Mangalajodi Bird Photography Workshop - Tour with DCP Expeditions

Overview

Embark on a 3 nights and 4 days bird photography expedition to Mangalajodi, a true birding paradise in India, renowned for its vast wetlands, rich biodiversity, and spectacular migratory bird gatherings — offering unforgettable opportunities to capture stunning avian moments in their natural habitat.

DCP Experts

DCP Safety

Images Review

Meals

Post Event

Stay

About The Tour

Mangalajodi, a charming village in coastal Odisha, lies along the northern edge of the renowned Chilika Lake, one of Asia’s largest brackish water lagoons. Every year from October to February, this region transforms into a spectacular birding paradise as thousands of migratory birds arrive after completing their long journeys from the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Russia, Kazakhstan, and even the Himalayas. The vast wetlands around Mangalajodi teem with avian life, creating a dream destination for birdwatchers and photographers alike.

The unique topography — a vast brackish water lagoon accessible only by traditional boats through narrow channels lined with dense reed beds — offers intimate and immersive bird photography experiences. Our bird photography tour to Mangalajodi is designed to showcase not only the region’s incredible biodiversity but also its outstanding opportunities for capturing breathtaking images of migratory and resident species in their natural habitat.

Target Bird Species: Northern Pintail, Gadwall, Shoveler, Garganey, Northern Shoveler, Common Teal, Ruddy Shelduck, Whiskered Tern, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Ruff, Black-winged Stilt, Purple Swamphen, Grey-headed Lapwing, Marsh Harrier, Brahminy Kite, Openbill Stork, Glossy Ibis, Spot-billed Pelican, Painted Stork, Pied Avocet and many more.

Quick Information

Route:

Bhubaneswar - Mangalajodi - Bhubaneswar

Start Point:

Bhubaneswar

Duration:

3 nights 4 days

End Point:

Bhubaneswar

Inclusions

3 nights 4 days of Bird Photography Tour to the birding paradise of Mangalajodi.
On field photography training by DCP Panel Expert
Accommodation and all meals for 3 nights
Boating charges and guide for boating
Transport to and from Jetty and the resort
Transport to and from from Bhubaneswar

Experts

Dr Tanmoy Das

Panel Expert - DCP Kolkata

Dr Tanmoy Das is an anesthesiologist by profession. He heads the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Pain at Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata. While he is involved in life saving decisions 18 hours a day, he connects with his creative inner self using photography as a medium whenever he gets some time for himself. His in depth knowledge and understanding of the life and behaviour of his subjects gives him an edge in portraying the hidden beauties of nature to the world in more than one stunning way. He believes that learning photography is a never ending process. Rather than talking about it, he would rather allow his photographs to speak for themselves. He is a teacher and a trainer in everyday life, and is a Panel Expert with Team DCP West Bengal.

Mangalajodi is 75 km from Bhubaneshwar. Bhubaneswar airport is the closest airport to Mangalajodi. We will pick you up from Bhubaneswar Airport.

Reach Bhubaneswar railway station. Coordinate with team for a free pick up and drop from Bhubaneshwar railway station

Nearest bus stop is Tangi. We advise to coordinate with our team for your travel.

Getting Ready

Things to carry:

Telephoto lenses – preferably above 400 mm
Carry fully charged batteries for your camera / flash.
Carry battery charger. Carry extra pack of camera batteries
Carry backup memory cards / HDD storage drives, Laptop
Carrying a Tripod is a must for all bird photography workshops
Body Warmer for the chilly early mornings.
It is advisable to carry basic first aid along with you.
Please carry Odomos to keep you protected from mosquito bites.
Carry a pair of good binoculars

Equipment available on rental - please mail us at rentals@dcpexpeditions.com.

Itinerary

Day 1

We request you to arrive at Bhubaneshwar Railway Station / Airport, preferably a day prior (your stay at Bhubaneshwar is not a part of the package but we can help you book the same). This is because we will to depart from Bhubaneshwar next day morning at the earliest possible hour. We will be arranging for your pickup and transfer from railway station / airport to you hotel at Bhubaneshwar.

We start our journey early in the morning, so that we can checkin by 8:30 am at the Godwit Eco Cottage. By 9 am to 11 am, we start our first session – a short trip to get a feel of the paradise! We come back to the resort by 12noon for lunch. After lunch from 1 pm till 5 pm, we will be going for our 2nd session where we will be doing boating, birding and bird photography. We come back to the cottage by 6 pm. Dinner and overnight at the Godwit Eco Cottage.

Day 2

Wake up early in the morning by 5 am and get ready. We will go for the 3rd session from 6 am to 10 am and by 10:30 am we come back for breakfast, followed by an early lunch at 12.30 noon. We will move out for the 4th session from 1 pm to 5 pm. We come back to the cottage by 6 pm. Dinner and overnight at the Godwit Eco Cottage.

Day 3

Wake up early in the morning by 5 am and get ready. We will go for the 5th session from 6 am to 10 am and by 10:30 am we come back for breakfast, followed by an early lunch at 12.30 noon. We will move out for the 6th session from 1 pm to 5 pm. We come back to the cottage by 6 pm. Dinner and overnight at the Godwit Eco Cottage.

Day 4

Wake up early in the morning by 5 am and get ready. We will go for the 7th session from 6 am to 10 am, the last one to finish it off on a grand scale. We come back to cottage for breakfast and finish our lunch from 12 pm to 2 pm. This is the end of the tour and by 2 pm, we will transfer you back to the Bhubaneshwar Railway Station / Airport.

Field Learnings

On field learning from the experts is said to be one of the best methods of improving your skillsets. Our expert will hand hold you at every possible step for a better understanding of perspectives, camera controls and how to make use of the best opportunities to get better images. The training will focus on the following

Different modes of shooting (Av / A, Tv / S, M and P)
Exposure control in field under difficult light conditions
Mastering metering techniques (Spot, partial, center weighted, evaluative)
Mastering auto focus, focusing points, AF locking and focus tracking for moving subjects
How to get sharp images of moving subjects
Framing and composition in the field

Package Cost

Indian nationals:
Twin sharing: INR 29,000 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: INR 36,500 per person inclusive of all taxes

Foreign nationals:
Twin sharing: US$ 445 per person inclusive of all taxes
Single occupancy: US$ 560 per person inclusive of all taxes

Gold members - Upto 5% off
Silver members - Upto 3% off

WhatsApp to ask for a payment link.

Inclusions

Accommodation & meals for 3 nights and 4 days
On field photography training by DCP Panel Expert
Boating charges and guide for boating
Transport to and from Jetty and the resort
Transport to and from from Bhubaneswar
All taxes and service charges

Exclusions

Mineral water / cold drink
Tips given to hotel / boat / forest staff
Any other expenses done by participants

Map

Mangalajodi

Policies

Cancellation policy

All cancellations before 30 days of the event date - 100% credit
All cancellations between 20 - 30 days of the event date - 50% credit
All cancellations within 20 days of the event date - No credit possible

FAQ's

Can a non photographer also join the tour?

Yes, however the charges remain the same.

Design Your Custom Tour

Mangalajodi - Bird Photography Expedition, Jan 2026

₹ 29,000₹ 35,000

₹29,000₹ 35,000