Wildlife - Tour in Chilka Lake

Location : Situated on the east coast in the State of Orissa.

 Area : 1100 sq. km.

 Access : Rail : The nearest railhead for Chilka is Balugaon which is on the South Eastern railway section. But the major station is Puri which has train services from all over the country. Road : Buses and taxis to Chilka are available at Cuttack, Bhubaneshwar, Puri and Berhampur. Air : The nearest airport is that of Bhubaneshwar.

Best time to visit : Chilka is best visited in winter (October & March).

Introduction : Chilka Lake is a beautiful and the largest brackish water lake in Asia. Situated southwest of Puri, it is famous for many migratory birds which flock to the nesting sanctuary here in winter (December to January). The lake is spread over an area of 1100 sq km and is a good picnic spot. Birds come here from as far as Siberia. One can watch the birds in their natural habitat here. The shallow lake is about 70 km long and averages 15 km wide it is separated from the sea only by a narrow sand bar. Chilka Lake is of great intrest for ornithologists. Environment and human problems - such as siltation and commercial prawn fishing - are threatening this important wetland. There are about 160 variety of fish in the lake. One can enjoy boating on the shimmering blue waters and enjoy fishing at leisure.

Wildlife Species : Chilka Lake is visited by birds like cormorants, pond herons, egrets, pochards, white bellied sea eagle, the grey-legged geese, the peach coloured flamingoes, purple moorhen, jacana, gulls, terns and albatross. The migrant species are known to come mostly from the Himalays and Siberian region where the water freezes in winter and they can no longer feed there.

Safaris inside the park : There are motor launches of OTDC at Barkul and Ramba. The Revenue Department also maintains some boats at Balugaon. We can also arrange the country boats at these places and at Satapada as well.

Chilka Lake - Attractions : Nalabana: It is a forest of reeds and is famous for the long-range migratory birds in winter. Birds Island: It is heaven for the resident and migratory birds. One can watch the birds in their natural habitat here. Kalijai: The abode of Goddess, Kalijai. The island is famous for the temple and the scenic surroundings.

Satapada : The famous Chilka Dolphins are can be seen in their natural best. Parikud and Malud: They are islands within the lake.

Brahmaputra : The place is known for its scenic beauty.