Chilika Lake (Puri) Odisha

Chilika Lake, Puri Overview

Chilika Lake is the largest internal salt water lake in Asia, it is a paradise on earth for bird watchers and nature lovers. The pear-shaped lake is dotted with a few small islands and has fisheries and salt pans around its shore. The Chilika Lake also houses the most accommodating ecosystems in the world, which means that a wide assortment of flora and fauna can be spotted here. The lake offers a flamboyant display of a myriad of avian charms in all diverse hues and colours, ranging from the white-bellied sea eagles to flamingos, and from golden plovers to sandpiper

Along with the vibrant variety of birds: both native and migratory one, the enthralling lake also offers scenic views of sunrise and sunset and a host of other options to choose from. Attractions such as the Bird Island, Breakfast Island and Honeymoon Island are also frequented by tourists who visit the Chilika Lake. The lake also boasts of being one of the only two sites in the world where the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins can be spotted. The decent and affordable lodges available here are an added cherry on this already delightful cake. Visit this enchanting lake to spend a day in nature's company and experience tranquillity like never before.

1. Mangalajodi, Odisha

Nestled on the northern banks of Chilika Lake in Odisha, Mangalajodi stands as a remarkable example of community-owned and managed wildlife conservation through ecotourism. Recognized as 'The Bird&rsq (Read More)uo;s Paradise,' this village is a haven for avian enthusiasts, drawing over 300,000 birds, especially during the winter months. More than just a tourist destination, Mangalajodi represents a unique ecosystem where sustainable living and biodiversity conservation converge.

Best Time : October to March

The Chilika Bird Festival is an annual celebration timed to coincide with the majestic congregation of 10 lakhs winged visitors representing 200 species at Mangalajodi during the winters in Odisha. Th (Read More)is unique event allows participants to immerse themselves in the rich auditory tapestry created by the diverse voices of these avian guests.

Date : 4th National Chilika Bird Festival (27th-29th January 2024)
Location : Mangalajodi, North Eastern Part of Chilika Lake, Odisha, India
Registration : Interested participants may need to register in advance to attend specific events or tours during the festival.

Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is situated on the Nalbana Island in Odisha, which is a part of the Chilika Lake- India’s largest brackish water lagoon. It is known for the large green spaces of land tha (Read More)t are the refuge points of several migratory birds that flock here every year during the winter season. For the same reason, the sanctuary is a big hit among nature lover, birdwatchers and photography buffs.

Note : Nalbana's boundaries remain inaccessible to tourists on ordinary days; however, during the Chillka Bird Festival, birdwatchers have the opportunity to explore. Prior registration is required for enthusiasts eager to partake in this unique avian spectacle.

Considered to be the abode of Goddess Kalijai, the temple that is located here has an interesting history to it. It is widely believed that a young girl named Kali, and her sister who later came here (Read More)looking for her, were both drowned in this island and the residents vouch to have heard their cries. Upon the construction of a temple, the cries ceased, and since then, the place has had a significant religious value. The location is easily accessible via a boat from the Chilika Lake and is a must visit at the time of Makar Sankranti, when the Makar Mela takes place.

5. Satapada

The Satapada Island, bounded by the lagoon on three sides, attracts the visitors because it is home to the flagship species of the Chilika Lake, the Irrawaddy dolphins. This island is one of the only (Read More)two lagoons in the world where this endangered species can now be found. Tourists can easily reach this spot via boats arranged by OTDC.

6. Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary

Since the lake is located on the east coast of India and has large water bodies, the place is a heaven for migratory and resident birds, and an equal delight for visitors, especially bird watchers, wh (Read More)o stop by to have a look at these majestic creatures. The Chilika Lake Sanctuary is spread over an area of 1100 square kilometres and is home to a myriad of birds. This pear-shaped sanctuary is also one of the most visited sanctuaries in the state of Odisha.

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Birds at Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary

The Chilika Lake attracts an array of birds that choose this spot as their winter stopover, and come to visit this lake from as far as Iran, Siberia and Central Asia. The graylag geese, purple moorhen, flamingo, Brahminy Kite, spot-billed pelican, bar-headed goose, open-billed stork, pintail, king fisher, Egret, Avocet, gulls, tern, herons and white-bellied sea eagles are found here in large populations. In fact, the Chilika Bird Sanctuary is home to one of the largest breeding colonies of flamingos in the world.

Flora and Fauna at Chilika Lake

Other than these avifaunal species, the Chilika Lake also harbours a rich variety of wild animals, such as golden jackals, spotted deer, black buck and hyenas. The aquatic basin area houses over 225 species of fishes, including the well-known Chilka dolphin. Marine wildlife such as prawns and limbless lizards can also be spotted here. Apart from having a vibrant and dynamic variety of wildlife, the lake is also home to a healthy floral system that comprises of aquatic and non-aquatic plants. Visitors can spot rare and endangered species of all forms of flora here. In fact, it may interest you to know that the Chilika Lake is the most popular eco-tourism destination in the entire Odisha and is considered as a Ramsar site, because of the vast variety of endangered species that it provides shelter to.

Best Time To Visit Chilika Lake

Undoubtedly, the best time to visit the Chilika Lake is the winter months of November to February, when the variety of migratory birds can be witnessed. In case you wish to visit the place at some other time, avoid the rainy season from June to September.

Traveling Around Chilika Lake

Auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available to get around the place. Water Scooters and Pedal Boats are available at this place. Drivers of speedboats might allow tourists to drive on request. The perfect time for boating is just before sunrise since the sunrise is very scenic from the horizon and birds are flying in all directions. At the Panthanivas, you can hire the Motorboats (10-Seater) for INR 550 per hour or the Speedboats (5-Seater) for INR 1650 per hour. Local boatmen will take you on a four-hour ride through the lake. Life jackets are not provided.

Stay Near Chilika Lake

To stay at the Chilika Lake itself is indeed a fantastic option since this enables you to enjoy the ambience of the place all day long. You can choose from the hotels on the banks of the lake, or the two tourist bungalows- Barkul and Panthnivas- to stay. Many state operated and private rest houses and tourist lodges are also available and are a good option to choose.

Tips For Visiting Chilika Lake

1. Do not buy pearls or corals from Chilika lake. Fresh water Oysters are brought from Hyderabad & broken here to take out the cultured pearls. They try to sell them as natural pearls to tourists. The local sellers also sell fake "Black pearls" to unsuspecting tourists.
2. Be careful while boating and put your lifejacket on.

How to reach Chilika Lake

The nearest airport to the Chilika Lake is Bhubaneswar, which is about 120 kilometres away. OTDC tour buses, state buses and other private operators frequently ply between Chilika and Bhubaneswar. The nearest railway stations are Rambha and Balugaon. From both these stations, buses and auto rickshaws are easily available to Chilika.

Local transport is limited to bicycles, three wheelers, auto and cars. For navigation to other islands, the services of motor boats and local boatmen can be availed. Note that outdoor motors are not allowed near the sanctuary.

Air: The nearest airport isÃ«_Bhubaneswar, about 120 km away. From the airport you will have to take taxis, trains or buses to get to the lake.
Rail: The nearest rail station is at Balugaon, on the Howrah-Chennai track. From Balugaon, buses are available to get to the lake.
Road: Many buses ply from Bhubaneswar (Baramunda Bus Station) and Cuttack (Badambadi Bus Station) to Balugaon throughout the day, OSRTC buses which are the state buses will be the best choice. From there, one has to hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Barkul or Rambha.