A Day in Chilika Lake

    About Chilika Lake: 

 Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and accond largest coastal lagoon in the world, spread over the Puri, Khordha and Ganjam Districts of Odisha state on the east coast  of India, at the mouth of Daya River, flowing in the Bay of Bangle, covering an area of over 1100 square kilometers

         The lake also act as one of the most supportive eco system in the name of Chilika Lake Sanctuary. it is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub continent. birds from the Caspian Sea, lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia. Chilika in fact, home to one of the worlds largest breeding colonies of Flamingos. 

         Being Richly famous for the presence of aquatic wildlife, Chilika lake sanctuary also houses Irrawaddy Dolphins which are different from the other Dolphins as there color from the avifaunal species, the region also highlights varied animals such  as Golden Jackals, Spotted Deer, Blackbuck and Hyenas, one of the most tourist Attractions near Chilika Lake is Kalijai Temple. 

            Chilika Lake is the most popular destination for eco-tourism in Odisha. about from that the Lake and its vicinity hold a rich floral system with abundance of aquatic as well as non aquatic plants. Boating at the Chilika is one of the most popular activities. 

Best Time To Visit:

 Chilika Lake can be visited year round how ever the time from November to February is the best time. Especially, it is the season for migratory birds and hence it is even more exciting to explore this Lake during these months.

Top Attractions in Chilika:

     Kalijai Temple

Kalijai Temple is located on oa island in Chilika Lake. it is considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai. Goddess Kalijai is actually Kali,the source and the first 'Mahavidy' of 'Dasmahavidyas' Highly revered by the local population, the deity has been venerated in the local folklores and legends. There is a story behind the place which is centered around an innocent girl called Kalijai who got married and was going by boat along with  here in-laws through this Lake, in between  heavy storms came and everybody including kalijai died in the storm .local Tourist, Fishermen pray Goddess Kalijai everyday for their safe journey in the lake. The island provides an excellent destination for pilgrims as well tourists. Every year in January, a huge gala fair is held during the festival of Makar Sankranti.

     Satapada  

 The meaning of Satapada is 'Sata' means 'seven' and 'pada' means 'Village', so the name Satapada means group of seven Villages. Satapada is the ultimate place to watch Irrawaddy Dolphins. A rare bread of Dolphins are found here. If you are lucky then you will able to see Dolphins during your boat ride. since last few years this spot is a major tourist attraction because of the development of Dolphin sanctuary. 

    Birds Island

Birds Island is a place of entertainment of varieties of residential birds. many types of birds migrat hare from different parts of the World during the winter season. some the island is cover with herbs Shrubs, trees and Creepers. the granite rocks are remnants of Eastern Ghats. some of the huge rocks are painted white because of the folic acid from the dropping of the birds. During the winter season the migratory birds are coming to this land in a large proportion.

    Honeymoon Island

Honeymoon Island is located in Rambha Bay near Sankuda Island and it is 5km distance from Rambha jetty This land is also called as Barracuda Island. Britishers used this land for Picnic purposes. The waters around the Island are very clear and the ambiance is perfect to enjoy your day here.

Beacon Island

This Island is an architectural marvel with a conical pillar and a small room constructed on the submerged mass of rock in the Rambha bay near Ghantasila hill. The pillar was constructed to put a light on the top. The water spread around the beacon Island very charming, surrounded by the Eastern Ghat.

Mangalajodi

This is another Bird's paradise which has been attracting a lot of Tourists over the years .If you are a photographer who loves to clicking varied wildlife is one of the best location.so spend some time in this place where you can get some wonderful pictures of birds.in winter season this place is inhabited by nearly hundreds of species migratory  birds along with the resident of ones and the sight of them together is captivating.

How to reach Chilika: 

By Road :In NH-5,there are lot of Buses From other major cities of India that are going along the routr that helps one for their Chilika trip by bus or by cab, taxi and solving the puzzle of how to go to Chilika.

By train :Puri and Balugaon are the nearest Railway Station to reach Chilika Lake .you can also come Bhubaneswar through Rail and come by Cab  or bus to chilika.

By Air :Bhubaneswar is the nearest Airport to Chilika.As there are no direct flights to chilika, one must arrive at Bhubaneswar before boarding a Taxi or Bus to Chilika.