CHILKA (Chilika), ORISSA

Chilka Lake (Chilika Lake) is a brackish water lagoon, spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Orissa state on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest lagoon in the World. 52 number of rivers and rivulets drain into Chilika Lagoon
 

It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent. The lake is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals. The lake is an ecosystem with large fishery resources. It sustains more than 150,000 fisher–folk living in 132 villages on the shore and islands.

The total number of fish species are reported to be 225 (Dean and Saaltink, 1991). Along with a variety of phytoplankton, algae and aquatic plants, the Lagoon region also supports over 720 species of non-aquatic plants (CDA).

On account of its rich bio-diversity, Chilika was designated as a "Ramsar Site", i.e. a wetland of International Importance. The Nalaban Island within the Lagoon is notified as a Bird Sanctuary under Wildlife (Protection) Act, the lagoon is also identified as a priority site for conservation and management by the National Wetland coral reefs Committee of Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India

How to Reach Chilka?

Air: Nearest Airport is at Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India at a distance of 120 Km.
Rail:   Nearest Railway Station is at Balugaon and Rambha on S. E,
Road: National High Way No. 5 touches Chilika at Balugaon, Barkul and Rambha.
 

       From Bhubaneswar                                       From Berhampur
        Balugaon 96 Kms.                                   Balugaon 84 Kms.
        Barkul 105 Kms.                                      Barkul 75 Kms.
        Rambha 130 Kms.                                    Rambha 50 Kms.

* The best time to visit Chilka is in the winter months, when migratory birds arrive.

Orissa Holiday Packages