Chilka Lake

One of the largest inland lagoons of the continent, the Chilka Lake is reputed for the rich flora and fauna that abounds in the region. The brackish salt water of the inland lagoon supports a huge marine and aquatic life.

The estuarine lagoon is formed in the mouth of the River Mahanadi that opens itself in the Bay of Bengal. The lake is home to a number of endangered and rare species of aquatic plants and animals. Chilka Lake is home to a variety of 225 species of fishes. The lake supports a huge number of fisher folk who derive their source of sustenance from fishing in the Chilka Lake. The brackish waters of the lake is also the breeding place for the mackerel, prawn and crabs. The region is also rich in fauna with the growth of endangered species of the Barakudia limbless skink. The Nalaban Bird Sanctuary is located in the island nestled in the midst of the lake. The island is visited by rare migratory birds specially in the winter months. Devotees flock the region in the month of January during the festive season of the Makar Mela to offer prayers to the Goddess Kalijai.

The Chilka Lake is situated at a distance of 120 kilometers from the city of Bhubaneshwar and is well connected to the city. There are several tourist lodges and hotels set up in near the lake to facilitate tourism. Tourists gather in large numbers to visit the lake which has been declared as the Ramsar Site due to its rich flora and fauna. The best time to visit the lake is between the months of October to March.