Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in the world, spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha state on the east coast of India, flowing into the Bay of Bengal, covering an area of over a thousand square kilometer. It is also the largest coastal lagoon in India and wintering ground for migratory birds in the Indian subcontinent and is listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site.
The lagoon hosts over hundreds of species of birds in the peak migratory season from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Kazakhstan, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas. Some of the birds travel as much as nearly 12,000 km to reach Chilika Lake.
The lake has numerous islands. The larger islands, separated by shallow channels, lie between the barrier and the main body of the lake. The six major islands are Parikud, Phulbari, Berahpura, Nuapara, Nalbana, and Tampara.
Nalbana Island is the core area of the Ramsar designated wetlands of Chilika Lake. Nalbana means a weed-covered island In the Odia language. It is a major island in the center of the lake.
Birds’ island, located in the southern sector of the lake has huge exposed hanging rocks. These rocks are naturally painted white due to folic acid of the droppings of the birds and is known primarily for migratory birds in winter. These rocky mountains are known locally as Chadhei Haga Pahada (Mountain covered with Bird’s droppings).
Kalijai Temple located on an island is considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai. This temple is located at a hill which is surrounded by blue waters. Local people of Chilika refer to the Goddess as the reigning deity of the lagoon.
Satapada village, at the new mouth of the lake, provides a splendid view of the Lake and the dolphins.
The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella Brevirostris) is the flagship species of Chilika lake. Chilika is home to the only known population of these dolphins in India and one of only two lagoons in the world that are home to this species. You can witness the dancing and playing dolphins during the boat ride into these parts of Chilika.
Hundreds of boats here provide tours of the lake for tourists. The beautiful scenery in the midst of the lake water surrounded by mountains is just mesmerizing.
Other famous sites in Chilika are:
Parikud: A group of composite islands for nature lovers and provides an avian spectacle during winter season.
Barunkuda, a small island situated near Magarmukh, the mouth of the lake, has a temple of Lord Varuna.
Nabagraha is an ancient deity located along the outer channel.
Chourbar Shiva Temple is located near Alupatna village, along the outer channel.
Sand-Bar and Mouth of the Lake towards the sea is a striking and un-explored stretch of 30 km of empty beach across the sand bar which separates the Lake from the Sea.
Photographs by Sambit Daspatnaik
