| Facts about Chilka Lake, Orissa | |
| Water Spread Area | 1100 sq km |
| Max length | 64.3 km |
| Max breadth | 18 km |
| Districts | Puri, Khurda and Ganjam |
| Best time to visit Chilka Lake | November-February |
| Entry Points | Satpada, Barkul and Rambha-110 km, 97 km and 120 km respectively from Bhubaneswar |
Chilika
is recognized as one of the most important wetlands in the world because
it is home to a phenomenal variety of birds. Chilika lake offers
visitors a spectacular display of its colourful avian charms in a
thousand different hues presented by over 160 species in the peak season
between November and February. The lake and its reed islands teem with
nesting birds-white bellied sea eagles, ospreys, golden plovers, sand
pipers, flamingos, pelicans, shovellers, gulls, include migratory ones
flying great distances from Iran, Central Asia and Siberia. The large
Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the
lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987. The core area of
about 9 sq km attracts around 400,000 waterfowls of different species.
Often underwater, the island gradually emerges with the outset of
summer. It is literally a paradise for bird-watchers. Another major
attraction at Chilika is Irrawady dolphins which are often
spotted off Satpada Island. Satpada, bounded by the lagoon on
three sides offers an excellent view and attracts the visitors to its
entire 30 km stretch of sand bar. Boats arranged by OTDC are available
for both the islands. The lake also supports the local fisherman in
earning their living from Chilika's prawn, mackerel and crabs. Of late
slightly reduced number of birds, owing to growth in prawn farming as
well as silting and reduced salinity has alarmed the conservationists.
The plying of mechanized boats, the increasing of different fishing nets
and gears has threatened the flagship species of the Chilika lagoon, the
Irrawady dolphin.Attractions Near the Chilka Lake
Kalijai Temple, standing on one of the tiny rocky island considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai, Shiva's consort Durga, is a pilgrimage spot. Each year at Makar Sankranti (14th January), pilgrims flock at the site to leave votive offerings in the cave where the deity is enshrined. A temple dedicated to Lord Varuna, the God of Sea, in the tiny island of Baru-nakuda near Magarmukh is revered.
In a small village of Manikpatna there exists the temple of Bhabakundesvar Shiva and an old Mosque. A piece of unique architecture, the mosque has its entrance door made of jaws of whale.
A place of scenic beauty in between the sea and the lake, Brahmapura is also a site to watch small deer, called Baliharina.
Others include, Birds Island, a haven for resident and migratory birds. The Parikud and Malud are colourful islands within the lake. The Beacon Island, 3 km from Rambha presents an architectural marvel with a conical pillar and a small room constructed on a submerged mass of rock near Ghantasila Hill. The Breakfast Island and Honeymoon Island present very dark blue water to visitors, who come here to relax.
11 km from Rambha and 21 km from Barkul, Nirmala Jhar, is perennial stream, a great picnic spot and also a place of worship. By the side of a perennial stream, 10 km from Barkul and 22 km from Rambha, Narayani, is a temple site dedicated to Goddess Narayani. Banpur, at a distance of 13 km from Barkul is associated with shrines of Goddess Bhagabati and Dakshya-Prajapati.
A former port now a popular seaside resort, Gopalpur-on-sea is 75 km from Barkul and 50 km from Rambha.
Reaching Chilka Lake in Orissa
Trains on the Kolkata - Chennai route of East Coast Railway stop at several villages along the lake like Balugaon, Chilika, Khalikote and Rambha. The nearest railhead for Barkul is Balugaon and for Satpada is at Puri (50 km).
Barkul, Satpada and Rambha are three entry points to the Chilika Lake. Bhubaneswar-Balugaon is 110 km and Bhubaneswar-Rambha, 130 km. Barkul is 26 km North of Rambha. To reach Barkul, take a bus from Bhubaneswar or Puri for Berhampur and get down at Balugaon. From Balugaon it is 7 km to Barkul by auto rickshaw. From Puri there is a regular bus service to Satpada, 50 km. There is also a ferry service between Satpada and Balugaon, 3 hrs.Private boats are also available.
