Chilika lake
Chilika, is the second largest brakish water lagoon in the world having a long coast line touching various parts of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha in the East coast of India. The lagoon has the mouth opening to the Bay of Bengal throughout the year resulting in maintenance of water salinity as well as availability of various species of brackish water fishes. River ‘Daya’ a tributary finds her way to the Bay of Bengal through the lagoon. The perennial lagoon spreads over an area of 425 square miles. It is also the abode for the migratory birds in the winter and attracts birds from Saiberia and other parts of the world. The habitat, availability of food and resting spots provides a conducive environment for the migrating as well as indigenous birds. During the peak season over 160 species migrated from the Caspian Sea, Lagoon Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and Southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas. The birds cross over thousands of miles to come to this place. The restrictions for poaching have also helped in conservation of the species in the lagoon. Many endangered species of plants and animals also take shelter in the lagoon enriching the biodiversity and survivability.
The water spread areas of the Lagoon 350 square miles during the monsoon and summer respectively. While birding is one of the key attractions of Chilika Lake, you can also go dolphin watching, especially from Satapada, about 50km away by road from the beach and pilgrim town of Puri. Although catching a sight of the Irrawaddy dolphins is a matter of luck, usually they can be seen during early morning and late afternoon, when the sun’s rays are relatively mild. The boats (choose one that offers adequate protection from the sun) will take you on a sweeping ride through the lake and anchor at a sand bar near the sea mouth in between. A popular picnic point, there are shacks here that will fry for you some of the fresh catch from the lake, at a nominal price. Sprawling over 1,100 square kilometre along the eastern coast of India, Chilika Lake spreads over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha. Barkul and Rambha in the Ganjam district have been popular entry points for visitors, largely because of the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation tourist bungalows located here and the boating facilities provided by them. One of the most popular attractions from Barkul is a ride to the Goddess Kalijai Temple located on an island hillock. The goddess is much revered by the local people, especially the fisher folk community. On the day of Makar Sankranti, a huge fair is held here.
Chilika is perceived as a standout amongst the most imperative wetlands on the planet since it is home to a wonderful assortment of winged creatures. Chilika Lake offers guests a fantastic show of its vivid avian charms in a thousand unique tones exhibited by more than 160 species in the pinnacle season among November and February. The lake and its reed islands abound with settling flying creatures white bellied ocean birds, ospreys, brilliant plovers, sand flautists, flamingos, pelicans, shovellers, gulls, incorporate transitory ones flying incredible separations from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia. Kalijai Temple is one of the renowned attractions. The sanctuary adores Goddess Kalijai. The deity is highly revered among the locals as well as in their folklores and fables. The island is also a mesmerizing destination for pilgrims as well as tourists and can be reached via a boat from Chilika Lake. Makar Sankranti is celebrated with great pomp and cheer at the temple that attracts numerous travelers & devotees. The apt time to visit Chilika Lake would between the months of November and February.
The huge Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering around 16 sq km in the tidal pond region was announced a winged creature asylum in 1987. The center region of around 9 sq km pulls in around 400,000 waterfowls of various species. Regularly submerged, the island step by step rises with the start of summer. It is truly a heaven for winged creature watchers. While birding is one of the key attractions of Chilika Lake, you can also go dolphin watching, especially from Satapada, about 50km away by road from the beach and pilgrim town of Puri. Although catching a sight of the Irrawaddy dolphins is a matter of luck, usually they can be seen during early morning and late afternoon, when the sun’s rays are relatively mild. The boats (choose one that offers adequate protection from the sun) will take you on a sweeping ride through the lake and anchor at a sand bar near the sea mouth in between. A popular picnic point, there are shacks here that will fry for you some of the fresh catch from the lake, at a nominal price.
Sprawling over 1,100 square kilometre along the eastern coast of India, Chilika Lake spreads over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha. Barkul and Rambha in the Ganjam district have been popular entry points for visitors, largely because of the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation tourist bungalows located here and the boating facilities provided by them. One of the most popular attractions from Barkul is a ride to the Goddess Kalijai Temple located on an island hillock. The goddess is much revered by the local people, especially the fisher folk community.
Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) runs tourist lodges at Satapada, Barkul and Rambha. Facilities are basic and fancy free. If you are looking for a luxury holiday, then the Swosti Chilika Resort is your only option.
Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport for all destinations on the Chilika. Apart from being connected to the rest of the country through domestic airlines companies, Bhubaneswar is also directly connected with Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) through Air Asia. Located on the Howrah (West Bengal) — Chennai (Tamil Nadu) railway route, some of the most convenient rail stations are Bhubaneswar, Puri and Balugaon.
From Bhubaneswar and Puri, there are day tours to Chilika during tourist season. Unless you are lodging in Swosti Chilika Resort, be prepared to encounter a noisy crowd, especially day visitors and picnickers, at the OTDC lodges and the boat jetties.
