The biggest internal saltwater lake in Asia, Chilika Lake, is a heaven for wildlife and environmental enthusiasts.

Regarding Chilika Lake

 

The largest inland saltwater lagoon in Asia is located in Satapada, Odisha, 44 km from Puri. Following the island of New Caledonia artificial reef in New Caledonia, Chilika the lake, which is located around the entry point of the Daya River, represents the biggest seawater wetland in the world.

 The 60-kilometre-long marshy islands and sand flats separate the pear-shaped lake from the Bay of Bengal. It runs from Bhusandpur in the north to Rambha-Malud in the south. The 60-kilometre-long, thin band of marshy islands and sand flats separates the pear-shaped lake from the Bay of Bengal. It runs from Bhusandpur in the north to Rambha-Malud in the south. The lake’s environment has abundant fishing resources. It provides food for more than 150,000 fishermen who live in 132 settlements on the coast and on the islands. In 1981, the Ramsar Convention recognised Chilika Lake as the first wetland of international significance in India.

 

The lake serves as one of the Chilika Lake Sanctuary’s most beneficial ecosystems. It is the largest wintering region for migratory birds in the Indian subcontinent. Birds go here on their annual migration routes from places that include the Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and Southeast Asia, Ladakh, the Himalayas, the Caspian Sea, Lake The far-flung areas of Russia include Baikal, the Sea of Aral, and others. Among the numerous species that make the lake a bird watcher’s paradise are White-bellied sea eagles, Graylag Geese, Purple moorhens, jacanas, Herons, and Flamingos. In actuality, Chilika is home to one of the biggest flamingo breeding colonies in the world.

Irrawaddy dolphins, which vary in comparison to other dolphins in colour alongside the predominance of the dorsal fin, are also housed at the Chilika Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, which is widely renowned for housing aquatic wildlife. In addition to the many bird species, the region is home to an assortment of wild animals, notably Blackbuck, Silver Jackals, Striped Deer, and Hyenas. The spectacular dawn and sunset vistas of Chilika Lake Sanctuary are well known. One of the most popular tourist attractions adjacent to Chilika Province Wildlife Sanctuary is the Kalijai Temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Kalijai. Makar Sankranti is celebrated at the temple, which receives a lot of visitors and devotees, with much pomp and enthusiasm.

 

In Orissa, the lake of Chilika is the most popular eco-tourism location. A complex floral ecosystem with a multitude of aquatic and non-aquatic plants exists around the lake, in addition to the abundance of exotic fauna in the region. The most recent environmental assessment found that Chilika Lake and its surroundings are home to more than 710 plant species. The primary justification for selecting Chilika Lake as a Ramsar site is the vast array of Flora and Fauna present there, including several endangered and rare species of all kinds.

 

Boating has become one of the most popular pastimes at Chilika. Chilika Lake may be visited all year round, although the ideal months to go are from November through February. It is very thrilling to visit this body of water during these months because it is migration season for birds.

 

A combination of cultural, spiritual, religious, and aesthetic elements, Chilika is located 58 kilometres from Bhubaneswar, the state’s capital. The second-largest saltwater lagoon in the entire globe is Chilika Lake. It is the biggest migratory bird wintering area in the nation. Several endangered plant and animal species can be found around the lake.

 

There are 6 tourism hotspots around and surrounding Chilika Lake

 

1. Maa Kalijai Temple

 

The deity Kalijai, also known as Kali, is supposed to reside in the Maa Kalijai Temple, which is located on an island in Chilika Lake. According to legend, the goddess is a strong living being and the first “Mahavidya” of the “Dasmahavidyas.” Both visitors and pilgrims might find the island to be a great vacation spot. A sizable gala fair is conducted in January in conjunction with the Makar Sankranti holiday. The temple is located on Kalijai Island and is surrounded by crystal-clear, deep blue seas. To get there, one must traverse the lake’s brackish waters. Every year, thousands of travellers go to the temple to get blessings and have their wishes granted. Because of the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, tourists find the location to be divine. Everyone appreciates the location for its serene ambience and closeness to divine tranquillity, including writers, intellectuals, and lovers of nature.

 

2. Rambha

 

Rambha is found on National Highway 5 near the southern end of what is known as Chilka Lagoon, 40 km from Berhampur. Rambha, which is dotted with islands, is known for its stunning beauty that views the Chilka Lake and hills. While visiting Rambha, you may visit many islands for dolphin and bird viewing, including Breakfast Island, Beacon Island, and Birds Island. The most lovely place to have your packed breakfast is on Breakfast Island, which has been created in Rambha Bay amid Badakuda Island and Somolo Island. The remains of a crumbling cottage erected by the ruler of Kalikote may be seen on the island of Somolo. The other significant islands include Parikud Island, Birds Island, Honeymoon Island, Rajhans Island, New Mouth, and Nalabana. You will also cherish your time spent at the Olive Ridley Turtle nesting site on Rusikulya Beach in the vicinity of Rambha. With so many things to do, your stay at this location won’t be boring at all. Chilka Lake cruising is undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Rambha is regarded as a superb location for bird viewing. A bird watcher’s dream, the area is home to over 150 kinds of migrating birds. Rambha invites visitors all year. Winter, however, is lovely since migrating birds visit the area then. Rambha’s monsoons are particularly beautiful, with black clouds sweeping across the mountains and over the azure Chilka. It has excellent connections. The closest airport is 130 kilometres away in Bhubaneswar. The closest main railhead, 35 km from Rambha, is at Balugaon if you’d rather use the train. Additionally, there is a station for Public buses going between Bhubaneswar and Berhampur.

 

3. Mangalajodi

 

For individuals who like bird watching, Mangalajodi is an acronym that is pretty well known. Every year, especially during the winter, it draws millions of people who like exploring and just enjoying seeing winged visitors. It is known as a birder’s paradise. The region, which has the name of a hamlet, is surrounded by extensive marshes near Chilika Lake. Thousands of migrating birds go to its enormous wetlands from all over the world. During the breeding season, over one and a half lakh birds may be found in its wetlands. It has been designated an International Bird Conservation Area and is a significant worldwide wetland habitat. The sound of nature’s beautiful symphony is like delicious music to the ears, and the white water lilies floating in the water add to the tranquillity.

 

A “wish time could stand still” type of moment is created by the blurred golden radiance of the setting sun, which throws an otherworldly spell on the surroundings. Mangalajodi, which is about an hour and a half’s drive from Bhubaneswar, the nation’s capital, is starting to gain recognition among birders in India. It is inhabited by roughly 40 permanent species and almost 150 migratory bird types.

 

4. Nalbana Bird Sanctuary

The Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, also known as Nalbana Island, is the main part of Chilika Lake’s Ramsar-designated wetlands and serves as the entire lake’s breeding and nesting grounds for birds. The Wildlife Protection Act designated it as a bird sanctuary in 1973, and today it is home to a massive ecosystem of deep green woods covering 1555 hectares. Due to its distinctively mixed seawater from Chilika and the significant intake of drinking water through the rivers Bhargavi and Daya, the region is home to enormous ecosystems of deep green trees, aquatic creatures, and birds. In addition to hundreds of different bird species, the lake has more than 150 different varieties of fish and prawns. Due to flooding during the monsoon season, the island vanishes, only to reappear after the monsoon. The ideal season for visiting Nalabana Bird Sanctuary is from October to March. At this time of year, the sanctuary is home to the greatest number of migrating birds.

 

5. Satpada

 

Dolphin watching and beach touring is popular in Satpada. The sole known colony of endangered dolphins from the Irrawaddy River in the nation is found at Satapada on Chilika, which is 50 km from Puri. IUCN has assigned it the status of endangered.” Also known as Sea Mouth Island, Chilika Lake is where the coastline of the Bay of Bengal joins the island. Additionally, there are several chances for boating, canoeing, and kayaking.

 

 

6. Irrawaddy Dolphin Watch

 

The dolphins of Irrawaddy Lake are the lake’s star attraction and one of its main attractions. The Chilika region is one of just two places in the world where this type of dolphin may be found. The best place to see dolphins is in Satapada, where many visitors and travellers stop by each year to see them.