Discover the Magic of Mangalajodi : A Bird Photography Workshop

Nilakkhya Dutta
Oct 3, 2025
5 min read

Overview

Nestled on the northern edge of Chilika Lake in Odisha, Mangalajodi encompasses expansive marshy wetlands spanning thousands of hectares. Known as “Birds’ Paradise,” it draws over 230 bird species, including vast flocks of migratory birds from Eurasia and the Arctic between October and February. The tranquil waters, lush reeds, and serene community-owned environment make it one of Asia’s largest and most celebrated wintering grounds for waterfowl and avifauna.

Workshop Purpose

This bird photography workshop is designed for enthusiasts and professionals seeking to advance their skills in avian and wetland photography. Participants will hone technical abilities such as camera settings and composition, but also learn to interpret bird behaviour, habitat interactions, and ethical wildlife photography in a globally important wetland landscape. The immersive experience aims to foster storytelling images and a deeper appreciation for conservation and the cultural legacy of Mangalajodi.

Mentor

Ramesh Karmakar is recognized as a Nikon Wildlife Expertive and professional nature and wildlife photographer and videographer, specializing in action and creative bird photography. His expertise lies in capturing natural and creative moments in an epic manner. Originating from Nadia District, West Bengal, India, he is dedicated to becoming one of the world’s leading wildlife photographers and to representing India through bird photography on the global stage. His work has been showcased in exhibitions worldwide, including Bangladesh, Russia, Dubai, and India, and has been consistently published in esteemed magazines such as Smart Photography, Nature in Focus, National Geographic Magazine, NatGeo India, BBC, among others.

http://www.instagram.com/rameshkarmakar_wildlife

Activities & Structure

Guided dawn and dusk boat safaris (5 total), with 2 participants in each boat led by expert naturalists, targeting optimal light for photography.
On-field post-processing sessions, with image critique, style guidance, and camera setting assistance.
Group size: 9 participants, mentored by a professional wildlife photographer.
Participants get access to high-end Nikon cameras, lenses, and Leofoto tripods; personal cameras, memory cards, and batteries are also advised.
Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in a home stay, all meals from Day 1 lunch to Day 3 lunch, and all permits included.
Pick up and Drop at Khurda Road Railway Station/Bhubaneshwar Airport.

Itinerary

Day 1 (Dec 12): Pick up from Khurda Road Railway Station/Bhabaneshwar Airport. Boat safari after lunch. Introductory workshop session in the evening.
Day 2 (Dec 13): Morning and evening boat safaris, followed by post-processing in the evening.
Day 3 (Dec 14): Morning and evening boat safaris, followed by drop off at Khurda Railway Station/Bhabaneshwar Airport in the evening. Tour concludes.

Fees & Booking:

₹16,500 per person (ex-Khurda Road/Bhuwaneshwar, twin share) + 5% GST; single supplement 30% extra.
Booking: ₹6,500 (+5%. GST) advance; balance ₹10,000 (+5%. GST) by Oct 28, 2025. Contact for Razorpay payment link (transaction charges apply).

Inclusions:

Accommodation on twin sharing, 5 boat safaris( 2 participants per boat), all meals (Day 1 Lunch to Day 3 Lunch), permits, equipment use, photography guidance, post-processing, tour leader, and first aid.

Exclusions:

Transit to Khurda Road/Bhuwaneshwar, meals in transit, personal expenses, breakfast on day 1 dinner on day 3, mineral water bottles apart from complimentary ones, additional food/drinks, medical emergencies, and costs from unforeseen events.

Payment Policies:

50% refund of advance for cancellations ≥45 days pre-departure (by Oct 28, 2025); no refund after that.
Fee increase if minimum threshold of 9 participants not met.
Full refund if canceled by organizers for COVID, lockdowns, or insufficient sign-ups.
No refund of the GST component or flight costs. Refunds processed one month after tour ends.

Logistics and Tour Details:

This is a Bird Photography Workshop, not a leisure trip; early morning wake-ups for safaris are mandatory, with rest expected as a group.
Consistent sleep and wake routines are followed to capture optimal light; adherence is required.
Twin sharing with strangers is common; participants should maintain a positive, adaptable attitude.
Meals are basic and local, often simple vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes based on availability.
Participants must set realistic expectations about the tour’s difficulty and focus on bird photography.
Rules and guidelines must be followed; breaking them or causing negativity may lead to warnings or expulsion without refund.

Rules and Protocols:

Follow all wake/sleep times strictly to avoid missing key photography opportunities at sunrise and sunset.
Allow others to finish shots before capturing the same scene; avoid obstructing fellow photographers.
Conflicts should be reported to organizers for resolution.
Use hotel or travel partner support channels for logistical issues; escalate to organizers if unresolved.
Littering is prohibited; all waste must be disposed of properly.
Handle all camera and Nikon-provided equipment responsibly; damages will be charged to the participant.
Daily image review sessions encourage constructive feedback acceptance.
Venturing away from the group is at one’s own risk; organizers are not liable for incidents.
Personal visits/tourist activities during the workshop are discouraged.
In case of skipped destinations due to uncontrollable factors, alternatives will be provided; extra costs borne by participants.

Participants and Refunds:

Minimum 9 participants required; if not met, tour proceeds with additional per participant cost.
No refund if a participant leaves unexpectedly; participants cover return transportation costs.

Equipment and Companions:

Participants must bring one DSLR/mirrorless camera with telephoto lenses; tripod optional, plus ample memory cards and batteries.
Non-photographers or art appreciators can join for sightseeing but must pay full fees and respect the group’s pace.

Age and Usage Rights:

Recommended for participants 15 years and above; children under 15 not allowed.
By joining, participants permit thEscape to use photos or artwork captured by or of them with proper credit for promotional use.

Behavioral and Safety Policies:

Misconduct, property damage, harassment, or substance abuse leads to immediate expulsion without refund; participants cover return costs.
Respect towards staff and fellow travelers is mandatory; repeated offenses have serious consequences.
Psychotropic drugs are prohibited; smoking allowed with consideration to others.
Odd male-female ratios in room sharing will be managed to avoid opposite-sex twin-sharing.

Additional Terms:

Tour requires flexibility; itinerary is a guide and may be changed due to weather, government rules, or force majeure.
Participants must arrive in Khurda Road/Bhuwaneshwar by 12 Noon on start date or be considered no-shows without refund.
Pricing may adjust due to external factors but confirmed bookings retain current rates.
Medical and travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Government ID checks and indemnity bond with Aadhar card required before tour.
Participants acknowledge risks such as accidents, illness, political instability, or natural disasters, accepting liability as per Indian law.