Chilka is the largest brackish lake in India (about 71km long, up to 32km wide). The Lake boasts of a unique ecosystem, that includes an impressive range of birds both native and migratory. It is one
of the best places for bird lovers to catch the White bellied sea eagles, Grey legged geese, purple moorhen, jacana, herons, the peach coloured flamingoes etc. Migratory bird species already sighted include pelicans, plovers, sandpipers, seagulls, godwits, shovellers and pochards.
Chilka is a bird watcher’s paradise and visitors are overwhelmed by the spectacular display of color on display, courtesy our avian friends who seem to be at total bliss at the lake.
Birds both from within the country and outside throng the picturesque lake during the winter months. Chilka hosts birds from countries and places like regions like Siberia, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Central Europe, Tajikistan, Tibet and China. There are regular visits from regions like Ladakh in the Himalayan region. The birds normally arrive in October and stay till the first week of February. Typically something around 200 species of birds can be seen in the lake every winter and half of those are from the migratory category.
The most striking aspect about this lake lies in the fact that migratory birds have continued to arrive at their winter home of choice despite fear from experts that events like the 1999 devastating cyclone, the Afghanistan war would stop these feathered friends from coming to Chilka. But the events did not change the winged guests’ annual visit to the lake.
What is disturbing though is the statistics that the poachers kill almost 20,000 birds every year. This is in spite the fact that hunting is banned. The concerned authorities have been trying to negate this dangerous trend of birds being killed every year with new initiatives to protect the avian guests. Workshops are being
conducted in the surrounding villages about the need to protect these birds.
Other than the birds, the lake’s shores offer the visitors with the sightings of the blackbuck, spotted deer, golden jackals and hyenas. The lake is rich in aquatic
life too. About 160 species of fish, other marine creatures, including the famous Chilka dolphin are found.
An important source livelihood for the local people is the fishing of Prawn, crab and mackerel. A common sight in Chilka is hundreds of small fishing boats against the spectacular sunrise.
The hills on one side and the blue expanse of water make this a serene and perfect holiday spot. The lake is dotted with islands with interesting names such as Kalijai island, Breakfast island, Nalabana (island of reeds), Honeymoon island, Parikud island etc. To visit the islands as well for cruising inside the lake, visitors can avail of the water transport facilities of the 0rissa Tourist Department. Country boats can also be hired from private operators too.
Quality accommodation is available. The Panthanivas offers stunning views and a relaxed and leisurely vacation ambience. The best time to visit would be between October and March both for the birds and the cool weather.
Chilka is approximately 120 km from Bhubaneshwar. OTDC tour buses and private operators ply between Chilka, Puri, Behrampore, Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack on a regular basis.