Mitrapur Dam
Artificial Lake of Natural Beauty: The Mitrapur Dam, often referred to as the Blue Lake Picnic Spot in Mitrapur, is not a traditional dam but an artificial lake that formed in an abandoned quarry after mining activities ceased. It is close to the foothills of the Nilagiri hills. Striking Blue Water: The lake is renowned for its deep blue or emerald green water, caused by the minerals in the quarry and the reflection of the sky, which gives the spot its name. The contrast between the water and the surrounding green hills and vegetation is stunning. Picnic and Day Trip Destination: It has become an extremely popular picnic and day trip destination for locals and tourists, especially during the winter months, due to its serene, quiet, and highly picturesque environment. Strategic Location: It is conveniently located near other popular sites like the Panchalingeswar Temple and the Emami Jagannath Temple, making it an easy addition to a Balasore sightseeing itinerary.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Half Day (3-4 hours)Place Type:
Nature/Picnic SpotEntry Fees:
No Entry Fee for Lake: There is no official entry fee to visit the lake itself. It is a public area.
Parking/Picnic Fees: Local associations or a nearby resort may charge a nominal fee for parking and for using a maintained picnic area (Rs.50...No Entry Fee for Lake: There is no official entry fee to visit the lake itself. It is a public area.
Parking/Picnic Fees: Local associations or a nearby resort may charge a nominal fee for parking and for using a maintained picnic area (Rs.50 - Rs.150 per vehicle/group).
Activity Costs: Any local amenities like seating or water supply may incur a small usage charge (typically Rs.20 - Rs.50).Timing:
Regular Timings: Generally accessible from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (visiting after dark is not recommended for safety).
Ideal Visit Time: Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM) for a peaceful picnic setup, and Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - Sunset) for the best...Regular Timings: Generally accessible from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (visiting after dark is not recommended for safety).
Ideal Visit Time: Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM) for a peaceful picnic setup, and Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - Sunset) for the best photographic light and sunset views.Special Events:
New Year's Day Picnics: The lake sees its largest gathering on New Year's Day (January 1st), with countless families and groups flocking for a massive day-long picnic, creating a festive atmosphere.
Panchalingeswar Temple Festival Spillover:...New Year's Day Picnics: The lake sees its largest gathering on New Year's Day (January 1st), with countless families and groups flocking for a massive day-long picnic, creating a festive atmosphere.
Panchalingeswar Temple Festival Spillover: Festivals like Mahashivratri at the nearby Panchalingeswar Temple often lead to increased tourist traffic and small spontaneous gatherings here.Best Photo Spots:
Blue Water Reflections: The best spot is the area where the blue water reflects the surrounding hills and the sky most clearly, often best photographed from a slightly elevated position.
Sunset Over the Water: Capturing the setting sun as it...Blue Water Reflections: The best spot is the area where the blue water reflects the surrounding hills and the sky most clearly, often best photographed from a slightly elevated position.
Sunset Over the Water: Capturing the setting sun as it dips behind the hills, casting a brilliant orange and red light streak across the lake's surface.
Framing with Foliage: Using the dense trees and foliage on the banks to frame the vast expanse of the lake.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Picnicking and BBQ: Organize a classic day picnic or BBQ with family and friends at one of the designated spots near the lake shore.
Nature Photography: Focus on landscape photography, capturing the vivid blue water, the reflections, and the green hills. Sunset shots are a must.
Leisure Walk: Take a leisurely walk around the accessible perimeter of the lake, enjoying the quiet ambiance and fresh air.
Bird Watching: Spend time bird watching for the local and migratory species that frequent the lake's shores and surrounding trees.
Temple Visit Combo: Combine the visit with a spiritual trip to the nearby Panchalingeswar Temple in the Nilagiri Hills.
Boating (if available): Check if any safe, regula...
Information
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Why Famous:
Blue Water and Green Backdrop: It is famous for the unusual and attractive color of its water (the "Blue Lake") set against the dense green backdrop of the Nilagiri hills, creating a unique, photogenic landscape.
Local Recreation Hub: Its re...Blue Water and Green Backdrop: It is famous for the unusual and attractive color of its water (the "Blue Lake") set against the dense green backdrop of the Nilagiri hills, creating a unique, photogenic landscape.
Local Recreation Hub: Its reputation as the premier picnic and family outing spot near Balasore and Nilagiri is a key reason for its fame, especially on weekends and holidays.
Sunset Views: The lake offers exceptionally beautiful sunset views, with the light reflecting dramatically off the water. -
Architecture:
Natural Quarry Formation: The "architecture" is a result of geological and human intervention—a massive, deep excavation that has naturally filled with water, forming a large, irregular-shaped lake.
Boundary and Landscaping: There are mini...Natural Quarry Formation: The "architecture" is a result of geological and human intervention—a massive, deep excavation that has naturally filled with water, forming a large, irregular-shaped lake.
Boundary and Landscaping: There are minimal man-made structures, primarily basic boundary walls/fences for safety and some simple landscaping around the main picnic areas, including pathways and seating.
Dimension: The lake's size is substantial, with a circumference likely spanning over a kilometer and having considerable depth, hence the striking blue color. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar (BBI) (Approx. 200 KMS). Hire a pre-booked taxi to Balasore, then local transport.
By Train: Nearest major railhead is Balasore Railway Station (BLS). From the station, hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw (... -
Near Tourist Places:
Panchalingeswar Temple (5 KMS), Nilagiri Palace (10 KMS), Emami Jagannath Temple (12 KMS), Maninageswar Temple (35 KMS), Jhumpara Village (8 KMS), Khirachora Gopinath Temple, Remuna (30 KMS), Balasore City Center (15 KMS), Chandipur Beach (35 KMS), Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary (40 KMS), Bhudhara Chandi Temple (8 KMS).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Swimming is strictly discouraged due to the lake's unknown depth and possible sharp objects from the quarry. Supervise children closely.
Packing: Bring picnic supplies (mats, food, garbage bags) as facilities are basic. Ca...
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