Mangalajodi Wtland & Vetnai Photography Tour

Wings & Wilds:

Mangalajodi, located on the northern fringes of Odisha’s Chilika Lake, transforms into a haven for migratory birds every winter. Its tranquil wetlands and narrow reed-lined channels offer rare, close-range birding experiences, accessible only by traditional boats.
Led by renowned wildlife photographer Mr. Dipankar Bakshi, this tour is designed to help participants explore the rich avifauna of Mangalajodi and the unique grassland ecosystem of Vetnai, known for its blackbucks and raptors. The focus remains on real-time learning, ethical field practices, and storytelling through powerful bird and wildlife imagery.
A unique opportunity to experience nature at its most serene—guided, observed, and captured through the lens.

Tour Overview

* Golden hour boat safaris at Mangalajodi for intimate encounters with migratory birds
* Exclusive access to Vetnai Grasslands—home to blackbucks and a variety of raptors
* Personalized mentorship, daily image reviews, and constructive feedback sessions
* A serene and immersive experience in the wetlands—perfect for birding and nature photography enthusiasts

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  • 11:00 AM – Arrival and pickup from Bhubaneswar Airport/Khurda Road Railway Station
  • 01:00 PM – Check-in and lunch at Mangalajodi Guesthouse
  • 02:30 PM – Orientation session with the Mentor & Gear check
  • 03:30 – 06:00 PM – Evening Boat Safari: Golden Hour Photography of Waterfowl and Marshland Birds
  • 08:00 PM – Group Dinner and informal interactions
  • 05:30 AM – Wake-up call with tea and light snacks
  • 06:00 – 09:00 AM – Morning Boat Safari: Misty Wetlands and Early Bird activity
  • 09:30 AM – Breakfast at the Guesthouse
  • 12:30 PM – Lunch and Rest
  • 03:30 – 06:00 PM – Evening Boat Safari: action shots, flight frames, and creative compositions
  • 08:00 PM – Dinner followed by the Photo Review and feedback session with the Mentor
  • 06:30 AM: Breakfast & gear check
  • 07:00 AM – 09:30 AM: Travel from Mangalajodi to Vetnai Grasslands
  • 09:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Guided walk and photography of Blackbuck, diverse raptors, and grassland species
    Capture the spectacular fish-catching dives of Black Kites over the wetlands
  • 12:30 PM – 01:30 PM: Lunch at Vetnai
  • 01:30 PM – 02:30 PM: Continue exploring Vetnai Grasslands for Wildlife Photography
  • 02:30 PM – 05:00 PM: Return travel to Mangalajodi
  • 06:30 PM: Group Critique Night – Review of the Best shots from each participant
  • 09:00 PM: Special Closing Dinner
  • 05:45 AM – Tea and light refreshments
  • 06:15 – 08:30 AM – Final Boat Safari: early light, reflections, and flock dynamics
  • 09:00 AM – Breakfast and packing
  • 11:00 AM – Checkout and drop at Bhubaneswar Airport / Khurda Road Railway Station

Package Cost: ₹27,000/-*

additional GST applicable as per actuals.

REGISTER NOW

Inclusions

* Twin-sharing accommodation in an eco-friendly guesthouse at Mangalajodi
* All meals provided: from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 4 (including tea/snacks)
* 4 guided boat safaris led by local experts
* One-day wildlife photography session at Vetnai Grasslands
* Mentorship and hands-on field training by Dipankar Bakshi
* Pick-up and drop-off from Bhubaneswar/Khurda Road Railway Station
* All entry fees, permits, and applicable local taxes included.

Terms & Conditions

Cancellation Policy
- Before December 1, 2025 – Full refund of the paid amount.
- Between December 1–14, 2025, a 50% refund of the total paid amount.
- After December 14, 2025 – No refund.
- If the tour is canceled by Yoof due to unforeseen reasons, a full refund or credit for a future tour will be offered.

What’s Included
- The tour includes accommodation, meals, pick-up/drop-off from Bhubaneswar/Khurda Road, boat safaris, and mentorship sessions.

What’s NOT Included
- Travel to Bhubaneswar/Khurda Road, personal expenses, and camera fees (if any) are not included.

Travel & Participation
- Please be prepared for early mornings and light physical activity (walks, boat rides)

Photography & Conduct
- Please respect nature, wildlife, and local communities.
- Photos from the tour may be used by the organizers for promotional purposes (with credit to the photographer).

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Know Your Mentor: Dipankar Bakshi

Dipankar Bakshi is an award-winning wildlife photographer renowned for his striking bird imagery and features in BBC Earth, National Geographic, and top wildlife publications. With extensive fieldwork across India, he combines technical precision with a deep understanding of animal behavior. As an official influencer for @zeissnatureindia and @fotopro.official, Dipankar is at the forefront of nature photography. His workshops are valued for hands-on guidance, honest feedback, and a powerful storytelling approach.