The short answer
Breakfast Island (Sankuda Island): what visitors should know first
Worth trying if you enjoy rustic beach days and island camping. The island has no facilities, so it suits self-sufficient travellers with their own food and shelter, or groups using basic camp setups. It is quiet and relatively undisturbed.
Useful facts
Breakfast Island (Sankuda Island) facts at a glance
- Location
- Central Chilika Lake, boat access from Satpada or Balugaon
- Type
- Day trip
- Time needed
- Boat ride 30–45 minutes; day visit 4–6 hours, or overnight camping
- Best time
- October to February when the island is dry and accessible; monsoon makes landing difficult
Why it matters
Why Breakfast Island (Sankuda Island) is worth your time
Breakfast Island is one of Chilika's few remaining unspoiled islands, used seasonally by fishermen but largely left wild. Its isolation makes it a refuge for nesting birds and marine organisms. For travellers, it represents the lagoon's vastness and the possibility of solitude on water.
The island's nickname, Breakfast Island, comes from the practice of early fishermen preparing their morning meal on its sands. Tourists adapted the name for day-trip picnics. It remains a place where the lagoon's original character is most tangible.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Hire a boat from Satpada or Balugaon early in the morning. The journey to Sankuda takes about 30–45 minutes depending on water levels. The island is sandy and low, with scattered grasses and shrubs. There are no buildings, wells or utilities; it is truly undeveloped.
Upon arrival, the boatman will help you ashore. Bring a picnic breakfast (hence the nickname), water, shade from a tarpaulin or small tent, and any items you need. Spend the day on the beach, swimming if the water is calm, watching boats pass and observing water birds from a distance.
In the afternoon, as the light softens, walk around the island's edge. You may find shells, debris from the lagoon ecosystem and evidence of nesting birds. At sunset, prepare to return to the mainland. If you are camping overnight, the island becomes very quiet after dark, with only the sound of water and occasionally distant fishing boats.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Bring all food, water and shade from the mainland
- Arrange the boat the evening before to ensure early departure
- Carry a basic first-aid kit; there are no medical facilities
- Wear reef shoes or sandals; the sandy beach may have shells or rocks
- Leave no litter; the island is fragile
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Central Chilika Lake, boat access from Satpada or Balugaon
- Time needed
- Boat ride 30–45 minutes; day visit 4–6 hours, or overnight camping
- Best time
- October to February when the island is dry and accessible; monsoon makes landing difficult
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The boat ride and the flat island are manageable, but the lack of facilities and the open exposure challenge older travellers. An overnight stay would require camping comfort or an arranged tent. Day visits suit those who can sit on the beach and handle basic outdoor conditions.
- Tickets and access
- No formal entry fee. Boat transport from Satpada or Balugaon costs 1500–3000 for a private boat for the day. Basic camp setups or tents may be arranged through tourism cooperatives if you book in advance.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Breakfast Island (Sankuda Island)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The boat ride and the flat island are manageable, but the lack of facilities and the open exposure challenge older travellers. An overnight stay would require camping comfort or an arranged tent. Day visits suit those who can sit on the beach and handle basic outdoor conditions.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Breakfast Island safe for camping?
Yes, it is generally safe and quiet. Ensure the boatman knows when to return for pickup, and have a torch and basic camping setup.
What are the facilities on the island?
None. There is no water, shelter, toilet or power. It is for self-sufficient visitors who bring everything needed.
Can I swim at Breakfast Island?
Swimming is possible when the water is calm, typically in the cooler months. Check conditions with the boatman before wading.
How do I book a boat for Breakfast Island?
Contact the Satpada or Balugaon village tourism committees or a Bhubaneswar-based travel agent a day or two in advance.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
