About Ansupa Lake
Ansupa Lake is a horseshoe-shaped freshwater lake at Ansupa village in Athagarh Block, Cuttack District, Odisha, about 40 km from Cuttack and 50 km from Bhubaneswar. Formed as an oxbow lake of the Mahanadi River, it is considered Odisha's largest freshwater lake. Surrounded by Saranda Hills and bamboo groves, it is known for scenic views, boating, winter migratory birds and tranquil natural surroundings, and is developed as an eco-tourism and picnic destination.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large horseshoe-shaped freshwater lake surrounded by Saranda Hills, bamboo thickets and green countryside. The site offers a calm waterscape with a designated boating area, earthen embankments and viewpoints for photography and sightseeing. Visitors can explore lakeside paths, picnic areas and small food stalls, observe resident and winter migratory birds, and enjoy views of the Mahanadi floodplain. The setting is natural and open with limited built structures.
Key highlights
- 01
Largest freshwater lake in Odisha with distinctive horseshoe shape
- 02
Natural oxbow lake formed by the Mahanadi River
- 03
Surrounded by Saranda Hills and bamboo groves offering scenic views
- 04
Boating facility on the lake
- 05
Seasonal migratory birdwatching in winter months
History of Ansupa Lake
Ansupa Lake is a natural oxbow lake created by the meandering of the Mahanadi River, giving it a characteristic horseshoe shape. Located at the foothills of Saranda Hills, it has long been recognized for its natural formation and landscape and has been developed in recent years as an eco-tourism site by the Odisha tourism authorities.
Culture & Context
The lake is a popular picnic and eco-tourism destination for local communities and visitors from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. It is valued for its natural beauty, biodiversity and seasonal congregation of migratory birds, and supports local recreation, fishing and tourism-related activities.
Route
| By air |
|---|