Hukitola Island
Hukitola Island is home to a magnificent 19th-century colonial structure that serves as a silent witness to Odisha's maritime history. Built in 1866-67 during the devastating Naanka famine, the building was designed by British engineer J. Huki Walker as a warehouse to store rice imported from Burma . Located on the remote Jambu Island, the structure is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering, featuring a unique rainwater harvesting system that provided fresh water to its occupants in the middle of the sea. The building is constructed with laterite stones brought from the ruins of Barabati Fort in Cuttack. Its architecture was specifically designed for the coastal climate, with cross-ventilation systems that kept the grain fresh for months. During World War II, it served as a strategic naval base for the British. Today, the island is uninhabited, and the warehouse stands as a hauntingly beautiful monument surrounded by dense mangroves and the Bay of Bengal. The journey to Hukitola involves a scenic boat ride through the Mahanadi delta, offering views of the vast estuarine ecosystem. It has become a popular spot for history enthusiasts and eco-tourists who want to explore the intersection of colonial heritage and natural beauty. The site has been recently restored by INTACH, preserving its arches and unique roof design for future generations to admire. :
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
5 to 6 HoursPlace Type:
Heritage & IslandEntry Fees:
Entry Fee: Currently, there is no official ticket fee, but boat permits are required from the forest department.
Boat Cost: Hiring a private boat from Jamboo or Kharinasi costs between INR 1500 to INR 2500.
Res...Entry Fee: Currently, there is no official ticket fee, but boat permits are required from the forest department.
Boat Cost: Hiring a private boat from Jamboo or Kharinasi costs between INR 1500 to INR 2500.
Restoration Fund: Visitors are encouraged to donate to local heritage conservation efforts.
:Timing:
Regular Timings: Best visited between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM as boats do not operate after dark.
Ideal Visit Time: Reach by 11:00 AM to spend enough time exploring the architecture before the return boat.
Closed D...Regular Timings: Best visited between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM as boats do not operate after dark.
Ideal Visit Time: Reach by 11:00 AM to spend enough time exploring the architecture before the return boat.
Closed Days: Usually open all days, but boat services may stop during high tide or stormy weather.
:Special Events:
Heritage Awareness Day: Occasional tours organized by historical societies to educate youth about the 1866 famine history.
Fishermen Festivals: The local fishing community at Jamboo performs rituals nearby during the start of the fishing se...Heritage Awareness Day: Occasional tours organized by historical societies to educate youth about the 1866 famine history.
Fishermen Festivals: The local fishing community at Jamboo performs rituals nearby during the start of the fishing season.
:Best Photo Spots:
The Arched Veranda: The perspective shot through the nine arches of the building is the most iconic.
The Terrace: Offers a 360-degree view of the mangrove forest and the open sea.
Stone Textures: Close-up s...The Arched Veranda: The perspective shot through the nine arches of the building is the most iconic.
The Terrace: Offers a 360-degree view of the mangrove forest and the open sea.
Stone Textures: Close-up shots of the white, blue, and green laterite stones used in the masonry.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Exploring the Warehouse: Walk through the 6 large rectangular rooms and climb to the terrace for a view of the island.
Studying the Roof Design: Examine the intricate iron beams and brickwork that facilitated the water harvesting system.
Scenic Boating: Enjoy a 1. 5 to 2-hour boat ride from Jamboo or Kharinasi through the estuarine creeks.
Photography: Capture the rustic beauty of the colored stone walls and the neoclassical arches.
Wildlife Observation: Look for wild boars and various species of kingfishers in the surrounding mangrove thickets.
Picnicking: Carry your own food and enjoy a meal in the open spaces surrounding the monument (do not litter).
Beach Combin...Exploring the Warehouse: Walk through the 6 large rectangular rooms and climb to the terrace for a view of the island.
Studying the Roof Design: Examine the intricate iron beams and brickwork that facilitated the water harvesting system.
Scenic Boating: Enjoy a 1. 5 to 2-hour boat ride from Jamboo or Kharinasi through the estuarine creeks.
Photography: Capture the rustic beauty of the colored stone walls and the neoclassical arches.
Wildlife Observation: Look for wild boars and various species of kingfishers in the surrounding mangrove thickets.
Picnicking: Carry your own food and enjoy a meal in the open spaces surrounding the monument (do not litter).
Beach Combing: Walk along the deserted sandy stretches of the island to find unique shells and driftwood.
:
Information
-
Why Famous:
Historical Warehouse: It is the only colonial-era famine relief storehouse of its kind still standing in the region.
Rainwater Harvesting: Famous for its 150-year-old functional fresh-water collection system on a saltwater island.
<...Historical Warehouse: It is the only colonial-era famine relief storehouse of its kind still standing in the region.
Rainwater Harvesting: Famous for its 150-year-old functional fresh-water collection system on a saltwater island.
Cinematic Location: The majestic, lonely building against the backdrop of the sea has made it a favorite for filmmakers and photographers.
: -
Architecture:
Neo-Classical Warehouse: The building spans over 7,000 sq ft with a triangular façade and high arched verandas.
Dimensions and Materials: It measures 120 ft in length and 60 ft in width, built using multi-colored laterite stones and lime m...Neo-Classical Warehouse: The building spans over 7,000 sq ft with a triangular façade and high arched verandas.
Dimensions and Materials: It measures 120 ft in length and 60 ft in width, built using multi-colored laterite stones and lime mortar.
Rainwater System: Features a sloped roof that channels water into 4 huge underground pots via cast iron pipes, a revolutionary 1860s design.
: -
How To Reach:
By Air: Bhubaneswar Airport (123 KM) is the nearest air link to the Mahakalapara block.
By Train: Cuttack (95 KM) is the nearest major station; take a bus or taxi to Jamboo.
By Road: Drive from Kendrapada ...By Air: Bhubaneswar Airport (123 KM) is the nearest air link to the Mahakalapara block.
By Train: Cuttack (95 KM) is the nearest major station; take a bus or taxi to Jamboo.
By Road: Drive from Kendrapada to Mahakalapara and then to the Jamboo jetty point.
By Local Transport: From the Jamboo or Kharinasi jetty, a motorboat is the only way to reach the island.
: -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter (October to March): Best for boat travel and clear weather to explore the rooftop.
Summer: Can be extremely humid; early morning trips starting at 7:00 AM are recommended.
Parts of Day: Mid-morning ...Winter (October to March): Best for boat travel and clear weather to explore the rooftop.
Summer: Can be extremely humid; early morning trips starting at 7:00 AM are recommended.
Parts of Day: Mid-morning is best for photography as the sun illuminates the front façade and arches.
: -
Near Tourist Places:
Jambu Island (2 KM), Batighar (10 KM), Kharinasi Temple (12 KM), Gahirmatha (45 KM), Baladevjew (50 KM), Habalikhati (42 KM), Pentha Beach (35 KM), Sakhibata (40 KM), Mahakalapara (25 KM), Aul Palace (65 KM).
Tourism Tips
-
Health & Safety: No medical facilities or shops on the island; carry a basic first-aid kit and all necessary medicines.
Packing: Wear light cotton clothes, a sun hat, and bring plenty of drinking water and snacks.
Read MoreHealth & Safety: No medical facilities or shops on the island; carry a basic first-aid kit and all necessary medicines.
Packing: Wear light cotton clothes, a sun hat, and bring plenty of drinking water and snacks.
Accommodation: Stay in Kendrapada or the Mahakalapara circuit house as there are no stays on Hukitola.
Cash & Connectivity: Carry enough cash for the boatman; mobile signals are very poor on the island.
:Reviews
FAQs
Kendrapada Itineray And Cost:-
Information about New and Updated Locations() of Odisha Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Note:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Aul Palace
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Badakandha Salt Factory Ruins
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bagagahana Bird Sanctuary
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Barunei Beach
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Barunei Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Batighar
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bhitarkanika National Park
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chandrabhanu River Island
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Damgmal Jetty
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Dera
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities