Chilika Lake : God's Own Creation

(Sea Mouth)

This was our fourth time in Puri, but very first time that we were heading towards Chilika. 

As our car was running through the morning dew, the open wide sky, the vast span of side-by swamp and the birds flying over whom we had hardly seen before and the only sound of their chirping ………. all were beckoning me to an old saying  ‘ morning shows the day’.

Our day was delighted. We could not understand how the hours passed away as we completely lost our very own existence amidst the expanse of God’s own creation!

Chilika is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and second largest in the world. The river Daya has created this lagoon before flowing into the Bay of Bengal. Thirty four other rivers like Bhargavi, Nuna, Makra and Malaguni also have joined Daya in Chilika. The lagoon spreads over three districts of Odisha(formerly Orissa) – Puri, Khurda and Ganjam covering a total area of over 1100 square km.

Chilika

This huge lagoon is one of the greatest examples of biodiversity. It is the home of 225 species of fishes, thirty seven species of amphibians and reptiles, fourteen types of raptors, endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, a variety of aquatic plants, algae and phytoplankton and 350 species of non-aquatic plants. And of course, it is the largest winter resort on the Indian sub-continent for indigenous and migratory birds from Siberia, Mongolia, Southeast and Central Asia and the Himalayas. Over 160 species of birds can be seen in the peak season.

Flock Of Birds

Chilika is also a tourist’s delight. The expanse of blue water, side-by evergreen range of hills, beautiful islands, birds, playful dolphins and beckoning of the Bay of Bengal have made Chilika the Queen of natural beauty.

General Information 

• Geographic position : Situated on the east coast of India in Odisha at the mouth of the Daya river and spreads over three districts – Puri, Ganjam and Khurda.
• Area : Over 1100 sq. km.
• Water depth : waist deep to max. 4.2m
• Temperature :
• Summer (March to June) : 19⁰ C to 45⁰ C
• Winter (November to February) : 4⁰ C to 22⁰ C
• The best time to visit : October to June

Places To Visit 

Chilika is famous for boating, bird watching and fishing. In new Chilika, near Satpada, one can enjoy the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins and occasionally bottle-nosed dolphins jumping in the water, and also can relish the scenic beauty of the sea-mouth where Chilika meets the Bay of Bengal. On the lonely beach there, strolling in the shallow water and gentle waves can bring a celestial ecstasy that can never be faded away from mind.

Irrawaddy Dolphin

Birds can be better viewed in old Chilika. If nothing makes satisfied, one can simply enjoy splashing around in the blue water, feel the vastness and watch the sunset at the western horizon.  Everything is guaranteed to be unique and inexpressible.

Sun-set at Chilika Lagoon

In Chilika there are also some beautiful islands –

• Kalijai Hill – Abode of Goddess Kalijai. Every year in January during Makar Sankranti a big fair is held.
• Nalabana – Situated in the centre of the lagoon is a bird sanctuary and bird-watchers’ delight.
• Birds Island – Natural habitat for birds and a tourist spot.
• Tampara – Pedal boating is available here.

Kalijai Temple

Rajhans Island, Somolo Island, Beacon Island, Breakfast Island, Honeymoon Island and Parikud Island are also well-known tourist spots.

There are also some nearby interesting spots, such as Nirmaljhara (11 km – an ideal picnic and pilgrimage spot), Narayani (22 km – abode of Goddess Narayani), Banpur (42 km – a historical place and famous for Bhagabati temple) and Rusikulya Beach (nesting ground of Olive Ridley Turtles).

Food 

On the roadside there are some good restaurants which offer delicious typical foods along with some special dishes of fresh fishes, prawns and crabs found in Chilika.

How To Reach

• By air : The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar which is about 120 km away from where one can avail taxi, bus or train to reach Chilika.
• By train : The nearest rail station is Balugaon on Chennai-Howrah track. From Balugaon station taxi or bus can be availed to reach the lake.
• By road : Chilika is well connected with cities like Bhubaneswar (61.8 km), Cuttack (80.5 km) and Puri (37 km). Both public and private buses are frequently coming  from these cities. Taxis also can be hired to reach here.

Sea Mouth

Where To Stay 

There are many hotels, bunglows, huts and lodges in and around Chilika.  For government guest houses in Rambha, Barkul and Satpada one can contact to :

The Divisional Manager,

OTDC (Head Office)

Pathaniwas Old Block, Lewis Road,

Bhubaneswar – 751014

Ph. – 0674-432699

Tent accommodation is also available at Saga Eco Camp.  However, people who come directly from Puri, need not to stay here as the tour can be completed well before dusk.