Chilika Lake Odisha

Asia's largest brackish water lagoon with water spread ranging from 1165 sq km in the rainy season to 906 sq km in the dry season is nes...

Asia's largest brackish water lagoon with water spread ranging from 1165 sq km in the rainy season to 906 sq km in the dry season is nestled in the heart of coastal Odisha. It extends from Bhusandpur in Puri district in the north to Rambha-Malud in Ganjam 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, Kalijali, Somolo, Honeymoon, Breakfast, Birds and Rajahansa inhabited by small subsistence fisherman families, are popular destination 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 offers visitors a spectacular display of its colorful avian charms in a thousand different hues presented by over 160 species in the park season between November and February.The lake and its read 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. 

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 islands gradually emerges with the outset of summer. Its 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 of 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 sightly 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 increase of different fishing nets and gears has threatened the flagship species of the Chilika lagoon, the Irrawady Dolphin. The Odisha Forest Department supported by Chilika Development Authority is working together for restoration and water fowl conservation.

Attractions within the Lake 

Kalijai Temple, standing on of the tiny rocky island is considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai or Durga-the Shiva's consort. It is a pilgrimage spot. Each year on the day of Makar Sankranti (14th January), pilgrims flock at the site to leave votive offerings in the temple where the deity is enshrined.

A temple dedicated to Lord Varuna, the God of Sea, in the tiny island of Barunakuda Near Magarmukh is revered.

In a small village of Manikpatna there exists the temple of Bhabakundaleesvar Shiva and an old Mosque. A pieces of unique architecture, the mosque has its entrance door made of jaws of whale. A place of scenic beauty in between the sea and the lake, Brahmapura is also a site to watch small deer, called Baliharina.

Other attractions include, Birds Island, a haven for resident and migratory birds. The parikud and Malud are colorful islands within the lake. Beacon Island, 3 km from Rambha presents an architectural marvel with a conical pillar and a small room constructed on a submerged mass of rock near Ghantasila Hill. The Breakfast Island and the Honeymoon Island present very dark blue water to visitors, who come here to relax.

 Nearby Attractions
11 km from Rambha and 21 km from Barkul, Nirmala Jhar, is perennial stream, a great picnic spot and also a place of worship. By the side of a perennial stream, 10 km from Barkul and 22 km from Rambha, Narayani, is a temple site dedicated to Goddess Narayani. Banpur, at a distance of 13 km from Barkul is associated with shrines of Goddess Bhagabati and Dakshya-Prajapati.

A former port and now a popular seaside resort, Gopalpur-On-Sea is 75 km from Barkul and 50 km from Rambha.