Chilka – A Birder’s Paradise

With its reputation as Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, Chilka Lake swells from its water spread of 906 sq km to 1,165 sq km when the rains arrive, situated in coastal Oddish just 100 km from Kolkata. Chilka is known for its rich biodiversity which sees nature-lovers flocking to the place. One of the most important wetlands in the world, Chilka is home to a vast array of birds, some 165 species are found here, including ospreys, golden plovers, sandpipers, flamingos, pelicans, shovelers and gulls that make their homes in the lake and its reed island.

If you like birding, Chilka is bound to give you hours of pleasure. Make it a point to visit the Nalabana Island in the lagoon area which attracts around 400,000 water flows of different species. Often underwater, the island gradually emerges during the summer months.

The lake is also dotted with other islands like Kalijal, Somolo, and Rajahansa. You can take a boat trip on these places and observe the lives of the fisherman who inhabit them. On another island is Kalijai Temple, its deity figuring in local folklore. The boat trip to the temple island is a must-do.

Nature lovers who go to Chilka keep a watch for the Irrawaddy Dolphins often spotted off Satpada Island which is bounded by the lagoon on three sides and has a long sand bar.

From Chilka, you can also make a quick trip to Puri with Gozocabs to see the temples and invoke the blessings of Lord Jagannath.

Also read – Plan a quick one-day trip to Puri

How to reach Chika?

Chilka Lake is about 100 kilometers from Bhubaneswar. You can reach here via buses or cabs. The best cab service in Bhubaneswar for outstation travel is that of Gozo Cabs. Gozo offers taxis for one-way travel, package tours, and airport transfers.

Book a Gozo Cab today and get a minimum Rs. 250 off.