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Lagoon in India
Photo: Aditya Bhattacharjee, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Chilika Lake (Odia: ଚିଲିକା Cilikā) at the South Coast of Odisha is Asia's largest saltwater lagoon and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandy ridge. Balugaon and Rambha are two major towns serving as entry points for the lake. The pear-shaped lake spreads across 1,100 km2, and has a unique ecosystem with a range of aquatic flora and fauna found in and around its brackish waters. An impressive array of bird life, both native and migrant, makes Chilika one of the best places in India for bird-watching, splashing around in the water and quiet relaxation. The Chilika Lake is designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
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Watch birds in their natural habitat.
A 20-minute boat ride from Rambha. Tourists pack breakfast from the OTDC panthanivas at Rambha and have it here in pristine surroundings. Beacon Island and Honeymoon Island are close by.
Abode of Goddess Kalijai. Pilgrims flock here in January during Makar Mela (at the time of Makar Sankranti) to pay obeisance to the Goddess. Is very close from Barkul. Flocks of peacocks roam here, mingling with the devotees. Legends say that 200-300 years ago a girl named Kali drowned, near the present Kalijai Temple, while returning to her maternal house from her husband's. A few years later her sister, Jai, came looking for Kali and came to the island. She died on the island(reasons unknown). Fishermen and other local folks used to hear cries of two girls at nights. But soon after the temple was built the cries stopped for good. Earlier fishermen used to visit the temple before venturing into the deep sea, but nowadays, it's just another tourist spot.
A former poachers village which has become a community owned wildlife venture. The community is supported by Mangalajodi Ecotourism.
A designated bird sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act, Nalabana is a big island in the center of the lake. A treat for bird-watchers in the winter months, this island is completely submerged in the monsoon months.
It is a good place from which to discover Chilika Lake and this guide offers boat trips to visit the islands and watch birds. It provides access to Bird and Breakfast Island
Close to Dolphin point, where the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins and occasionally, bottle-nosed dolphins can be seen. Chilika is one of the only 2 lagoons in the world where Irrawaddy dolphins can be seen. Boat rides are available to the . The sea mouth is located on a strip of sand lined with casuarina trees. The boats don't take visitors to the actual sea mouth but stop little south west of the sea mouth. This area is known as* . The stretch of sand houses small sacks selling fresh seafood along with soft drinks and beer. Vendors also sell pearls straight out of oyster shells.
chilika lake and puri beach joint
This is an upcoming project to cater tourists coming for Chilika Lake. It is at the shore of Bay of Bengal and will be functioning under Kites-on-tour travel agency. It will be providing stay, meal, site seeing, boating and transportation to the tourists.
Odisha Tourism Development Corporation
Rambha, / otdc@panthanivas.com. Rooms are ₹700 for Non-AC double bed rooms and ₹1300 for AC double bed-rooms, dormitory beds ₹150. Cottages, with stunning views of the lake, are ₹2650 plus 5.15% service charges. Consult website for discounts offered to day visitors, students, senior citizens, etc.
College Road, Balugaon, Rooms ₹80-₹200.
Banapur Road, Balugaon, rooms ₹80-120.
Chilika Road, Balugaon, rooms ₹60-180.
Non A/C-A/C rooms ₹250-800, 500 m from Chilika Lake
Yatrinivas Satapada is next to the ferry terminal on Satpada. The resort consists of 20 AC double bed rooms and 3 non AC double bed rooms. It also has 2 suites and a conference hall. The restaurant serves good food, including crabs and prawns.
You can buy all kinds of chilika products like tiger prawn, king crab and other varieties of fishes.
By train
The nearest rail stations is at Balugaon, on the Howrah-Chennai track. From Balugaon buses are available to the lake.
By road
A part of Chilika Lake is visible from NH5 and the Howrah-Chennai train track.e. state-run buses) being the best ones. The journey takes 2 hours and costs less than ₹100 one way.
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Bhubaneswar · International · BBI
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