Chilika lake is Migratory Birds Heaven: an Exotic Place in Odisha
Posted on July 19, 2017
Chilika Lake is Asia’s big salted water lake situated in Odisha, India and also known as Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary. Chilika is known as one of the best wetlands in the earth. The islands in Chilika are not great for bird watching but offer romantic view of the sunrise & sunset.
It is the great coastal lagoon in India and the second largest in the land. It is the wintering ground for migratory birds during winter. Queen of natural beauty, Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon in Odisha. It is spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam district in Odisha.
Islands in Chilika
Some islands in Chilika Lake: They are Nalabana, Bird Island, Kalijai, Satapada, Brahmaputra, Breakfast Island, Beacon Island and honeymoon Island. Nalabana Island is the excellent destination for the bird lovers.
Kalijai Island is popular for the goddess Kalijai. Makar Sankranti is celebrated here with great cheer. Tourist can reach the Kalijai temple by boat.
Satapada Island is famous for Irrawady dolphins. It is another major attraction of Chilika. The lake and its reed islands teem with nesting birds-white bellied sea eagles, ospreys, golden plovers, sand pipers, flamingos, pelicans, gulls, include migratory ones flying distances from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia.
Nearby Attractions worth Visiting during Chilika Tour
Puri is a city in Odisha famous for Lord Jagannath temple. It is one of the char dham pilgrimage site for Hindus. The other major attraction here is the beach.
The Nirmaljhara Waterfall is an ideal place for picnic. The beautiful place is located nearly 12 km from Chilika Lake.
How to reach?
By flight – The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, about 120 km away from where taxis, trains and buses are available to the lake.
By train – The nearest railway station id Balugaon. After reaching Balugaon one can take bus to Chilika.
By road – Many buses go from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to Balugaon throughout the day, OSRTC buses being the best ones.