Explore Chilika Lake: A Must-Visit Aquatic Wonderland
When you find yourself in Puri, a journey to Chilika Lake is an absolute must. This aquatic wonderland is a haven for migratory birds, marine life, and serves as a bird sanctuary, a haven for dolphins, and a breathtaking showcase of scenic beauty. Located just 50 km from Puri on the East Coast of India, Chilika Lake seamlessly connects to the Bay of Bengal through a narrow mouth. Covering an area of 1100 sq. km, it stands as the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, presenting a landscape as vast and captivating as the ocean itself.
Chilika offers an eye-pleasing and unique experience with the arrival of more than 150 species of migratory birds and water-fowls every October. These avian visitors journey from Siberia, Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea, Russia, Mongolia, Central and Southeast Asia, Ladakh, and the Himalayas, creating a stunning spectacle in the sky. The winter months from November to February are considered the best time to witness this avian extravaganza.
The most enchanting experience in Chilika is witnessing a myriad of gorgeous migratory birds and encountering dolphins in the blue waters. Every year in October more than 150 species of migratory birds and water-fowls from Siberia, Caspian sea, Lake Baikal, Aral sea, Russia, Mangolia, central and south east Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas flying here for feeding and resting. They stay still March and start to fly back in Summer. The winter months from November to February are considered the best time to witness the variety of migratory birds come.
Tourists coming to Puri can combine a visit to Chilika Lake, but it’s important to allocate sufficient time due to the numerous wonderful attractions that captivate visitors. Here is a list of must-try experiences at Chilika:
Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
Nalabana, a small island with an 8 km circumference, transforms into a haven for attractive birds during winters. From pink flamingos, bar-headed geese, pink storks, raptors, spotted sandpipers, to black-tailed godwits and goliath herons, this island offers a delightful shuffle of diverse bird species. It also preserves a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Kalijai Island
Home to Goddess Kalijai, revered by local fishermen, this island hosts a grand fair during the annual Makar Sankranti festival in January.According to local lore, the name “Kalijai” is derived from the fusion of “Kali,” representing the fierce Goddess Kali, and “Jai,” the name of a village girl from Banpur, who met a tragic end when her traditional boat drowned during her journey to Parikuda Gada for her marriage. An unexpected storm claimed her life, while miraculously sparing all the boatmen, including her father. became the adored Goddess Kalijai, earning respect among the Odia people, particularly the fishing community. Todays, locals, fishermen, sailors and even some tourists visit the temple to pray for a safe journey to the lagoon.
Dolphin Spotting at Satapada
Chilika is also known for the location for dolphin witnessing, , it is renowned for being one of the only two lagoons globally where Irrawady dolphins can be seen. Satapada is the ultimate destination for witnessing the critically endangered Irrawady dolphins and bottle-nosed dolphins. Irrawaddy dolphins are shy animals, and seeing the entire dolphin is rare; generally, some portion of the tail or head of the dolphin is visible while they are swimming or spitting. Visitors keep a constant watch during boat rides to catch rare glimpses of these shy creatures doing somersaults in the blue waters. Satapada is also well known for the Sea Mouth Island where Chilika Lake meets the Bay of Bengal. Watching the connection of the Chilika lagoon to the sea is also an amazing experience while visiting Satapada.
Honeymoon Island
Located in Rambha Bay, Honeymoon Island (or Barkuda Island) is a unique pear-shaped hillock with huge exposed hanging rocks. The granite rocks are remnants of Eastern Ghats. The island is covered with herbs, shrubs, trees, and creepers. The island is otherwise known as “Sankuda island.” During winter, migratory birds flock to this land in large proportions.
Nearby attractions like Beacon Island and Breakfast Island add to the mesmerizing experiences.
Mangalajodi Village
Chilika’s Mangalajodi village is one of the oldest villages, once popular for fishing. It may look unremarkable at first glance, but it is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Every year during winter, the wetland of Mangalajodi is a paradise of thousands of migratory birds along with the residential ones. Mangalajodi’s wetlands, replete with lush vegetation and water bodies, provide a sanctuary for numerous species of birds, fish, and other wildlife. The wetlands of Mangalajodi, declared an International Bird Conservation Area, provide a sanctuary for thousands of migratory and residential birds. Villagers, once associated with illegal bird hunting, are now the guardians of the ecosystem. It is also a destination for photographers who love clicking varied wildlife in pristine locations and wonderful pictures of birds.
Rambha Bay
Located at the southern end of Chilika Lake, Rambha Bay, with its blue waters and surrounding islands like Breakfast Island, Honeymoon Island, Sanakuda Island, Ghantasila Island, and Beacon Island, adds to the charm of Chilika. Each island has its own uniqueness, contributing to the rich diversity of the area.
To learn more about Chilika, explore the resources provided by the Chilika Development Authority.
One Day Itinerary for Chilika Lake Visit and Boating
How to reach Chilika Lake:
If you are arriving by flight, the nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, which is about 110 km and a 3-hour road trip from Chilika. You can take an OTDC or private AC coach bus or taxi to Satapada.
There are three entry points to Chilika Lake: Satapada, Barkul, and Rambha. The Odisha Tourism Development Corporation Limited (OTDC) offers hotels (Panthaniwas) that must be booked well in advance for extended visits.
The most popular itinerary is a day trip from Puri to Chilika Lake, which is about 50 km and a one-hour journey by road. The best budget-friendly option is to take the OTDC AC coach tour service to Satapada.Make an advance booking to ensure your reservation; you can call the OTDC office in case of any queries. Private buses from Puri Rail Station and private cars are also available, but ensure they drop you off at Satapada village, as they may insist on booking a private boat trip at Chilika as well.
The OTDC bus departs from Panthanivas, Puri to Satapada village, with a quick stop at Alarnath Temple along the way.
How to visit:
Upon reaching Satapada, it is advisable to pre-book lunch at Yatri Niwas, that offers at a reasonable price, so you can enjoy it upon returning. At Satapada, you can book a boat trip package from the OTDC counter depending on the number of people and sites to cover. Avoid booking rides through private agents as they tend to be higher priced and may engage in dishonest practices. Make sure to take a life jacket before boarding the boat, and a tour guide will accompany you.
Enjoy the boat ride, search for dolphins, watch birds, and visit Rajhans Island, which separates Chilika Lake from the Bay of Bengal. You can observe the sea-mouth or Chilika lagoon from there.
After the boat trip, enjoy your pre-booked lunch. Don’t miss the chance to try the local prawn, crab, and fish fry before heading back.
Best Time to Visit Chilika Lake
- Undoubtedly, winter (October – February) stands out as the optimal time to visit Chilika Lake, especially for bird enthusiasts eager to witness the diverse array of migratory species. During this season, the weather is delightfully pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 16°C to 26°C.
- As summer (March – June) sets in, temperatures soar to between 26°C to 38°C, accompanied by intense sunlight and high humidity levels, making outdoor activities less comfortable.
- In the monsoon season (July – September), Chilika Lake transforms into a verdant paradise as lush vegetation flourishes across the islands. Despite temperatures ranging between 26°C to 36°C, the natural beauty of the region attract visitors with its charm and vibrant greenery.
Here are some important reminders for your trip to Chilika Lake:
- In boat rides, safety jackets are provided.
- Sunburns and tans are common occurrences in summer. Carry sunscreen for beach activities to protect your skin. A sun hat is also recommended.
- Wear comfortable sandals or walking shoes for exploring the area.
- Traveling with a photo ID is advisable.
- Avoid booking rides through private agents as they tend to be higher priced.
- Maintain the cleanliness of the island by refraining from littering and ensuring to drop any empty packets and bottles to recycle bins.
