Chilika lake / Chilka lake lake is a brackish water lagoon located in the heart of the state of Orissa , spread over the three districts of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam. The lake is encircled by jagged blue hils and the lake contains a number of small islands with fancy names such as Becon, Ramba Bay, honeymoon, breakfast, Kalijai, Nalabana and Bird Island.
Chilika lake has been declared as a Ramsar site in 1981, which is a convention on Wetlands of International Importance, especially as Waterfowl Habitat.
Naalbana Bird Sanctuary is the island located in the Chilika Lake and one of the major attractions of Chilika. You can find thousands of migratory plus regional species of birds there. Nalabana Bird Sanctuary is a Bird Watcher's Delight.
There are 35 streams flowing in to the Chilika Lake and is the largest lagoon in India and the second largest lagoon in the whole world.
Chilika lake is the wintering ground for over 160 species of migrating birds . Birds come in to Chilika Lake from as far as the caspian Sea, Aral Sea, Lake baikal and many other remote parts of Russia.
As per the survey conducted at the Chilika Lake, 32 percent are waterfowl, 45 percent of the birds are terrestrial in nature and 23 percent are waders. The Lagoon is also home to 14 types of raptors and around 135 rare and endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins have also been reported. The lagoon supports about 37 species of reptiles and amphibians as well.
Migrating birds arrive from lands as far as Siberia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Himalayas. Various birds namely Gulls, Terns, Eagles, Herons, Asian Dowitcher, egrets and many more can be seen here. Flamingos are the highlights in the lake. Orissa Tourism
Development corporation arranges boats for the travellers to explore the island. Since the islands submerge during the monsoon times, winter months are the best to see the birds particularly that is when the migrating birds start arriving at the Lake.
Entry permits
One has to get entry permit before one gets into the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary.
How to Reach Chilika Lake?
The lake is well connected by road through National Highway 5 which runs from Chennai to Kolkata.
Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, 100 kilometers from the Satpara town which is located on the eastern banks of the Chilika lake.
Balugaon, Chilika and Rambha are the stations on the South Eastern Railway through which the broad gauge line passes. You can even see a part of the lake from the train itself.
Accommodation Facilities in and around Chilika Lake
Several guest houses are available at Barkul, Rambha and Satpara. Hotels are available at Balugaon
Panthanivas Barkul ( OTDC )
Balugaon,
Khurda - 752030
Tel: 06756-227488/227388
EMail: otdc@panthanivas.com
Sri Krishna Lodge,
Panthanivas road,
Barkul
Tel : 06756-2334295
Hawa Mahal,
College Road,
Balugaon
Tel : 06756-220246
Narayani Lodge,
Banapur Road,
Balugaon
Tel : 06756-220521/220212
Patro Lodge,
Chilika road,
Balugaon
Tel : 06756-220308
Kalijai Dharmasala,
Chilika Road, Balugaon.
Panthanivas, OTDC,
Rambha
Tel : 06810-278346
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