‘Birds of Mangalajodi’ book celebrates chilika’s avian paradise

Hyderabad: A coffee table book documenting the vibrant birdlife of Mangalajodi, on the northern fringes of Odisha’s Chilika Lake, was released in Hyderabad on Friday.

Titled Birds of Mangalajodi – a visitor’s guide to the bird paradise of Chilika Lake, the volume features photographs by Dr. Srinivasa Rao Somanchi and his late wife Dr. Seetha Khambhampati. The book was released by noted journalist C Vanaja, writer Swarana Kilaru, and photojournalist T. Srinivasa Reddy on April 24, 2026.

Mangalajodi, a sprawling freshwater wetland, is one of the world’s most significant waterfowl habitats. Each year, nearly two lakh migratory birds arrive here, transforming the landscape into a living canvas of flight, colour, and sound.

The book captures years of dedication by the couple, whose shared passion for birds continued despite personal loss. It blends artistry, patience, and conservation into an evocative visual journey, celebrating one of the richest wetland habitats in the world.

Located where water merges with the sky, Mangalajodi draws birders and photographers from across the globe. The book serves as both a tribute and a guide to the wetland’s extraordinary avian diversity.