Chilika Lake is the largest inland saltwater lake in Asia, it is a paradise on earth for bird watchers and nature lovers. The pear shaped lagoon is about 64.5 km. long and its width varies from 5 to 18 km. It is connected to the Bay of Bengal by a 32 km long and 1.5 km wide channel that mostly runs parallel to the Bay separated by a narrow spit whose width varies between 100 m to several kilometres. A study of fauna in Chilika carried out by the Indian Zoological Study in 1985-1987 identified more than 800 species in and around the lagoon. The list includes a number of rare, endangered and endangered species, including the Barakudia Bearded Skink.
Another popular activity for which tourists come here is to watch dolphins. And believe it! It is a lovely place to consider. As your boat crosses the lake, you will see dolphins diving into the water to guide you on the right path. However, dolphins can be best seen if you come between November and February. So plan your trip accordingly so as not to miss these fascinating lake sites.
Chilika Lake Timings:
7:30 AM to 5:00 PM on all Days
Time required to visit Chilika Lake: Max 4:00 Hours
Chilika Lake Travel Tips:
Avoid monsoon season as you won’t be able to see the other nearby islands.
Chilika Lake Entrance Ticket:
Ferry ride have different prices as per hours. Ask the lake authority for more details.
Top Attractions in Chilika Lake Timings:
Nalabana Island
Island of Goddess Kalijai
Satapada place to watch Irrawaddy Dolphins
Honeymoon Island / Barkuda Island (situated in the Rambha Bay near Sankuda Island)
Beacon Island
Birds’ Island
Breakfast Island
Mangalajodi
Welcome to Chilika Lagoon a Birdwatchers Paradise:
Salient features of the Lagoon:
Winner of Ramasar wetland conservation award
Asia’s largest Brakish water lagoon
India’s largest Ramasar site
Bird Fact:
Over a Million Birds of 230 species.
74 Aquatic, 51 Wadders, 91 Land Birds and 14 other Species.
95 Species are migratory from Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, North Russia, Central and Southeast Asia, Ladahkh, Himalayas.
15 Duck and 2 Geese species cover 70 of Migratory birds.
Other species are Coots, Rails, Cranes, Wader Shore Birds, Pelicans, Grebs, Kites, Eagles and Kingfisher.
Other Facts:
217 Fish species (Fresh water Estuarine and marine) more than 100 Irrawady Dolphins found here.
7 Amphibian species 30 reptile species (12 lizard 18 snake) and 18 Mammal species in habit in this lake.
Endangered Species of the lagoon:
Barkudia Insularis (Limbless Lizard), Irraivady Dolphin, Fishing Cat, White Belly Sea Eagle, Osprey, Spoon Billed Sandpiper, Dalmatian Pelican, Spot Billed Pelican, Pallass Fish Eagle, Indian Skimmer Lesser Agreater Adjutant, Paers Pochar and Wood Snipe.
Chilika Lake Do’s and Dont’s::
Do’s:
Do wear dull cloths to blend with natureit will help you sight Wild life better.
Capture the lake’s beauty in your heart.
Shoot only with your cameras.
Carry a pair of binoculars.
Use services of local Guides and Boatmens.
Don’s:
Dont Distrub or Harm the wild life of the lake.
Dont go close to Birds and Dolphins.
Dont Start a fire for any purpose.
Dont Play Music or make Loud Noise.
Dont Throw garbage in or around the lake
How to reach Chilika Lake:
By Air:
Biju Patnaik International Airport at Bhubaneswar is the nearest Airport to Chilika Lake which is 105 km.
By Rail:
Balugaon, Puri and Bhubaneswar are the nearest Railway Stations to reach Chilika Lake.
By Road:
Frequent Buses are available from major cities of India. Puri and Bhubaneswar are the nearest places to reach by bus.
Chilika Lake Address:
C-41, Market Building,
Sahid Nagar,
Bhubaneswar,
Odisha – 751007.
Phone: +91 9937373263
e-mail: book@orissatourism.org
