Queen of natural beauty, Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lake in Asia covering an area of over 1,100 sq. km is a great attraction for the tourists for fishing, bird watching and boating. Chilika Lake is the second-biggest lagoon in the world and the largest coastal lagoon in India. The Bay of Bengal is divided from the lake, which covers an area of around 1,100 square kilometres, by a short ridge of sand. The lake is a well-liked tourist site in the state and is home to a wide variety of flora and animals.
The dolphins, a critically endangered species, are one of Chilika Lake’s main attraction. Boat trips on the lake are available for visitors to see these lovely animals in their natural environment. The lake provides a haven for many migrating birds throughout the winter, making it a bird watcher’s heaven. Among the well-known bird species that frequent this area are flamingos, pelicans, and cranes.
In addition to the wildlife, tourists may engage in a variety of recreational pursuits at Chilika Lake. The lake is open to those who want to go boating, fishing, or swimming. The famous Nalabana Island, which is a bird sanctuary, is one of many tiny islands in the lake that may be explored by boat.
Travelers love to stay and explore the region in the adjacent town of Barkul. Tourists may also go to Satapada, a neighbouring town famous for its seafood and a great place for boats and picnics.
The fabulous beauty of Chilika Lake which has inspired poets to sing its glory and which can be best enjoyed from Balugaon, Barkul, Rambha and Satapada must be seen to be believed. One can also have a glimpse of the lake from the moving trains and vehicles on the road near these places. The atmosphere is just serene and undisturbed amidst the blue expanse of water on one side and an evergreen range of hills on the other. Dotted with a host of islands with romantic names, a cruise in Chilika will be a life-long memory.
By air to Bhubaneswar (Chilika is around 100 kms from Bhubaneswar), road and rail.
Chilika can be visited round the year, but the ideal time to visit this place would be from October to June.
Chilika Lake is well-known for its natural beauty, diversified fauna, and recreational opportunities and is a well-liked tourist attraction in Odisha, India. Nonetheless, there are a number of other tourist attractions close to Chilika Lake that are interesting to visit. We’ll look at some of the top tourist attractions around Chilika Lake in this article.
Kalijai Island, Honeymoon Island, Breakfast Island, Birds Island, Nalabana (Island of Reeds), Parikud Island, etc. are some of the important and interesting spots inside the lake. The Island of Kalijai is famous as a center of religious worship due to the temple of Goddess Kalijai where a big fair is held on the occasion of Makara Sankranti that falls in January every year. The Island of Nalabana, 8 km in circumference occupies a unique place in the vast expanse of Chilika Lake as it happens to be the central point for the migratory birds. One can view the dolphins at Chilika mouth near Satapada.
Gopalpur Beach: Gopalpur Beach, which is around 60 kilometres from Chilika Lake, is a stunning and remote beach that’s ideal for a leisurely day excursion. The bay of Bengal can be seen in the distance, and the beach is well recognised for its clear seas, gentle beaches, and attractive vistas.
Dhauli Hill: A notable historical location, Dhauli Hill is located around 80 kilometres from Chilika Lake. It is home to multiple ancient rock edicts and stupas, and it is thought to be the location where Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism.
Raghurajpur Artist Village: Around 40 kilometres from Chilika Lake, Raghurajpur is a distinctive and lively community well-known for its traditional Pattachitra artwork and handicrafts. Guests are welcome to observe the artisans at work and perhaps purchase lovely trinkets to take home.
BanPur: Famous for the time honoured temple of Goddess Bhagabati, Banpur has earned celebrity as a center of religious activities. Once it was the capital of Sailodvaba dynasty, responsible for the construction of the early group of temples in Bhubaneswar. The large number of Buddhist images discovered at Banpur relate the place to the Vajrayan cult of Buddhism. The temple of “Dakshya Prajapati” is a fine specimen of extraordinary artistic excellence of Orissan art. Banpur is 8 km from Balugaon, 42 km from Rambha and 104 km from Bhubaneswar.
Puri: Around 35 kilometres away from Chilika Lake lies the well-known tourist resort Puri. It is well-known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, and religious significance and is the location of the well-known Jagannath Temple.
