Chilika Lake is a vast lake along the eastern coast of Odisha with beautiful islands, flamingoes wading in the shallow waters and the air echoing with the chirping of birds from as far as far as the Caspian Sea, Aral Sea and other parts of Mongolia, Central and South-East Asia, the Irrawady dolphins making playful appearances in the water...this is only a glimpse of the breath-taking beauty of Chilika lake.
 |
| Birds at Chilika Lake |
Asia's largest brackish water estuarine lake, Chilika sprawls over an area of 1100 sq km covering parts of three districts of Odisha i.e. Puri on the East, Khurda on the North and Ganjam on the South. The Chilika Lake is one among the state;s major tourist attractions and has remained a favourite destination for tourists from across the world. Bird-watchers or nature-lovers, young or old, Chilika has a lot to offer to everyone.
Flora and Fauna at Chilka
Abounding in unique flora and fauna, Chilika supports the livelihood of more than hundred thousand families living in and around it. On the basis of salinity and depth, the lake is divided into four natural sectors. It is dotted with numerous islands prominent among which are Nalabana, Kalijai, Somolo, Honeymoon, Breadfast, Birds and Rajahans. These islands draw large crowds owing to their incredible beauty. The rich bio-diversity and socio-economic importance of Chilika has earned it the status of a Ramsar site. Winter is the best time to visit Chilika as over 160 species of migratory birds flock the islands during this time of the year. The birds come from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other parts of Runia, Kirghiq Steppes of Mongolia, Central and South East Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas. Besides the vast congregation of migratory birds, the limitless blue stretch of water, the beautiful virgin beaches separating the sea and the lagoon, the islands with rich flora and fauna and the playful dolphins add more charm to the beauty of this place.
Being a major tourist destination, the place has all arrangements for the comfort of its guests. all arrangements for the comfort of its guests. The floating restaurant in the lake at Barkul offers leisure at business. Similarly Rambha and Satapada are two other sites around Chilika where the visitors can experience infinite pleasure. Chilika is blessed with a beauty, which cannot be confined in words. It goes much beyond our imagination; one has to see it to believe.