Just south of Puri, the sea mixes in with the 1100 sq.km inland Chilika Lake to create the largest brackish water lake in Asia. These shallow waters enclose an immense area of marshes, lowlands, and islands. There are more than 160 varieties of fish, and, in the winter season (from November through March), the area is home to thousands of migratory birds as well.

The surrounding hills and sandy stretches abound in cheetals, blackbucks, monkeys, fishing cats, mongoose, and porcupines. At the channel meeting the sea, dolphins can be seen cavorting playfully. Snakes, turtles and lizards inhabit the surrounding beach area and wooded undergrowth.

A number of islands have been doted the expanse of the lake. 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 folk. 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 with their traditional colorful sail boats bobbing expertly across the water, reminiscent of the ancient maritime heritage of Orissa. In fact, the fisher folk can be persuaded to take visitors on their boats.

Chilika is worth visiting the year round, 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
Enjoy the unparalleled beauty and tranquility of Asia¿s largest brackish water lake between the months of September to April.

Just south of Puri, the sea mixes in with the 1100 sq.km inland Chilika Lake to create the largest brackish water lake in Asia. These shallow waters enclose an immense area of marshes, lowlands, and islands. There are more than 160 varieties of fish, and, in the winter season (from November through March), the area is home to thousands of migratory birds as well.

The surrounding hills and sandy stretches abound in cheetals, blackbucks, monkeys, fishing cats, mongoose, and porcupines. At the channel meeting the sea, dolphins can be seen cavorting playfully. Snakes, turtles and lizards inhabit the surrounding beach area and wooded undergrowth.

A number of islands have been doted the expanse of the lake. 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 folk. 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 with their traditional colorful sail boats bobbing expertly across the water, reminiscent of the ancient maritime heritage of Orissa. In fact, the fisher folk can be persuaded to take visitors on their boats.

Chilika is worth visiting the year round, 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
Enjoy the unparalleled beauty and tranquility of Asia¿s largest brackish water lake between the months of September to April.

How to Reach -

Chilka can be conveniently visited through Balugaon, Barkul, Rambha and Satpara

By Air :Nearest airport is is at Bhubaneswar, 98 kms from Balugaon,105 kms from Barkul,130 kms from Rambha and 105kms from Satapara.

By Rail :Nearest railhead is at Balugaon, a station on the South Eastern Railway route that is directly connected to Kolkata, Puri, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai.

By Road : Both Barkul and Rambha are situated on National Highway No.5 (NH 5) Regular buses also ply between Berhampur and Bhubaneswar, stopping en route at Barkul and Rambha. Tourists can also avail of auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws from both these places and reach the lake in a short while, from either Barkul / Rambha / Balugaon. The Lake can also be enjoyed from Satpada, 52 km. from Puri.

Where to Stay -

Comfortable and economical accommodation arrangements can be availed around the Lake.

The list of the hotels are here :

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 -

Coming soon...........

Sightseeing Tours -

Kalijai Island, Honeymoon Island, Breakfast Island, Birds Island, Nalabana (Island of Reeds), Parikud Island, etc. are some of the exotically appealing and ecologically interesting spots in and around the lake.

The Island of Kalijai is famous as a center of religious worship due to the temple of Goddess Kalijai where a big fair is held on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti that falls in January every year.

The Island of Nalabana, 8 km in circumference occupies a unique place in the vast expanse of Chilika Lake as it happens to be the central refuge point for the migratory birds. One can view dolphins at Chilika's mouth near Satpara.

Excursions -

* Distance from Rambha

Narayani (22 km)* - Goddess Narayani adorns the valley hill-top which is girdled by a stream. It is an ideal picnic spot for families.

Nirmaljhara (11 km)* - Nirmaljhara has earned its name as an ideal place for picnic as well as pilgrimage. A stream that emerges out from the feet of a Vishnu image enhances the importance and sanctity of the place.

Banpur (42 km)* - Famous for the time honored temple of Goddess Bhagabati, Banpur has earned celebrity as a center of religious activities. Once it was the capital of Sailodvaba dynasty, responsible for the construction of the early group of temples in Bhubaneswar. The large number of Buddhist images discovered at Banpur relate the place to the Vajrayan cult of Buddhism. The temple of "Dakshya Prajapati" is a fine specimen of extraordinary artistic excellence of Orissa art. Banpur is 8 km from Balugaon, 42 km from Rambha and 104 km from Bhubaneswar.

Tourist Activities at Lake Chilka -

Jungle Attractions

This part-salty and part-fresh water lake attracts around 150 species of migratory birds every year during winter and hence is a bird-watcher's paradise. This natural habitat of varied species of flora harbors the 'aquatic vegetation' of its own by providing refuge to many extinct species. The dunes and sandy areas of the beaches by the lake have the floral composition of their own, favored in the conditions they offer. The water and the land go hand in hand to create a new world for around 158 different species of entities, including insects, mollusks, fishes, prawns, amphibians, reptiles, birds and animals. Limbless skink, a rare reptile which was discovered for the first time in 1917 from loose soil, attaches much significance to this place. One can always spot a dolphin or two here, while keeping a lookout for Siberian cranes, especially near the sand bar where the lake runs into the sea. So to enjoy the trip up to its brim, it is a good idea to hire a boat.

Cruise on Chilka Lake

To cruise on Chilka Lake as well as to visit discrete islands, motorized yacht and speed boat services are available at fixed rates from OTDC. You can also hire a sea kayak from Orissa Tourism's Water Sports Complex (WSC) to explore the Nalabana Island. Country boats are also available at Balugaon.

Sea Sizzlers

Enjoy delicious sea food preparations in patta (leaf plates), here in Chilka. Satiate your taste buds with fresh Tiger Prawns, Red Crabs and other fish delicacies in food stalls set up by the locals.

Do's and Don'ts -

Rules for lakes, rivers and the ocean :

1. Swim within visibility of a lifeguard.

2. Supervise children at all times.

3. Don't allow anyone to swim alone.

4. Never dive without knowing the depth of the water and never dive into shallow water.

5. Don't swim so far that you don't have the energy to swim back to shore.

6. Don't drink alcohol while swimming or supervising children.

7. Don't swim against the ocean's current. If caught in a current, swim across - not against - it. You will gradually swim out of it.

Cuisines & Restaurants -

One can find mouth-watering dishes of diverse varieties at the multi cuisine restaurants of the local hotels and in the OTDC Guest House, at Rambha, Barkul and Satpada on Chilika.

coming soon.........