SPREAD over 1,100 sq. km. Chilika is the country’s largest inland lake. Dotted with islands, it has the richest variety of aquatic fauna and is a bird watcher’s paradise when migratory birds arrive in winter. Sunset and Sunrise are memorable experiences here. Boating and fishing facilities are available in this lake, which is rich in fish. One can view the dolphins at Chilika mouth near Satpara. For cruising and visiting the islands, one can make use of the motor launches of the OTDC at Barkul and Rambha, and of the Revenue Department at Balugaon. Private boats are also available. OTDC organises water sports in Chilika at the Water Sports Complex, located at Barkul.
Lying on the eastern coast of Orissa, Chilka Lake is one of the most sought after tourist attractions near the holy city of Puri. The source of the lake is the Mahanadi River, which drains into it. Chilika Lake is one of the largest lakes in not only India, but also Asia and stretches over an area of 1,100 sq km. It is a very popular picnic spot and provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing and bird watching. If you just want to relax and soak the sunrays, this is the perfect place for you.
The lake is located far away from the hustle bustle of the city and serves as the perfect getaway from the daily tensions. During winters, Chilka Lake serves as a bird sanctuary, providing home to a wide variety of migratory birds that come here from different parts of the world. For people who want to keep away from the maddening rush of city, there can be no better option than to enjoy sitting by the side of the lake or going on a long walk along its extensive stretch or indulging in bird watching
The dazzling view of the Chilika Lake, the melodious humming of birds and the rejuvenating calmness of the environs are bound to leave an ever-lasting impression in your mind. The scenic beauty of the lake has been a source of inspiration for numerous pets in the past. Going on a cruise is another one of the adventures you can undertake while visiting the Chilka Lake. So, pack your bags right now and get ready to lose yourself in this beautiful world.
Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary, Orissa
The Chilka Lake in Orissa is Asia’s largest inland salt-water lagoon. Studded with small islands- including the picturesquely-named Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island- the lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandy ridge. The pear-shaped lake spreads across 1,100 sq km, and has a unique ecosystem with a range of aquatic flora and fauna found in and around its brackish waters. An impressive array of bird life, both native and migrant, makes Chilka one of the best places in India for a bit of satisfying bird-watching.
White bellied sea eagles, greylag geese, purple moorhen, jacana, herons and flamingos are among the many species which make the lake a bird watcher’s delight: Chilka, in fact, is home to one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of flamingos.
Other than the birds, Chilka’s shores are home to blackbuck, spotted deer, golden jackals and hyenas, and the lake is rich in aquatic life- its waters harbour around 160 species of fish, crustaceans and other marine creatures, including the famous Chilka dolphin. Prawn, crab and mackerel fishing are an important source of livelihood for the local people, and hundreds of small fishing boats set sail each morning to bring in the day’s catch from the lake. he Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve harbours India’s second largest pachyderm population, and the chances of seeing elephant herds is pretty high, especially during the dry season.
Places to see (Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary):
Nalabana: It is a forest of reeds and is famous for the long-range migratory birds in winter.
Birds Island: It is heaven for the resident and migratory birds. One can watch the birds in their natural habitat here.
Kalijai: The abode of Goddess, Kalijai. The island is famous for the temple and the scenic surroundings.
Satapada: The famous Chilka Dolphins are can be seen in their natural best.
Parikud and Malud: They are islands within the lake.
Brahmaputra: The place is known for its scenic beauty.
Access(Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary)
Chilka is approximately 120 km from Bhubaneshwar, the nearest airport; state transport, OTDC tour buses and private operators ply the roads between Chilka, Puri, Behrampore, Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack. The nearest railway stations are at Rambha and Balugaon, both of which have train connections to cities as distant as Kolkata, Puri, Hyderabad and Chennai. From both Balugaon and Rambha buses are available to the lake.
Local transport is basically limited to three wheel rickshaws and auto rickshaws, bicycles and cars are sole modes of private transport. The services of local boatmen and the OTDC’s motorboats are available for access to the islands though outboard motors are not allowed near the bird sanctuary.
Best Time to Visit (Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary):
The weather remains moderately warm the whole year round, so come any time of the year except during the rainy season from June to September. The best time, however, is from October to March, when the lake is crowded with migrating birds, usually at least 50-70 species. Pilgrims flock here in January during Makar Mela (at the time of Makar Sankranti) to pay obeisance to the Goddess Kalijai, whose temple is situated on Kalijai island in Chilka Lake.
How to get there :
The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, 100 km away. The Calcutta-Chennai rail route touches Chilika Lake at Balugaon, Chilika Khallikote and Rambha. National Highway No. 5 runs along the lake and touches Balugaon, Barkul and Rambha. Buses and Taxis are available from Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri and Berhampur to Chilika. OTDC provides luxury coaches and cars from Bhubaneswar and Puri.
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