The Vast and beautiful Chilka Lake is situated on the east coast of Orissa India. It is upto 70 km long and upto 32 km wide. It is largest brakish salt water lagoon in Asia. The maximum dept of the Chilka lake is 132 meters. The lake receives direct water supply from the Mahanadi river. It is one of the largest lake in India and is the most sought after destination near to the magnificent city of Puri. Kalijai island, Breakfast island, Nalabana (island of reeds), Honeymoon island, Parikud island, Birds island, etc. are some of the interesting spots around the lake. Khurda and Ganjam are the two districts spread around the Chilka lake. The ideal time to visit the lake lies between the month of October to June.
Flora
and Fauna of the Chilka Lake : Chilka Lake is the popular destination for the Eco tourism. The lake of Chilka holds the rich floral system. It is the home to large number of aquatic plants. The lake also holds the exotic wildlife. The Nalabana Island is the popular bird sanctuary, known as the Chilka Wildlife Sanctuary. It is the breeding ground of both the residential and migratory birds. There are more than 150 species of birds found in this area. White bellied sea eagles, greylag geese, purple moorhen, jacana, herons and flamingos, Egrets, Gray and Purple Herons, Indian Roller, Storks and White Ibis, Spoonbills, Brahminy Ducks, Shovellers and Pintails are the attractions found here. Along with the large species of birds, 226 species of fishes and two genra of pawns are spotted here. Apart from the birds, Chilka is the home to wide variety of wild animals such as blackbuck, spotted deer, elephants, hyenas and golden jackal. The lake is also surrounded by the 170 species of the wild flowers.
Adventure At Chilka Lake :
Due to the wide range of species of birds Chilka Lake is the popular birding site. Tourists on the tour to the Chilka must not forget to carry the binoculars with them and can engage themselves in the Bird watching. Chilka Lake is also quite popular for the fishing and angling. Even the visitors have the opportunity to take the boat cruise around the lake. You can also go for the leisure walk in and around the park to explore its beauty.
Sightseeing at Chilka :
Visiting the sightseeing destinations around the lake can be a enchanting experience. You may visit the island of Kalijai which is the popular religious center. Thousands of pilgrims flock here every year to pay homage to the Goddess kalijai. You can also be a part of the fair that is held here on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on the 14th of January every year. The lake can also be been fron the running train or any other vehicle. Another major attraction of the lake is the Nalabana, which is the famous birding spot. Than the tourists can visit Satapada where the famous Chilka Dolphins are can be seen in their natural best.
