Chilika

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Chilika

Queen of natural beauty, Chilika, the largest brackish water lake in Asia covering an area of over 1,100 sq. km is a great attraction for the tourists for fishing, bird watching and boating. In winter Chilika aflutters with thousands of indigenous and migratory birds of many varieties from far and near - even from the distant Siberia. The fabulous beauty of Chilika which has inspired poets to sing its glory and which can be best enjoyed from Balugaon, Barkul, Rambha and Satpada must be seen to be believed. One can also have a glimpse of the lake from the moving trains and vehicles on the road near these places. The atmosphere is just serene and undisturbed amidst the blue expanse of water on one side and an evergreen range of hills on the other. Dotted with a host of islands with romantic names, a cruise in Chilika will be a life-long memory.

Places of tourist interest in Chilika

Kalijai Island, Honeymoon Island, Breakfast Island, Birds Island, Nalabana (Island of Reeds), Parikud Island, etc. are some of the important and interesting spots inside the lake.

The Island of Kalijai is famous as a center of religious worship due to the temple of Goddess Kalijai where a big fair is held on the occasion of Makara Sankranti that falls in January every year. The Island of Nalabana, 8 km in circumference occupies a unique place in the vast expanse of Chilika Lake as it happens to be the central point for the migratory birds. One can view the dolphins at Chilika mouth near Satpara.

Best time to visit

August to March.

By Air - The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar, 98 kms. from Balugaon, 105 kms from Barkul and , 130 kms from Rambha, 108 kms from Satapada.

By Rail - The nearest railhead is at Balugaon for Barkul (6kms), Puri for Satapada (50kms). Rambha is also a railhead. Bhubaneswar is yet another convenient railhead for visiting Chilika Lake.

By Road - Barkul,Balugoan and Rambha are situated on National Highway No.5. Regular buses ply between Berhampur and Bhubaneswar, which stop at Rambha and Balugoan. Tourists can avail of auto rickshaws and taxi from both these places and reach the lake in a short while.

The Lake can also be enjoyed from Satpada, 50 kms. from Puri. Regular bus service and also conducted tour service from Puri to Satapada is available.