Chilika
Introduction and Histroy :Chilika Lake is the pride of Orissa. It is the largest brackish Water Lagoon in India and the second largest coastal lagoon in the world. It is the largest wintering ground for migratory indigenous birds on the Indian sub-continent. Birds as far as Siberia migrate to this beautiful lake and it is a top biodiversity hotspot. The lake is home to a number of endangered species of plants and animals. Notable among them are the Irrawadi dolphins and bottle-nosed dolphins from the nearby sea. It is said to be Asia’s largest salt-water lagoon, inland.
What To See :Eco-tourism has been encouraged for preservation of this biodiversity hotspot. The lake is studded with a number of islands such as the Becon Island, with an architectural conical pillar built by Mr. Snodgrass, the then collector of Ganjam of the East India Company, on a mass of rock in the Rambha Bay near Ghantasila hill. It has scenic azure blue water spread surrounded by the Eastern Ghat. The Breakfast Island is home to rare plants and is appealing in flora. Honeymoon Island with clear waters has abundant red and green macro algae in the bed are also known for the limbless lizard, an endemic species found here. The best season to visit is from October to June
Things to do: Somolo and Dumkudi islands in the backdrop of picturesque Khalikote hill range, are inundated remnants of the Eastern Ghats with loaded flora and fauna and also known for the sighting of Irrawaddy Dolphins. Satapada village, at the new mouth of the lake, provides a fine-looking view of the Lake and also views of the Dolphins. Sadly, it is said that the tourists’ boats have been a reason for the accidental deaths of dolphins. Visit the Birds’ island and Parikud for an avian spectacle. Make a trip to the Kalijai Temple located on an island which is the abode of the Goddess Kalijai. The Shiva temple, Alupatna can also be visited here. A fair is held on the day of Makar Sakranti at the Kalijai temple here. Sand-Bar and Mouth of the Lake is an outstanding and un-explored stretch of 30 Kilometers of empty beach which separates the Lake from the Sea.
Accomodations :Hotels are available at a very cheap price. On the shores of the lake, rest houses and bungalows are available.
Mode Of Transport :Nearest airport is at Bhubaneshwar. The nearest railheads are at Balugaon and Rambha which are directly connected to other major cities. Both Barkul and Rambha are situated on the National Highway Number 5 (NH-5). Regular buses ply between Bhubaneshwar and Balugaon (for Barkul) and Rambha from where autos and cycle-rickshaws are available.
Related links:• Chilika tourist information: www.chilika.com
• Orissa tourist information: http://www.orissatourism.gov.in/
See also (Nearby places):Puri, Bhubaneshwar, Konark, Narayani , Gopalpur-on-Sea , and Taptapani Sulphur Spring.
