Description

Chilika is a blend of cultural, spiritual, religious and scenic aspects lies at a distance of 58 km from the capital city of Bhubaneswar.

The Chilika Lake is the 2nd largest brackish water lagoon in the world. It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in the country. The lake is home to a number of endangered species of flora and fauna.

Tourists can visit Nalbana (house to threatened species of plants and animals), Kalijai Temple, Kalingeswar Temple, Chadheihaga Island and watch the famous Irrawaddy Dolphins.

Maa Kalijai Temple :- Kalijai temple considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai or Kali is located on an island in Chilika Lake. As per folklore the goddess is living and powerful and is the first 'Mahavidya' of 'Dasmahavidyas'. The island provides an excellent destination for pilgrims as well as tourists. Every year in January, a huge gala fair is held during the festival of Makar Sankranti. Flanked by pristine clear deep blue waters the temple is situated on Kalijai Island and one has to cross the brackish waters of the lake to reach it. Every year lakhs of tourists throng the shrine to seel blessings and fulfill their desires. Holiday makers find the place sublime due to magnificent sunrise and sunsets. From poets to thinkers to nature lovers everyone loves this place for its tranquil atmosphere and nearness to god like serenity.

Rambha :- Rambha is located at the southern coast of the Chilka lagoon, at a distance of 40 km from Berhampur on National Highway 5. Dotted with numerous islands, Rambha boasts of its enchanting picturesque beauty overlooking the Chilka Lake and the hills. While in Rambha you can go for Dolphin watching and bird watching to different islands like the Breakfast Island, Becon Island and Birds Island. The Breakfast Island, which has been formed between Badakuda Island and Somolo Island in the Rambha Bay is truly the most beautiful place to have your packed breakfast. The Somolo Island has the remnants of a dilapidated bungalow, built by the King of Kalikote. Some of the other major islands are Honeymoon Island, Birds Island, Parikud Island, Island of Nalabana, Rajhans Island and New Mouth. You will also truly treasure your visit to the nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles in Rusikulya Beach near Rambha. You will never have a single dull moment during your stay here, with so many activities around. Cruising on Chilka Lake is truly an unforgettable experience. Rambha is also considered a great spot for bird watching. The place being a home of around 150 species of migratory birds is truly a bird watcher’s paradise. Rambha welcomes guests throughout the year. However, winter is more charming as the migratory birds visit the region during this time. Monsoons in Rambha have a different beauty with the dark clouds rolling through the mountains over the deep blue Chilka. It is very well connected by all forms of transport. The nearest airport is located at Bhubaneswar, 130 km. If you prefer to travel by train, then the closest main railhead is at Balugaon, located at a distance of 35 km from Rambha. Publi buses running between Bhubaneswar and Berhampur also stop here.

Mangalajodi :- Mangalajodi is a name quite well know for people who love to bird watching. Considered as bird watcher’s paradise, it attracts lakhs of tourists who love to wander and just love see winged guests every year especially during winter. Named after a village, the area is covered by huge wetlands along the edge of Chilika lake. Its vast wetlands attract thousands of migratory birds, journey from as far different places of the world. Its wetlands now host more than 1.5 lakhs of birds in the peak season. It is an importance global wetland habitat and has been declared as an International Bird Conservation Area. Nature’s harmonious symphony is sweet music to the ears with the floating white water-lilies lending a soothing sense of peace. The smudgy orange glow of the setting sun casts an ethereal spell on the ambience truly making for a “wish time could stand still” kind of moment. An hour and thirty minute drive from the capital city of Bhubaneswar, Mangalajodi is slowly making a mark on the birding map of India. Inhabited by nearly 150 species of migratory birds and about 40 resident species.

Nalabana Bird Sanctury :- Nalbana Bird Sanctuary or Nalbana Island is the core area of the Ramsar designated wetlands of Chilika Lake and is the breeding an nesting ground of bids in all of Chilika. Declared a bird sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act in 1973, it is home to an area of 1555 hectares of dense green forests large ecosystem of aquatic animals and birds due to its unique mixed marine waters from Chilika and heavy inflow of water from rivers Bhargavi and Daya. There are more than 150 species of fish and shrimps in the lake along with hundreds of bird species. The island disappears during monsoon season due to inundation only to emerge again in post-monsoon. Ideally, the best time to visit Nalabana Bird Sanctuary would be between October and March. This is the time when the maximum number of migratory birds alt at the sanctuary.

Satpada :- Satpada is famous for its dolphins and beach sightseeing. Located 50 kilometers from Puri, Satapada on Chilika is home to the only known population of Irrawaddy dolphins in the country. It is classified as Endangered according to IUCN. Satapada is also for Sea Mouth Island where Chilika Lake meets the Bay of Bengal. There are also ample opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and boating.

Rajhans Island :- A perfect picnic spot and spend some quality time with loved ones, it is a small and serene island in Chilika. Perfect to spend an entire day here, it is bordered by a lagoon on one side and an ocean on the other and with mountains and forest in between. It is worth visiting.

Irrawaddy Dolphin Watch :- The Irrawaddy dolphin watch at Chilika Lake is the flagship species and one of the reasons to come here. One of the two spots worldwide is housed with these species of dolphins and Chilika is one of them. Satapada is the point to watch dolphins and a lot of tourists and travellers come by every year to watch them.

Location: Chilika
Nearest Airport :- Biju Patnaik International Airport (55km)
Nearest Railway Station :- Chilika Railway Station (2km) OR Balugaon Railway Station (5km)
Nearest Bus Stand :- Local Bus Stand, Chilika

Chilika: A Blend of Culture, Spirituality, and Scenic Beauty

Located just 58 km from Bhubaneswar, Chilika offers a rich mix of cultural, spiritual, and scenic experiences. As the second-largest brackish water lagoon in the world, Chilika Lake is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds in India and is home to many endangered species of flora and fauna.

Visitors can explore Nalbana, known for its rare species of plants and animals, as well as Kalijai Temple, Kalingeswar Temple, Chadheihaga Island, and spot the famous Irrawaddy Dolphins.

Maa Kalijai Temple

Situated on an island in Chilika Lake, the Kalijai Temple is considered the abode of Goddess Kalijai or Kali. According to local folklore, the goddess is believed to be living and powerful, being the first 'Mahavidya' among the 'Dasmahavidyas.' The island is a serene destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. Every January, a grand fair is held during Makar Sankranti. Surrounded by the deep blue waters of the lake, the temple can only be reached by crossing the brackish lake. Each year, thousands of devotees visit this shrine seeking blessings and fulfilling their desires. The island also offers stunning sunrise and sunset views, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and thinkers seeking peace and tranquility.

Rambha

Located on the southern coast of Chilika Lagoon, 40 km from Berhampur on National Highway 5, Rambha is dotted with numerous islands and offers enchanting views of the lake and hills. Visitors can enjoy dolphin watching and bird watching on islands like Breakfast Island, Becon Island, and Birds Island. The Breakfast Island, situated between Badakuda Island and Somolo Island, is perfect for enjoying a packed breakfast amidst scenic beauty. Somolo Island features the ruins of a bungalow built by the King of Kalikote. Other notable islands include Honeymoon Island, Birds Island, Parikud Island, Nalabana Island, Rajhans Island, and New Mouth. Rambha is also renowned for the nesting of Olive Ridley Turtles at Rusikulya Beach nearby. With its serene environment and around 150 species of migratory birds, Rambha is a paradise for bird watchers. The best time to visit is during winter when migratory birds flock to the region, although the monsoon season also offers a unique beauty with rolling dark clouds over the lake. Rambha is easily accessible by air, with the nearest airport in Bhubaneswar (130 km away), and by train, with the closest railhead at Balugaon (35 km away).

Mangalajodi

Mangalajodi is a bird watcher’s paradise, attracting thousands of tourists every year, especially during winter. Named after a nearby village, this area features extensive wetlands along the edge of Chilika Lake. These wetlands attract a multitude of migratory birds from across the world, with over 150,000 birds visiting during peak season. Mangalajodi is recognized as an International Bird Conservation Area, offering a tranquil atmosphere with floating white water-lilies and serene landscapes. The orange glow of the setting sun adds to its ethereal beauty. Just a 90-minute drive from Bhubaneswar, Mangalajodi is gaining recognition on India's birding map, hosting nearly 150 species of migratory birds and around 40 resident species.

Nalabana Bird Sanctuary

Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, or Nalabana Island, is the core area of Chilika Lake's Ramsar-designated wetlands and serves as the breeding and nesting ground for birds. Declared a sanctuary in 1973 under the Wildlife Protection Act, it spans 1,555 hectares of dense green forests and a rich ecosystem of aquatic animals and birds. The sanctuary features more than 150 species of fish and shrimps and hundreds of bird species. During the monsoon season, the island is submerged and reemerges post-monsoon. The best time to visit is between October and March, when the sanctuary hosts the maximum number of migratory birds.

Satapada

Satapada is famous for its Irrawaddy dolphins and beach sightseeing. Located 50 km from Puri, it is home to the only known population of these dolphins in India, classified as Endangered by the IUCN. Satapada is also the site where Chilika Lake meets the Bay of Bengal at Sea Mouth Island. The area offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and boating.

Rajhans Island

A serene island in Chilika, Rajhans is perfect for a day picnic with loved ones. Bordered by a lagoon on one side and the ocean on the other, and surrounded by mountains and forests, it offers a peaceful escape for visitors.

Irrawaddy Dolphin Watch

Chilika Lake is one of the only two places worldwide where Irrawaddy dolphins can be found, making it a prime spot for dolphin watching. Tourists flock to Satapada every year for a chance to see these unique creatures.

Location

- Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport (55 km)

- Nearest Railway Station: Chilika Railway Station (2 km) or Balugaon Railway Station (5 km)

- Nearest Bus Stand: Local Bus Stand, Chilika