Nesting Ground - Salt water lake rich with bio diversity

Chilika Lake near Bhubaneswar in Orissa, is Asia’s largest inland salt water lagoon, separated from Bay of Bengal by a sandy ridge. The Chilika Bird sanctuary, spread across 1,100 sq km, boasts of a unique ecosystem with species like the while-bellied sea eagles, grey legged geese, purple moorhen, herons and flamingos nesting here in the winter. 

Chilika, a hot spot of bio diversity, shelters a great number of endangered species like Irrawaddy dolphin which is a fresh water dolphin. Motor launches take you to Satapada Island for dolphin watching tours where these cetaceans can be seen playing in the clear waters.

The lake is an integral part of the people of Coastal Orissa for both religious as well as economic reasons. Pilgrims flock here in January during the Makar Mela to pay obeisance to Goddess Kalijai. The salt water of the lake encourages prawn, crab and mackerel fishing and one can see numerous small fishing boats setting sail in the mornings to get the day’s catch. Honeymoon, Breakfast, Nalabana (Island of Reeds) and Parikud are some interesting islands inside the lake.

Getting There:

Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar. Nearest railway station is at Balugaon and Rambha. NH5 connects Bhubaneswar with Chilika. (I went to Bhubaneswar by air from Delhi and then hired a cab).