The Chilka is the largest lake in India and the largest brackish water lake in Asia. It is situated on the southern coast of Orissa – stretching through the districts of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam. It covers an area of nearly 1200 square kilometers which gets reduced to nearly 850 sq. Km in summer. The Bay of Bengal flows in through a narrow passage to Chilka making it an enormous lagoon of brackish water. Interspersed with hundred or small and big islands the lake is encircled by hills all along its arched shape. The major hills inside the lake are Deepamundia, Kalijugeswar, Ghantasila, Bhaleri, Soleri and Jatiya. The islands of the lake most of which are uninhabited bear colourful names like Honeymoon Island, Breakfast Island, Lamp hill etc. The major populous island include Parikuda, which is the largest island in Chilika and Maluda, the second largest.
The placid waters of Chilka comprise of diverse flora and fauna with many rare and endangered species. Chilka is the home of about 150 species of birds, one third of which are permanent while the remaining two thirds are migrants. The migrant spices of birds include Siberian Cranes, Flamingoes and Pelicans which, come from far off places like Siberia, Australia, Persian Gulf and Nepal. The resident varieties include Dowitcher, one of the least known Asian shore birds and the spoon hill, sand piper one of the rarest now a days. Chilka is therefore declared as a national bird Sanctuary since 1987.
Chilka is the national aquarium of about 160 varieties of fish. It yields around 7000 tones of catch every year- mostly, prawns, pomfrets, mullets and Crabs. The surrounding hills and sandy stretches of Chilka are home to Cheetals, black bucks, monkeys, fishing cats, mongoose, and porcupines. Snakes, turtles, lizards and cobras also inhabit the surrounding beach area and wooded undergrowth. Chilka is also the haven for dolphins, otters and bats.
The three major attraction of Chilka are Nalabana, Kalijai Temple and Satapara. Nalabana one of the biggest islands is known as the bird’s island. It is 10 Kms. stretch of marsh, that lies submerged during the rainy season providing an ideal grazing field to the birds.
Kalijai Island is the home to Goddess Kalijai. It is a famous tourist spot which hosts a huge fair in “Makar Sankranti”.
Satapara is a retreat on Chilka lake near the confluence of the lake with the sea. The dolphins are found here abundantly throughout the year. Boating and cruising facilities are available here. It is an ideal spot to enjoy Chilka.
Chilka Lake is also surrounded by many picnic spots like Narayani, Bhagabati and Nirmalajhar. Narayani is situated 10 kms.from Barakul, by the side of a perrinial stream. It is the shrine of famous Goddess Narayani. Goddess Bhagabati’s temple is situated at Banapur, which is 13 kms away from Barkul. The temple of Dakshya Prajapiti is also located here. Nirmalhjar, 21 kms. from Barakul is also a place of religious worship and picnic spot.
The best time to visit to Chilka is the winter when the lake hosts to Millions of migratory birds. Boats to tour Chilka are readily available at Balugaon, Barkul, Rambha and Satapada.
One can feel the joy of freedom, of infinity and adventure once he visits Chilka. Chilka is nature’s best bounty and Orissa is proud of having such a charming face called Chilka.