Chilika Lake - It Is Queen Of Natural Scenery In Odisha

CHILIKA LAKE

AT

PURI

Asia's largest brackish water lagoon with water spread ranging from 1165 sq km m the rainy season to 906 sq km in the dry season is nestled in the heart of the coastal Odisha (Orissa). It extends from Bhusandpur in Puri district in the North to Rambha-Malud in Ganjan district in the South, separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60 km long narrow strip of marshy islands and sand-flats.

Chilika Lake, popularly known as Chilka, the queen of Natural scenery in Odisha, also known as the Swiss-lake in the continent. Nestling in the heart of coastal Odisha, Chilika is India's biggest inland lake. Spread over 1165 square kilometres during the monsoon season and 906 square kilometres during dry season, it runs along the borders of three districts of Puri , Khurda and Ganjam and finally joins the Bay of Bengal through a narrow mouth, forming an enormous lagoon of brackish water. 

Chilika is the largest brackish water lagoon of Asia situated on east coast of India. It is situated between 19028' and 19054' North latitude and 85005' and 5038' East longitude. Due to its high productive ecosystem, rich biodiversity and socio-economic importance, Chilika was designated as a Ramsarsite in October 1981, under the convention of wetlands of international importance.

In winter Chilika lagoon flutters with thousands of migratory birds and water-fowls from as far as the Siberia, Caspian sea, Lake Baikal, Aral sea, remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mangolia, central and south east Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas for feeding, resting and roosting. Every year the birds start coming to the lake around the second and third week of October and stay up to March. They start their homeward journey at commencement of summer.

The lake is famous for bareheaded geese and common geese,etc. chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic flora and fauna. Chilika is veritable wonder of nature. Containing a large variety of fish the lake privides livelihood to thousands of fishermen. Hundreds of boats sail out daily on the lake's blue expanse in search of mackerel, prawn and crabs, this sight providing an insight into the pageant of rural India at its colourful best.

Enriched by picturesque hills all along its arched shape, its colour changing in Kalidoscopic glory with passing clouds and the moving Sun, its body rolling in languid abandon, excited by the gentle breeze wafted from the Bay of Bengal. It is said that any visit to Puri remains incomplete without a visit to Chilika Lake. 

Chilika provides an opportunity to visit nature and natural beauties through its vast coverage of bluish water, small green mountains and islands in it and the clean bluish sky with floating clouds. That is why Chilika has attracted many poets, nature lovers, bird watchers and even the general public and tourists every year.

Winter is the best time to go Chilika, from October to March, when the lake is crowded with large number of migrating birds from different countries. Avoid rainy season from June to September. In January visitors also congregate in huge numbers at kalijai temple, situated on Kalijai island in Chilka Lake, during Makar Sankranti to pray Goddess Kalijai.

By Air

Nearest Airport is at Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India 

By Train

Nearest Railway Station is at Balugaon and Rambha on S. E, 

By Bus

National High Way No. 5 touches Chilika at Balugaon, Barkul and Rambha.

Chilika Lake – Its Major Attractions Is Irrawady Dolphin

CHILIKA LAKE

AT

GANJAM

Chilika Lake - Asia's largest brackish water lagoon with water spread ranging from 1165 sq km m the rainy season to 906 sq km in the dry season is nestled in the heart of the coastal Odisha (Orissa). It extends from Bhusandpur in Puri district in the North to Rambha-Malud in Ganjan district in the South, separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60 km long narrow strip of marshy islands and sand-flats.

Some of the prominent islands like Nalabana, Kalijal, Somolo, Honeymoon, Break-fast, Birds and Rajahansa inhabited by small subsistence fishermen families, are popular destinations for daily boat trips. Because of its rich bio-diversity and socio-economic importance, Chilika was designated as a Ramsar site in 1981 to afford better protection.

Chilika is recognized as one of the most important wetlands in the world because it is home to a phenomenal variety of birds. Chilika Lake offers visitors a spectacular display of its colorful avian charms in a thousand different hues presented by over 160 species in the peak season between November and February. The lake and its reed islands teem with nesting birds-white bellied sea eagles, ospreys, golden plovers, sand pipers, flamingos, pelicans, shovellers, gulls, include migratory ones flying great distances from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia.

Kalijai Temple - Located on an island in the Chilika Lake, Kalijai Temple is one of the famous attractions. The temple worships 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 large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987. The core area of about 9 sq km attracts around 400,000 waterfowls of different species. Often underwater, the island gradually emerges with the outset of summer. It is literally a paradise for bird-watchers. 

Another major attraction at Chilika is Irrawady dolphins which are often spotted off Satpada Island. Satpada, bounded by the lagoon on three sides, offers an excellent view and attracts the visitors to its entire 30 km stretch of sand bar. Boats arranged by OTDC are available for both the islands. The lake also supports the local fisherman in earning their living from Chilika's prawn, mackerel and crabs. 

Of late, slightly reduced number of birds owing to growth in prawn farming as well as silting and reduced salinity has alarmed the conservationists. The plying of mechanized boats, the increasing of different fishing nets and gears has threatened the flagship species of the Chilika lagoon, the Irrawady dolphin.