NESTING in the heart of Coastal District Puri, Asia's largest & biggest inland Brackish water lake, Chilika, streching across the length of the three districts of Puri, Khurdha& Ganjam ,itjoins up with the Bay of Bengal through a narrow mouth ,forming an enormous lagoon of brackish water .Spread over an area of 1,100 sq. km it was declared a sanctuary in 1987. Dotted with many emerald green islands with colorful names such as honeymoon islands and Breakfast island ,Chilika is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna .It is also a sanctuary and winter resort for migratory birds like a bird watcher's paradise. Sun rise and Sun set are memorable experiences here. Winter is the loveliest time at Chilika ,with thousands of migratory birds flying in from as far as Siberia to make their winter sojourn in strange waters . The water come alive with their raucous cries and colorful plumage as the birds battle to find space to make their new homes . While the lake's Nalabana island has been declared a sanctuary for its varied flora and fauna , Kalijai island is home to Goddess Kalijai and the venue for annual Makar Mela.
Boating and fishing facilities are available in this lake containing a large variety of fish.The lake provides a livelihood to thousands of fishermen . Chital and Black buck roam freely on the scrubby shores while Dolphins gambol playfully in the foam of the churning waters at Chilika mouth near Satapara .For crushing and visiting the islands , one can make use of the motor launches of the OTDC at Barakul and Rambha , and the revenue department at Balugaon. Private boats are also available here. OTDC organises water sports in Chilika at the Water sports complex , located at Barakul . Hundreds of boats sail out daily on the lake's blue expanse in search of mackerel , Prawn Crabs, the sight providing an insight into the pageant of rural India at its colorful best.
Encircled by Hills all along its arched shape, Chilika Lake's colorful changes with passing clouds overhead and the shifting sun. The water ripples languidly , occasionally rippling with a gentle breeze across from the Bay of Bengal .
LOCATION
Chilika Lagoon is situated between 19028’ and 19054’ North latitude and 85005’ and 85038’ East longitudes. It extends from Southwest corner of Puri and Khurda districts to the adjoining Ganjam District of Orissa State. It is well connected by Air, Rail and Roads. It is 100 km away from Biju Patnaik InternationalAirport, Bhubaneswar
and 2 km froBalugaon Railway Station. The Calcutta -Chennai rail route of S.E.R. touches Chilika Lake at Balugaon , Chilika, Khallikote and Rambha . National Highway No. 5 runs along
the lake and touches Balugaon , Barkul and Rambha. Buses and taxis are available from Cuttack ,Bhubaneswar,Puri and Berhampur to Chilika. OTDC provides luxury coaches and
cars from Bhubaneswar and puri
SATAPADA :- Satapara , a retreat in nature on Chilika lake,is opened up to the tourists . For its location near the confluence of the lake with the ocean and proximity to puri(48km), it is an ideal spot to enjoy Chilika . The thrilling sight of dolphins round the year and abundance of migratory and resident birds in winter make it a preffered place for a vacation with nature. Boating facilities are available at Satapada to watch dolphins.
Stay: OTDC Yatrinivas at satapada
Rajahansa I.B.
It is a guest house of Forest Department situated in an island nemed Berhampura near the mouth of Chilika where it meets the Bay of Bengal. The beautiful isoleted beach in front of the Guest House is the point of attraction
Goddess kalijai: In the heart of Chilika the famous Temple of Goddess kalijai is situated in a small island. The island has connection through motor boat from Balugaon (90 Km from Bhubaneswar in National High Way-5 towards Madras). It is also a famous picnic spot
