Chilika Lake is Asia's biggest inland saltwater lagoon situated near Satapada in Odisha. Located at the mouth of the Daya River, Chilika Lake is the largest coastal lagoon in India and also the second-largest saltwater lagoon in the world after the New Caledonian barrier reef in New Caledonia.
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
Nalaban
Situated within the heart of Chilika, Nalabana Island deserves a special mention since it's a major refuge point for thousands of resident and migratory birds. It got the status of a sanctuary in 1987 and specially acts as a treat for the bird-watchers during winter season. One can look out for birds like Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, White Bellied Sea Eagle and obtain delighted by watching them hopping on the water.
Kalijai Temple
Island of Goddess Kalijai is that the most frequent spot for tourists. The island is legendary as a middle of spiritual worship thanks to the temple of Kalijai. there's a story behind the place which is centered around an innocent girl called "Kalijai" who got married and was going by boat along side here in-laws through this lake. In between, heavy storms came and everybody including Kalijai died therein storm. Local tourists, sailors, and fishermen pray Goddess Kalijai everyday for his or her safe journey within the lake.
Satapada
Satapada is that the ultimate place to observe Irrawaddy dolphins. If you re lucky then you'll able to see dolphins during your boat ride in satapada. Since previous few years this spot is a major tourist attraction as a result of the development of Dolphin sanctuary.
Honeymoon Island
It is situated in the Rambha Bay near Sankuda Island. this land is also called as Barkuda Island. Britishers used this land for picnic purposes. The waters around the island are very clear and the ambiance is perfect to enjoy your day here.
Becon Island
This island is an architectural marvel with a conical pillar and a small room constructed on the submerged mass of rock in the Rambha bay near Ghantasila hill. The pillar was constructed to put a light on the top. The water spread around the Beacon Island is very charming, surrounded by the Eastern Ghat.
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| pic : wikipedia |
Birds' Island
This is a hillock with huge exposed hanging rocks. The island is covered with herbs, shrubs, trees, and creepers. The granite rocks are remnants of Eastern Ghats. Some of the huge rocks are painted white because of the folic acid from the droppings of the birds. During winter, the migratory birds are coming to this land in a large proportion.
Breakfast Island
It is a pear-shaped island, known as "Sankuda island". The remnants of a dilapidated bungalow constructed b PRthe kind Kalikote which still exists on this island. Previously this island had been used by Mr. Snodgrass (Collector of Ganjam ) for his office work.
Mangaljodi
This is another bird's paradise which has been attracting tons of tourists over the years. If you're a photographer who loves clicking varied wildlife in pristine locations, then do spend a while in Mangalajodi where you'll get some wonderful pictures of birds. each year during winters, the place is inhabited by nearly hundreds of species of migratory birds along side the residential ones, and therefore the sight of them together is actually captivating!
How to reach
By Air
Bhubaneswar is the closest airport to Chilika. one must arrive at Bhubaneswar before boarding a taxi or bus to Chilika.
By Road
In NH 5, there are a lot of buses from other major cities of India that are going along the route that helps one for their Chilika trip by bus or by cab, taxi .
By Train
Balugaon and Puri are the nearest railway stations to reach Chilika Lake. You can also come to Bhubaneswar through rail and come by cab or bus to Chilika.
Chilika can be visited round the year, but the ideal time to visit this place would be from October to June.
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