Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary, Orissa: Heaven for Bird Watchers

The Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary, which envelopes Orissa’s Chilka Lake, which is Asia’s largest inland salt-water lagoon. Chilka lake is considered by many to be the country’s most prolific natural paradise and is a heaven for bird watchers. Located a 100 odd kms to the southwest of the holy town of Puri, the Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary covers an area of 1,100 sq kms and is among the most unique of India’s wildlife sanctuaries.

Chilka Lake itself is a place for nature lovers and is an ideal spot for fishing, boating and bird watching. The Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary is at its wonderful best during winter when it serves as the temporary home of thousands of indigenous and migratory birds such as jacana, greylag geese, white bellied sea eagles, purple moorhen, herons and flamingos.

The vast Chilka Lake is dotted with many islands, some of which are very rarely visited and are treasures ready to be discovered. The natural scenery of the region is very captivating with the green and wooded Eastern Ghats on one side and the blue lake on the other. Beside the many birds, the Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary is also home to spotted deer, blackbuck, golden jackals and hyenas. The lake is home to a rich aquatic ecosystem and harbours around 160 species of fish, crustaceans and other marine creatures, of which perhaps the most famous is the Chilka dolphin.

PLACES to VISIT- Chilka Lake

The region around the Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary is also home to many tourist spots.

  • Perhaps the most prominent among these is the Kalijai temple, which is dedicated to Kalijai, the presiding deity of Chilka. Located 2 kms from INS Chilka, the easiest way to reach the temple is via boat.
  • Located 7 kms away from Chilka Lake is Narayani, a famous picnic spot. Located beside multiple natural springs, this picnic spot also houses a temple dedicated to Goddess Narayani.
  • Nirmaljhar, located 35 kms away, is another picnic spot and lies beside a perennial stream that flows into different ponds. Nirmaljhar also houses a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
  • Located 15 kms from Chilka is Banpur, which is famous for its cane furniture and the temple of Dakshya Prajapati (that is dedicated to Goddess Bhagabati).
  • Located 90 kms away from Chilka is the very famous seaside resort of Gopalpur.
  • Taptapani (literally, boiling water) is located 125 kms from Chilka and is home to hot sulphur spring that is considered to be able to cure skin diseases. The plumbing of the tourist bungalows of Taptapani is connected to the spring so that guests are able to take a spa-bath.

Chilka Lake- TRAVEL TIPS

  • Languages: Hindi and Oriya are widely spoken in the region surrounding the Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary, and as such communication should not be a problem. English too is somewhat prevalent.
  • Cuisine: Cuisine catering to all tastes and stomachs is readily available in this wildlife habitat.
  • Wildlife: Wildlife photography and boating in the lake are highly recommended.

Many tour operators in India offer package wildlife tourism tours and national park tours.

BEST TIME to visit

Though, the Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary can be visited any time of the year, the monsoons aren’t exactly the right time. The best time to visit the Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary is between the months of October and March, as it is during this time that many species of migratory birds make Chilka Lake their temporary home. Find Travel Agents suiting your travel on Tripraja.com

BEST WAY to reach Chilka lake

  • By Air: Bhubaneshwar, located 120 kms away, is the airport nearest to this wildlife park.
  • By Rail: Balugaon, located 100 kms away, is the nearest railway station.
  • By Road: The Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary is well connected to all the important cities in the region. Buses are plenty from all towns/cities in the region.

ACCOMMODATION

In this wildlife sanctuary, hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets. The region surrounding the Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary abounds in family holiday bungalows and wildlife resorts.