Tourist Places in Chilika

The largest inland saltwater lagoon in Asia is Satapada in Odisha, 44 kilometers from Puri. It is situated at the Daya River's mouth. It is the second largest in the world, after the New Caledonian barrier reef in New Caledonia.

The lake has many tiny islands, including the incredibly attractive Honeymoon and Breakfast Island. The pear-shaped lake, which covers an area of 1,100 square kilometers and stretches from Rambha-Malud in Ganjam district in the south to Bhusandpur in Puri district in the north, is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60-kilometer-long thin strip of marshy islands and sand flats.

There are abundant fisheries resources in the lake's environment. More than 150,000 fishermen live in 132 settlements on the shore. Chilika Lake received the Ramsar Convention's initial designation as the first wetland with global significance in India in 1981. Chilika is home to one of the biggest flamingo-breeding colonies in the world.

The Chilika Lake sanctuary, which is well known for housing aquatic animals, also has Irrawaddy dolphins, which differ from other dolphins in color and prominence of the dorsal fin. The area also features a variety of wild creatures, including Blackbuck, Golden Jackals, Spotted Deer, and Hyenas, in addition to the avifaunal species.

The spectacular sunrise and sunset vistas at Chilika Lake Sanctuary are well-known. The Kalijai temple, dedicated to Goddess Kalijai, is one of the most well-known tourist destinations close to Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary. Makar Sankranti is observed with tremendous fanfare and joy at the temple, which draws many tourists and worshippers.

In Orissa, Chilika Lake is the most well-liked eco-tourism location. A rich floral system with many aquatic and non-aquatic plants exists around the lake, in addition to exotic fauna nearby. More than 710 plant species were found in and around Chilika Lake, according to a recent environmental survey. The primary justification for selecting Chilika Lake as a Ramsar site and the vast array of flora and fauna present there, including multiple rare and endangered species of every kind.

Boating is one of the most well-liked pastimes at Chilika. Chilika Lake can be visited all year round, but the ideal months are November through February. Exploring this lake during these months is thrilling because it is the migratory bird season. The top attractions in Chilika are described below.

Top Attractions in Chilika

1. Nalaban

Nalabana Island, located in the center of Chilika, deserves special attention because it is a crucial stopover for several migratory and permanent birds.

It received the status of a sanctuary in 1987 and is a great treat for bird watchers throughout winter. Look for birds like spoon-billed Sandpipers, black-tailed Godwits, and white-bellied Sea Eagles, and enjoy watching them hop on the water.

2. Kalijai Temple

The most popular tourist destination is the Island of Goddess Kalijai. The Kalijai temple is one of the island's most well-known places of religious worship

A myth surrounding the location centers on an innocent girl named "Kalijai," who was traveling by boat over this lake with her in-laws after being married. Several severe storms were in between, and Kalijai was among those who perished in them. Daily, local tourists, sailors, and fishermen pray to Goddess Kalijai for safety while on the lake.

3. Satapada

The best site to view Irrawaddy dolphins is Satapada. If you're fortunate, you might be able to spot dolphins while out on the water in Satapada.

In recent years, establishing a dolphin sanctuary has made this location a popular tourist destination.

4. Honeymoon Island

It can be found in Rambha Bay, close to Sankuda Island. Barkuda Island is another name for this territory. Britons favored this area for picnics. The island's surroundings include crystal-clear waters, and the atmosphere is ideal for taking in the day.

5. Beacon Island

Beacon Island is built on a submerged granite block in the Rambha Bay next to Ghantasila Hill; this island features a conical pillar and a small room of works of art in architecture.

The pillar was built with lighting at the summit. With the Eastern Ghat around it, the ocean surrounding Beacon Island is quite lovely.

6. Birds' Island

There are enormous exposed hanging rocks on this hillside. Herbs, shrubs, trees, and creepers blanket the island. The granite rocks are traces of the Eastern Ghats.

Because of the folic acid in the bird droppings, several of the enormous rocks have a white coating. The migratory birds arrive in vast numbers in this region during the winter.

7. Breakfast Island

There are enormous exposed hanging rocks on this hillside. Herbs, shrubs, trees, and creepers cover the island. The granite rocks are traces of the Eastern Ghats.

The folic acid from the bird droppings has turned some of the enormous rocks white. The migratory birds arrive in vast numbers in this area during the winter.

8. Mangalajodi

This one is another bird lover's paradise that has drawn a lot of visitors throughout the years.

Spend some time in Mangalajodi if you're a photographer who enjoys capturing unique wildlife in beautiful settings. Every winter, the area is home to hundreds of migratory bird species in addition to local ones, and watching them all together is simply amazing.