Chilka

Chilka is one of the Orissa attractions, which is visited by many tourists who come to the state on a vacation. The beautiful natural surroundings of Lake Chilka in Orissa make this place one of the most commonly visited tourist places of Orissa.

Chilka of Orissa is actually the biggest salt water lake of the entire country of India. It is situated towards the south-west of Puri, which is one of the most prominent tourist spots of the state. The Chilka Lake of Orissa is quite shallow. The length of the lake is 70 kms, while its width is 15 kms.

One of the main attractions of the Chilka Lake is the variety of birds that come here during the months of winter. These different species of birds mainly come from Siberia.

There are a number of islands on the lake. The main islands of this water body are Kalijai island, Nalabana island, Breakfast island, Parikud island, Honeymoon island and Birds island. The hills near the Chilka Lake with lots of greenery add to the beauty of the place.

The Nalabana island is well known for giving shelter to the migratory birds in the wintertime. The well known temple of Goddess Kalijai has been established on the Kalijai island. A fair is organized in this temple during the Makar Sankranti. This fair is held every year on the 14th of January.