Chilika Lake- Bird Arena with Irresistible Beauty

Though these words almost describe the serenity you would find at the Chilika Lake, but beauty of nature glows more when experienced. And when you visit it, you will be just speechless. The largest brackish water lagoon lake of Asia, Chilika Lake located on the beachfront of Bay of Bengal on Odisha offers idyllic and panoramic scenery especially for birdwatchers. It will not be wrong to say that it is a paradise for birders. Chilika Lake is winter stop-over of the migratory birds and thus during the season, many exotic and beautiful bird species can be spotted here. The combination comprising the landscape of the region is simply a gorgeous with chirping of birds, aquatic serenity studded with tiny islands and overlooking hills. The sunrises and sunsets enhance the beauty of the arena and make it one of the most beautiful spots in Odisha. If you have plans of discovering the real Odisha, then this spot must be there in your bucket list.

Chilika Lake – The Winter Stop-Over Spot of Migratory Birds

The water body is spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam District, covering almost 1,100 km² of area. So, when you are there in Puri, you can easily visit Chilika Lake. As the area is a major eco-tourism spot, it is well connected to major cities nearby and various tour operators work in the region offering affordable transportation to the major spots at Chilika Lake.

Top Attractions at Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake is one of the largest eco-system, supporting exotic flora and fauna. This makes the place perfect for enjoying a variety of wildlife along with beautiful scenic islands and locations.

• Dolphin Point– Who does not love dolphins. They are the most wonderful creatures and friendly too, overloaded with cuteness. At Chilika Lake you can catch glimpses of these cute creatures. The endangered Irrawady Dolphins, which are spotted at only 2 Lagoons in the world, can also be spotted here along with the bottle-nosed dolphins.

 

Bottle-Nose Dolphins Just Under the Nose!

• Satpada– At this spot, witness the confluence of Bay of Bengal and Chilika Lake. The panoramic is one of the best sights to behold. Dolphin Point is very near to Satapada and boating activity is offered by the Dolphin Motor Boat Association.
• Nirmaljhara Island– one of the major picnic spot amidst the brackish water lagoon, Nirmaljhara has mythological significance as it is believed to be connected to Lord Vishnu. A stream flows out of the image of Lord Vishnu which is known as Nirmaljahara.
• Sankunda Island– Shankh or Breakfast Island- these are the nicknames given to Sankunda Island. Rich floral species can be found at this spot.
• Bird Island– It is a major spot which is visited by thousands of bird species and thus is an important hub for bird watchers. Rare herbs, trees, creepers, and shrubs comprise the bio-diversity of Bird Island and white granite rocks are among the special attractions.

Apart from these Tara Tarini Temple, Mangalajodi, and Kali Jai Temple are other popular attractions.

Interesting Stories of Chilika

Today Chilika is recognized as a major wetland area and in 1981 was designated as Ramsar Site for better protection. But just like any other spot, Chilika too has its tales. Some ancient text mark Chilika as one of the major harbour for International trading. It is believed that once it was a deep, open bay and sheltered trading ships. Also there are stories of a pirate king Raktabahu, who is said to have crosses seas to conquer the holy place Puri, but was left misguided by magnificent waters of Chilika Lake.

Chilika has evolved with time and is now a part that makes Odisha, incredible Odisha.

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