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Orissa Chilka Lake
Chilka lake is a pear shaped situated in the Orissa district is said to be brackish or briny water lagoon which means the lake water is more saline or contains more salinity than that of the fresh water but not as salty as the sea water. It is close to 1100 km covering area, and is said to be the largest coral reef in India and the second largest in the world .
Chilika lake upholds more than 15000 population of fishermen living in around 132 villages It is said to be a historical brackish lagoon which is actually a shallow water body set apart from a larger water part.
This lake is studded with many small islands including islands poetically named as “honeymoon island” and “breakfast island”
In 1981, this lake was denominated as the foremost Indian “wetland of international importance” under the “ramsar convention”
Main attraction
Chilika lake is found to be the favourite pause off for the migratory birds. birds from far around continents and countries can be found here during the peak winter be that from the far Caspian sea or remote parts of Africa like Aral sea or be that central or southeast asia and Himalayas as well. It’s unique eco –system inviting the rare native and migratory birds makes it a favourite visiting spot to satisfy the unquenchable thirst of the bird watchers. The chilika lake is also home for those species of plants and animals which are vulnerable to endangerment in the near future like spotted deer, golden jackles. Black bucks and many more. The climate is near to warm for whole of the year.The best time to visit would be anytime except the rainy season.
The lake is having a flourishing aquatic life including rare species of fishes crustaceans and other aquatic creatures. With the very famous chilika dolphin., in fact this lake is also home to some of the largest varieties of flamingos. If you are an avid photographer, and holde the intoxication of shooting wildlifes then you can never miss chilka . you never know at any point of time you can get the day’s catch, a flock of sleeping elephant might be waiting for you.
There are various tourist spot abinding chilika lake like
1 Nalabana: forest famous for a home to the migratory birds, a must view for the bird watchers
2 Bird’s island cozy and heavenly place for the migratory birds in their own moves
3 Satapada: you can never miss the famous chilika dolphins moving at their natural habitat here
4 Bramhaputra: a beautiful place famous for its natural and scenic beauty.
5 kalijai: it is said that the godess kalijai abides here, this island is a famous ritual point
6 parikud: beautiful island in the lake
7 malud: this island is solely famous for its surreal natural beauty
History
In some of the finest ancient writings of a Chinese traveller Fa-Hien with reference to chilika lake , it is said that at the bank of the lake there was anciently a major harbour from where ships flaunts for south east Asia. This harbour was located at chhatragarh around the border of chilika lake.
How To Reach
Chilika is about 120 km away from Bhubaneswar. There are ample transport systems available from Bhubaneswar to chilika ranging from state transport. OTDC tour buses to private transports
The service of local boats and OTDC motor boats are available to get access of the different islands
You can board three wheel rickshaws and auto rickshaws as local transport
Photo Gallery