Chilika Lake

Introduction

A vast lake along the eastern coast of Orissa with beautiful islands, flamingoes wading in the shallow waters and the air echoing with the chirping of birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Aral Sea and other parts of Mongolia, Central and South-East Asia, the Irrawady dolphins making playful appearances in the water… this is only a glimpse of the breath-taking beauty of Chilika Lake.

Asia’s largest brackish water estuarine lake, Chilika sprawls over an area of 1100 sqkm. covering parts of three disctricts of Orissa i.e. Puri on the East, Khurda on the North and Ganjam on the South. The Chilika Lake is one among the state’s major tourist attractions and has remained a favourite destination for tourists from across the world. Bird-watchers or nature-lovers, young and old, Chilika has a lot to offer to everyone.

Abounding in unique flora and fauna, Chilika supports the livelihood of more than hundred thousand families living in and around it. On the basis of salinity and depth, the lake is divided into four natural sectors. It is dotted with numerous islands prominent among which are Nalabana, Kalijai, Somolo, Honeymoon, Breakfast, Birds and Rajahans. These islands draw large crowds owing to their incredible beauty. The rich bio-diversity and socio-economic importance of Chilika has earned it the status of a Ramsar site. Winter is the best time to visit Chilika as over 160 species of migratory birds flock the islands during this time of the year. The birds come from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other parts of Runia, Kirghiz Steppes of Mongolia, Central and South East Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas. Besides the vast congregation of migratory birds, the limitless blue stretch of water, the beautiful virgin beaches separating the sea and the lagoon, the islands with rich flora and fauna and the playful dolphins add more charm to the beauty of this place.

Being a major tourist destination, the place has all arrangements for the comfort of its guests. The floating restaurant in the lake at Barkul offers leisure at business. Similarly Rambha and Satapada are two other sites around Chilika where the visitors can experience infinite pleasure. Chilika is blessed with a beauty, which cannot be confined in words. It goes much beyond any imagination; one has to see it to believe.

Places of Interest

Satapara : About 50 km from Puri, Satapara, surrounded by Chilika lake on three sides, is nestled on the eastern shore of the lake. The Irrawady dolphins are the major attraction of Satapada. It also offers the visitors with a beautiful beach on the new mouth where Chilika meets the sea. The sad bar that separates Chilika from the sea is found here.

Sand bar and the mouth of Chilika: One can take a leisurely stroll or spend hours along the endless stretch of the unexplored beach across the sand bar. The blue waters of Chilika and the sea and the silence pervading the atmosphere can give an unforgettable experience. Interested tourists can also contact the forest beat house for having a camp there.

Barunakuda : It is a tiny island situated near Magarmukh with a temple dedicated to Lord Varuna, the God of Wealth and the King of Sea.

Manikapatna : A village named after Manika, a milkmaid who had supposedly sold yogurt to Lord Jagannath and Lord Balabhadra when they were on their way to Kanchi in the disguise of soldiers. The Lords had descended as soldiers to avenge the insult of their devotee King Purushottam Deva (King of Orissa – 15th century AD) by King Kanchi who called him a sweeper as he sweeps chariots of the Lords during the Rath Yatra. On listenting to the episode of the soldiers, Purushottam Deva could realize that they were none other than the two Lords who had come down to help him. Thus, elated the king granted a village to Manika, which came to be known as Manikapatna. Apart from this interesting folklore, this place is also known for the temple of Bhabakundaleswar Shiva, which exists along with a mosque.

Rambha : On the southern end of the Lake Rambha is an ideal place to visit the most beautiful islands in Chilika. Beacon island, located 3 km from Rambha, presents an architectural marvel with a conical pillar and a small room constructed on a submerged mass of rock near Ghantasila hill. The pear shaped Breakfast Island situated between Badakuda and Somolo Island, the Honeymoon Island are among the other islands where tourists can relax for hours.

Barkul : One of the entry points to the lake, Barkul is three hours journey by boat from Satapada. A beautiful Panthanivas and Water Sports Complex with Floating Restaurant and Shikara boats of OTDC Ltd are available for the tourists.

Major Attractions

Nalabana : Famous for the Bird Sanctuary- an asylum for long range migrants in winter.

Birds Island : A haven for resident and migratory birds.

Kalijai : Abode of Goddess Kalijai, the presiding deity of Chilika.

Brahmapura : A scenic spot in between the sea and the lake - an ideal site for viewing small deer, called Baliharina.

Parikud & Malud : Colourful islands within the lake.

Nirmalajhar : (11 km from Rambha and 21 km from Barkul) Famous for a perennial stream with the temple of Goddess Bimala. Also a frequently visited picnic spot.

Narayani : (10 km from Barkul and 22 km from Rambha) By the side of a perennial stream, the shrine of Goddess Narayani adorns the place.

Banpur : (13 km from Barkul and 8 from Balugaon) The revered shrines of Goddess Bhagabati and Daksh-Prajapati make this a centre for religious activities.

Taptapani : (125 km from Barkul and 100 km from Rambha) A pleasant health resort with a hot sulphur spring having medicinal properties. The water of the spring is channelised to the bath-tubs of Panthanivas for steam bath

Gopalpur-on-sea : (75 km from Barkul and 50 km from Rambha) An ancient seaport, reminding of the maritime glory of Orissa in the past. Presently it is a favourite seaside resort for many tourists.

Approach

Air : Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport – 105 km from Barkul, 130 km from Rambha and 110 km from Satapada. In idan Airlines has flights from Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai. Other Airlines like Jetlite, Indigo, Air Deccan and Kingfisher have flights from different metropolis of the country to Bhubaneswar.

Rail : The Kolkata-Chennai rail route of East Coast Railway touches Chilika lake at Balugaon, Chilika, Khallikote and Rambha. The nearest railway station for Barkul is Balugaon (5 km) and for Satapada at Puri (50 km)

Road : The Chennai bound NH No. 5 linking Kolkata-Cuttack-Bhubaneswar-Balugaon-Barkul-Rambha-Berhampur and Visakhapatnam runs along the lake. Satapada is only 50 km by road from Puri.
Buses and Taxis to Chilika are available at Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri and Berhampur. Autorickshaws are available at Balugaon for Barkul.
OTDC and other Private Tour Operators provide both A/C and non-A/C luxury coaches and cars from Puri and Bhubaneswar at reasonable rates.

Cruise : Motor lauches of OTDC Ltd. Are available at Barkul, Rambha and Satapada and of the Revenue Department at Balugaon. Country boats can be hired from Private Operators at these places.

Accommodation

OTDC’s Panthanivas at Rambha, Tel (06810) 278346/211078,
Sri Krishna Lodge at Barkul, Hawa Mahal, Mob. 99371 51103,
Narayani Lodge, Tel 220521 and Patro Lodge at Balugaon,
Yatrinivas, Satapada, Tel (06752) 262077