Anshupa Lake, Ramsar wetland in Cuttack district, India

Anshupa Lake is a 231-hectare horseshoe-shaped freshwater oxbow lake on the left bank of the Mahanadi River, opposite Banki in Cuttack district, Odisha, about 40 km from Cuttack city. It lies amid the Saranda Hills, enclosed by bamboo and mango trees, and is a protected Ramsar site since 2021.

Geologists hold that the lake was once part of the Brahmani River; when the river changed its course, this section was cut off from the main stream. The horseshoe shape of the water supports this reading. It lies on the left bank of the Mahanadi, opposite Banki in Cuttack district, and was designated a protected Ramsar site in 2021.

The lake lies opposite Banki on the left bank of the Mahanadi, and boating and fishing are offered on the water. The Hindi source names the nearby hill Sarada, and the shores are enclosed by bamboo and mango groves. The lake is counted among India's main freshwater lakes and is the second largest in Odisha.

Visit early in the morning when the light is soft and the water is calm, and bring sturdy shoes since the paths around the shore can be uneven and muddy. The wetland environment means insects are present, so wearing light, covered clothing helps you stay comfortable throughout your visit.

The lake is a horseshoe-shaped oxbow on the left bank of the Mahanadi, opposite Banki, and geologists hold that it was once a stretch of the Brahmani River; when that river changed course, the cut-off meander kept its curved outline. It has been a protected Ramsar site since 2021.