The Blue Lagoon
Spread over an area
of 1,100-sq-km, the glorious stretch of the Chilika is Asia's largest
brackish water lake. Home to thousands of colourful birds throughout the
year, it is particularly noisy with the din of the raucous influx of
migratory birds who descend on it from as far off as Siberia in winter.
A real paradise for
bird watchers, Chilika offers visitors a spectacular display of its
colourful avian charms in a thousand different hues. The white bellied sea
eagle, the grey-legged geese, the peach coloured flamingoes, purple
moorhen, jacana and heron-all mingle in a flurry of crested feathers and
mind-blowing grace.
A Natural Bliss
The surrounding
hills and sandy stretches abound in cheetals, blackbucks, monkeys, fishing
cats, mongoose and porcupines and a dolphin population cavorting joyfully
near the channel meeting the sea. Snakes and turtles, lizards and cobras
inhabit the surrounding beach area and wooded undergrowth.
ATTRACTIONS
WITHIN THE LAKE
Nalbana Island:
A number of islands
dot the expanse of the lake including Nalbana Island. Due to its varied
flora and fauna, it forms the core of Chilika sanctuary.
Birds Island:
It is a hav
en for the resident and migratory birds. One can watch the
birds in their natural habitat here.
Kalijal Island:
Kalijal Island is
home to the Goddess Kalijai, and hosts a huge fair on Makar Sankranti
annually in the month of January. Maa Kalijai is venerated by the local
boatsmen.
Satapada:
Satapada is another
retreat in nature on Chilika Lake, recently opened up to the tourists.
With natural charm of being located near the confluence of Chilika and the
ocean and for its proximity to Puri (48-km), Satapada is an ideal spot to
enjoy Chilika Lake. The thrilling sight of Dolphins round the year and
abundance of migratory and resident birds in winter make Satapada a
preferred lace for a vacation with nature.
Parikud and
Malud: They are colourful islands within the lake.
Brahmapura: The
place is known for its scenic beauty.
The large fishing
community adds local flavour to a trip to the lake. Their traditional
colourful sailboats, bobbing expertly across the waters, bring back
memories of the ancient maritime heritage of the Kalinga Sadhavas.Best
Time To Visit
The nicest time to
visit Chilika is during winter, when the lake reverberates with din of its
avian population. Boats, to tour the lake, can be hired at Balugan Barkul
and Rambha. One can persuade the local fisher-folk to take you on one of
their native wooden boats.
CRUISING ON
CHILIKA
The Revenue
Department also maintains some boats at Balugaon. One can also hire
country boats from private operators at these places and at Satapada as
well.
EXCURSIONS
Nirmala Jhar:
