What Makes Swosti Chilika Resort The Best Lake Resort in Odisha?

Author : Swosti hotels | Published On : 23 Oct 2026

A lake resort should be judged on how much of the lake a guest can reach. A balcony view counts for little if the water is a drive away. On that measure, the case for Swosti Chilika Resort as the best lake resort in Odisha rests on three things: a choice of ways to get on the water, a stay that can be planned around the bird season, and an eco-resort design with a published green-building credential.

The Lake Behind The Property

The resort describes Chilika as the largest coastal lagoon in India and the largest wintering ground for migratory birds. It says the lagoon is fed by 52 rivers and rivulets. The property overlooks the lakefront at Odia Alapur, Bejiput, in Ganjam district, and the resort places it within a three-hour journey of major travel hubs.

On the water

The main way onto the lake is Silver Moon, a 50-seater luxury catamaran. Its twin-hull design is meant to give a stable platform, and its elevated viewing decks are positioned for spotting Irrawaddy dolphins and arriving migratory birds. The cruise starts at 4:30 pm and covers about 3 km. The resort also promotes the vessel for photography in conditions from morning mist to golden hour.

The boat is only one option. The resort lists speed-boat rides, quieter rides on calm water, jet-skiing, kayaking and bamboo rafting. There is also a fishing session where guests learn to make a rod and prepare bait. Anyone comparing a candidate for the best lake resort in Odisha should count how many ways it puts guests on the water. Here the answer is at least five.

The bird season

The resort ties birdwatching to November through March, when it says around 230 bird species visit Chilika each year. Species it names include flamingos, sandpipers, ducks, falcons and terns, and the cruises run over the lake during those months. For birdwatchers choosing the best lake resort in Odisha, timing the stay matters as much as the property. A booking in that window puts the boat and the birds in the same itinerary.

The eco credentials

The resort states that it is India’s first five-star IGBC award-winning eco-resort, and it publishes an environment policy document on its website. On the ground, it reports planting more than 100,000 trees across the area. Guests can follow this through three activities:

• A guided nature walk.

• A herbal garden tour led by a resident horticulturist, lasting 30 to 45 minutes.

• A cycling tour through village paths and rice fields along the lake.

For travellers who want an eco stay that goes beyond a label, these give the claim something to point to.

Where you stay

There are 78 villas in four categories: Midlake County, Wind Chimes, Mill Pond and The Sanctuary. Every room has a private balcony. Mill Pond villas are described as having a private pool and views of Chilika Lake, and The Sanctuary is the presidential-style pool villa. Midlake County rooms look over manicured lawns, so guests who want the lake in view should ask for Mill Pond or confirm the view when booking.

The main pool sits at the centre of the cottages. Ekayaa – The Spa runs from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and offers Thai massage, Ayurvedic therapies and foot massage. Dining is split across Orana, known for seafood, Bean Hive for coffee, the Harbour Bar, and Pool Bar & Grill. Evenings can include a campfire, folk dance, an outdoor movie or a candlelight dinner.

Beyond the property

The resort lists the temples of Kalijai, Narayani, Bhagawati and Ugra Tara as nearby also Nirmaljhara, Tara Tarini Temple, the blackbuck habitat at Vetnai, Jiranga Buddhist Monastery and Daringbadi. Biju Patnaik International Airport and Khallikot Railway Station are listed as the nearest travel hubs. Check-in is at 2:00 PM and check-out at 11:00 AM.

For travellers who want to spend their days on and around the water, the combination of boats, birds and a green-rated property makes a strong case for Swosti Chilika Resort as the best lake resort in Odisha