 to catch the train to Chennai.

Question 1) Is this feasible ?
Question 2) What would be the approx Taxi fare/cost from Bhubaneswar to Konark ?
Question 3) What would be the approx Taxi fare/cost from Konark to Chilka lake (Balugaon) ?
Question 4) Is there any option to have a camping stay at Chilka ( me and my friend are a bit towards the wild side- than on sightseeing)
Question 5) Any chance for Trekking in Chilka Lake (ofcourse I mean nearby)
Question 6) How good is this Panthanivas ? or can we get affordable hotels or lodge with better view to the Lake ?

Question 7) What are the options for Kayaking ? is it costly and from where can I get Kayaks ? I am not a great paddler but I am not bad either ( say just above novice)


Any help , assistance to plan my trip would be much appreciated

Thanks

Dimitrz

come on guys

RWeHavingFunYet

Your second plan looks good and is doable. If you can't afford a taxi, take a local day package tour from Bhubaneswar which covers Pipli, Konark and Puri. Stay back at Puri and take a bus/taxi to Balugaon for the night.

You have less than 6 to 8 hours in Balugaon and you're planning to do trekking, kayaking, boating and camping. I would suggest you call and talk to the Orissa tourism office fellows in the hotel you mentioned.

Most people visit Chilka Lake to observe the largest concentration of aquatic birds in the indian subcontinent. It is the season now (Nov - Jan).

Dimitrz

ideally I meant a combination or few of the activities mentioned ; if I can kayak then who cares about trekking

lavina

Thanks for the info. hey dimitrz let me know your experience. I am planning to go in November 2009 for a wedding.

Dimitrz

Sure I will - just remind me at the start of Feb

inder_bbsr

I dont think the plan is viaable and it has been streatched a bit.why balugaon for chilka,you can stay at satpada to see chilika.and its 85 km from konark-satpada.

dola

i think barkul is the perfect place to stay for viewing the chilka. and pathanivas is the place to stay there. the tariff is 1500 per room in a cottage. 1 cottage has 2 entrances to 2 different rooms. food is decent and the view is good. take a boat / steamer ride. should be for 4 hrs apprx on the water. drive to puri from barkul is 3 hrs. you definitely can try puri as well. konark from puri is 45min drive and it will take 2 hrs inside konark. there are local guides who will explain the temple architectures in 2hrs. they charge about 200INR. evening come back to puri and laze on the beach. but 2 days will be hectic for sure.

Dimitrz

Hi guys I am back.....I'll update you all aboput the trip as soon as possible