Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit a lake that is larger than some countries? A lake that hosts millions of migratory birds every year? A lake that is the only place in India where you can see dolphins in their natural habitat? If you are looking for such a unique and unforgettable experience, then you should definitely plan a trip to Chilika Lake, India’s largest coastal lagoon and the second largest in the world.
Chilika Lake is a brackish water lake that covers an area of over 1100 square kilometers in the state of Odisha, India. It is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow strip of land and has a complex ecosystem that supports a diverse range of aquatic and terrestrial life forms. Chilika Lake is also a cultural and historical treasure, as it has been a witness to many events and influences that shaped the region and the country. In this article, we will explore the history, ecology, attractions, and activities of Chilika Lake, and how you can plan your trip to this amazing destination.
History of Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake has a long and fascinating history that dates back to ancient times. According to some legends, Chilika Lake was created by Lord Vishnu as a refuge for Goddess Lakshmi, who was being chased by a demon. According to some others, Chilika Lake was formed by the tears of Goddess Parvati, who was mourning the death of her son Ganesha. Whatever the origin, Chilika Lake has been a source of life and livelihood for many generations of people living around it.
Chilika Lake was also a hub of maritime trade and commerce in the past, as it was connected to the Bay of Bengal by several channels. It was frequented by merchants and travelers from different parts of the world, such as Greece, Rome, China, Southeast Asia, and Arabia. Chilika Lake also played a role in the colonial history of India, as it was occupied by the British, the French, and the Marathas at different times. Chilika Lake also witnessed some of the freedom struggles and movements that led to India’s independence from British rule.
In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated as a Ramsar site, meaning a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. In 2002, Chilika Lake was also inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Konark Sun Temple and other monuments in Odisha. These recognitions have helped to conserve and protect Chilika Lake from various threats and challenges.
Ecology of Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is a biodiversity hotspot that hosts more than 1000 species of plants and animals. It is especially famous for its avian diversity, as it attracts millions of migratory birds every year from places like Siberia, Central Asia, Europe, and Africa. Some of the common bird species that can be seen in Chilika Lake are flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, egrets, ducks, geese, cranes, ibises, spoonbills, gulls, terns, plovers, sandpipers, and many more. Chilika Lake is also home to some rare and endangered bird species such as the black-necked stork, the lesser flamingo, and the white-bellied sea eagle.
Chilika Lake is also known for its aquatic diversity, as it harbors more than 200 species of fish and crustaceans. It is one of the few places in India where you can see dolphins in their natural habitat. The Irrawaddy dolphin is the most famous resident of Chilika Lake, as it is one of only two lagoons in the world where this species can be found. The Irrawaddy dolphin is an endangered species that has a distinctive blunt head and a flexible neck. It can be seen swimming and jumping in the waters of Chilika Lake along with other dolphin species such as bottlenose dolphins and finless porpoises.
Chilika Lake is also home to some other rare and endangered aquatic species such as the olive ridley turtle, which comes to the nearby beaches to lay eggs every year. The olive ridley turtle is one of the smallest sea turtles in the world and has an olive-green shell. It is also one of the most threatened sea turtles due to poaching, fishing, and habitat loss. Chilika Lake also supports some other marine animals such as crabs, prawns, oysters, mussels, clams, and seaweeds.
However, Chilika Lake is also facing some serious ecological threats and challenges that need to be addressed urgently. To overcome these challenges, various conservation and restoration efforts have been undertaken by the government, NGOs, and local communities. Some of these are dredging the channels to improve the water flow, removing the invasive plants to increase the oxygen level, regulating the fishing activities to ensure sustainability, monitoring the dolphin population to ensure their protection, educating the public to raise awareness and participation, and promoting eco-tourism to generate income and incentives for conservation.
Attractions of Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake offers a plethora of attractions for visitors who want to experience its beauty and diversity. There are many places to visit in Chilika Lake that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are some of the top attractions of Chilika Lake that you should not miss:
1. Nalaban Island
This is a birdwatcher’s paradise, as it is a designated bird sanctuary that hosts millions of migratory birds every year. You can see a variety of colorful and exotic birds in Nalaban Island, such as flamingos, pelicans, storks, herons, egrets, ducks, geese, cranes, ibises, spoonbills, gulls, terns, plovers, sandpipers, etc. You can also see some rare and endangered bird species such as the black-necked stork, the lesser flamingo, and the white-bellied sea eagle. Nalaban Island is accessible by boat from various points around Chilika Lake.
2. Kalijai Temple
This is a sacred place for Hindus who worship Goddess Kalijai (a form of Goddess Kali). According to legend, Goddess Kalijai was a young girl who drowned in Chilika Lake while going to her husband’s house. Her spirit is believed to reside in an island in Chilika Lake where a temple was built in her honor. Thousands of devotees visit Kalijai Temple every year to seek blessings and offer prayers. Kalijai Temple is also a popular tourist spot as it offers a scenic view of Chilika Lake and its surroundings. Kalijai Temple is accessible by boat from various points around Chilika Lake.
3. Satapada Dolphin Point
This is one of the best places to see dolphins in Chilika Lake. You can take a boat ride from Satapada to Dolphin Point where you can spot dolphins swimming and jumping in the water. You can see different species of dolphins such as Irrawaddy dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and finless porpoises. You can also see other aquatic animals such as turtles, crabs, prawns, oysters, mussels, clams, etc. Satapada Dolphin Point is also a good place to enjoy the sunrise or sunset over Chilika Lake.
4. Honeymoon Island
This is a romantic place for couples who want to spend some quality time together in Chilika Lake. Honeymoon Island is a small island that has a sandy beach and a grove of casuarina trees. You can relax on the beach or take a walk in the woods while enjoying the view of Chilika Lake. You can also see some birds and animals on Honeymoon Island such as kingfishers, parakeets, monkeys, etc. Honeymoon Island is accessible by boat from various points around Chilika Lake.
These are just some of the attractions of Chilika Lake that you can explore during your visit. There are many more places to visit in Chilika Lake that will reveal the beauty and diversity of Chilika Lake. You can also customize your itinerary according to your preferences and budget. Chilika Lake is a destination that will surely satisfy your wanderlust and curiosity.
Activities in Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is not only a place to see, but also a place to do. There are many activities that you can enjoy in Chilika Lake that will make your trip more fun and memorable. Here are some of the top things to do in Chilika Lake that you should not miss:
Boating: This is the most popular and convenient way to explore Chilika Lake and its islands. You can take a boat ride from various points around Chilika Lake and visit the attractions that interest you. You can also choose from different types of boats such as motorboats, speedboats, houseboats, or traditional boats. Boating is a great way to experience the scenic beauty and tranquility of Chilika Lake, as well as to observe the wildlife and culture of the lake. Boating is also an affordable and accessible activity, as you can find many boat operators and service providers around Chilika Lake.
Fishing: This is a relaxing and rewarding activity that you can try in Chilika Lake. You can join the local fishermen and learn their skills and techniques of fishing in the lake. You can also catch your own fish and cook it on the spot or take it home as a souvenir. Fishing is a good way to interact with the local people and learn about their lifestyle and culture. Fishing is also a sustainable and responsible activity, as you can support the local economy and conservation efforts by fishing responsibly and ethically.
Camping: This is an adventurous and exciting activity that you can do in Chilika Lake. You can pitch a tent on one of the islands or nature camps in Chilika Lake and spend a night under the stars. You can also enjoy a bonfire, a barbecue, or a musical night with your friends or family. Camping is a good way to experience the nature and wildlife of Chilika Lake, as well as to bond with your loved ones. Camping is also a safe and comfortable activity, as you can find many camping facilities and amenities in Chilika Lake.
Photography: This is a creative and enjoyable activity that you can do in Chilika Lake. You can capture the beauty and diversity of Chilika Lake with your camera or smartphone. You can take pictures of the landscapes, wildlife, people, culture, and events of Chilika Lake. You can also experiment with different angles, perspectives, filters, and modes to create stunning images. Photography is a good way to express yourself and share your experiences with others. Photography is also a rewarding and challenging activity, as you can improve your skills and knowledge by practicing photography in Chilika Lake.
These are just some of the activities that you can do in Chilika Lake that will make your trip more fun and memorable. There are many more things to do in Chilika Lake that will suit your taste and mood. You can also mix and match different activities to create your own adventure in Chilika Lake.
How to Plan Your Trip to Chilika Lake
If you are convinced that Chilika Lake is a destination that you should not miss, then you should start planning your trip to this amazing place as soon as possible. Here are some practical tips on how to plan your trip to Chilika Lake:
How to Reach Chilika Lake
It is easily accessible by different modes of transportation from various parts of India. The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar Airport (BBI), which is about 120 kilometers away from Chilika Lake. You can take a flight from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, etc., to Bhubaneswar Airport (BBI) . From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Chilika Lake. The nearest railway station is Balugaon Railway Station (BALU), which is about 5 kilometers away from Chilika Lake. You can take a train from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, etc., to Balugaon Railway Station (BALU) . From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach Chilika Lake. The nearest bus stop is Balugaon Bus Stand (BBS), which is about 5 kilometers away from Chilika Lake. You can take a bus from major cities like Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, etc., to Balugaon Bus Stand (BBS) . From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach Chilika Lake.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Chilika Lake depends on what you want to see and do there. If you want to see the migratory birds, then the best time to visit Chilika Lake is from November to February, when the lake is filled with millions of feathered visitors. If you want to see the dolphins, then the best time to visit Chilika Lake is from December to March, when the water is clear and calm. If you want to see the turtles, then the best time to visit Chilika Lake is from January to March, when they come to the nearby beaches to lay eggs. If you want to see the festivals, then the best time to visit Chilika Lake is from January to February, when the lake hosts some of the major events such as Makar Sankranti, Basant Panchami, and Kalijai Mela. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the pleasant weather, then the best time to visit Chilika Lake is from October to December or from March to April, when the lake is less crowded and the temperature is moderate.
Where to Stay
There are many options for accommodation in and around Chilika Lake that cater to different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, resorts, nature camps, homestays, etc., depending on your comfort and convenience. Some of the popular places to stay in Chilika Lake are Swosti Chilika Resort , OTDC Panthanivas , Mangalajodi Nature Camps , Rajhans Nature Camps , etc.
Conclusion
Chilika Lake is a destination that you should not miss if you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience in India. It is a place where you can see and do many things that will amaze and delight you. It is a place where you can learn and appreciate the history, ecology, culture, and people of Odisha. It is a place where you can relax and rejuvenate your body, mind, and soul. It is a place where you can create memories and souvenirs that will last a lifetime.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Chilika Lake today and discover its beauty and diversity for yourself. You will not regret it.
