Just south of Puri, the sea mixes in with the 1100 sq.km inland Chilika Lake to create the largest brackish water lake with Asia. These shallow waters enclose an immense area of marshes, lowlands, and islands. The varieties of fish, and, migratory birds in Winter (November – March)..

Nalbana Island, because of its varied flora and fauna, forms the core of the Chilika sanctuary. Kalijai Island is home to the Goddess Kalijai, venerated by the local fisher folks. This island plays host to a huge fair on 'Makar Sankranti' held annually in the month of January. The large fishing community adds flavor to the lake for their unique rural traditions.

Chilika is worth visiting round the year , however, the winter months, when the air reverberates with the din of the birds, are the nicest times. Barkul, Rambha, Balugaon and Satpada are the bases for visiting Chilika, where boats can be hired.

Best time to visit Chilka Lake – Round the year.

Just south of Puri, the sea mixes in with the 1100 sq.km inland Chilika Lake to create the largest brackish water lake with Asia. These shallow waters enclose an immense area of marshes, lowlands, and islands. The varieties of fish, and, migratory birds in Winter (November – March)..

Nalbana Island, because of its varied flora and fauna, forms the core of the Chilika sanctuary. Kalijai Island is home to the Goddess Kalijai, venerated by the local fisher folks. This island plays host to a huge fair on 'Makar Sankranti' held annually in the month of January. The large fishing community adds flavor to the lake for their unique rural traditions.

Chilika is worth visiting round the year , however, the winter months, when the air reverberates with the din of the birds, are the nicest times. Barkul, Rambha, Balugaon and Satpada are the bases for visiting Chilika, where boats can be hired.

Best time to visit Chilka Lake – Round the year.

How to Reach -

Chilika can be visited through many points but the most convenient ones Are Balugaon, Barkul, Rambha(all on NH 5 between Bhubaneswar and Berhampur) and Satpada close to Puri.By Air- The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar, 105 kms from Barkul and , 130 kms from Rambha, 98 kms. from Balugoan and 100 kms. from Satapada.

By Rail- The nearest railhead is at Balugaon,for Barkul(6 kms) and Puri (for Satapada(50 kms)). Rambha is also a rail head

By Road - Barkul , Balugoan and Rambha are situated on National Highway No.5 (NH 5) Regular buses ply between Berhampur and Bhubaneswar, which stop at Rambha and Balugoans. Tourists can avail auto rickshaws Balugaon. to reach Barkul (6 kms). The Lake can also be The Lake can also be visited through Satpada,( 50 km. from Puri.)

Where to Stay -

Hotel's Name & Address Hotel's Name & Address Panthanivas, OTDC, Barkul, At/ P.O.- Balugaon, Dist.- Khurda, Ph.- 06756-220488 Sri Krishna Lodge, Panthanivas road, Barkul, Ph.- 06756-2334295 Hawa Mahal, College Road, Balugaon, Ph.- 06756-220246 Narayani Lodge, Banapur Road, Balugaon, Ph.- 06756-220521/220212 Patro Lodge, Chilika road, Balugaon, Ph.- 06756-220308 Kalijai Dharmasala, Chilika Road, Balugaon. Panthanivas, OTDC, Rambha, Ph.- 06810-278346 -