Chilika Lake (ଚିଲିକା ହ୍ରଦ) is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon and is often described as the second largest coastal lagoon in the world. Its water spread ranges from about 906 sq km in the dry season to 1,165 sq km in the monsoon, and it straddles three districts of Odisha.
Quick Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | About 1,165 sq km (monsoon) / 906 sq km (dry season) |
| Depth | Shallow: under 1 m in parts during the dry season to about 4 m in the monsoon |
| Location | Puri, Khordha, Ganjam districts |
| Ramsar Status | Ramsar Wetland since 1981 |
| Islands | Many islands, including Kalijai, Nalabana, Breakfast and Honeymoon islands |
The Biodiversity Haven
Migratory Birds
Chilika hosts around a million migratory birds in a typical winter, according to the Chilika Development Authority, from places as far away as:
- Siberia and the Lake Baikal region
- The Caspian Sea and Aral Sea regions
- Central Asia
- Ladakh and the Himalayas
Bird species include:
- Flamingos — Stunning pink flocks
- White-bellied Sea Eagles
- Brahminy Kites
- Painted Storks
- Spoonbills
The best time for bird watching is November to February.
Irrawaddy Dolphins
Chilika is home to one of the largest lagoon populations of Irrawaddy dolphins; annual counts have generally found well over a hundred animals. They are most often spotted on boat trips from:
- Satapada
Marine Life
- Fish species — sources differ widely (the Chilika Development Authority lists 335 species; other sources give lower figures)
- Crabs and shrimp
- Prawns (major export)
Kalijai Temple
On an island in the middle of Chilika sits the sacred Kalijai Temple (କାଳିଜାଇ ମନ୍ଦିର), dedicated to Goddess Kalijai.
Legend: According to local tradition, a young bride named Jai drowned in the lake on her way to her husband's home. She is now worshipped as Goddess Kalijai.
The temple is especially crowded during Makar Sankranti (January).
Tourism Attractions
| Activity | Location |
|---|---|
| Boat rides | Satapada, Barkul |
| Dolphin watching | Satapada |
| Bird watching | Nalabana Bird Sanctuary |
| Temple visit | Kalijai Island |
| Sunrise/Sunset | Multiple points |
Islands to Visit
- Kalijai Island — Sacred temple
- Nalabana Island — Bird sanctuary
- Honeymoon Island (Barkuda) — Scenic spot near Rambha
- Breakfast Island (Sankuda) — Scenic island near Rambha
How to Reach
From Bhubaneswar
- By Road: approximately 100 km
- Time: 2–2.5 hours
- Entry Points: Satapada, Barkul, Rambha
Best Season
- October to March — Pleasant weather, migratory birds
- Avoid: June-September (monsoon)
Conservation Efforts
Challenges facing Chilika:
- Siltation from rivers
- Pollution
- Overfishing
- Invasive species (water hyacinth)
Chilika was placed on the Ramsar Montreux Record of threatened sites in 1993 and removed in 2002 after restoration work, including the opening of a new mouth to the sea in 2000.
The Chilika Development Authority works to:
- Monitor water quality
- Protect wildlife
- Regulate fishing
- Promote sustainable tourism
Cultural Significance
Chilika appears in:
- Ancient texts and poetry
- Odia folklore
- Local fishing communities' way of life
The lake supports about 0.2 million fisherfolk who depend on it for livelihood, according to the Chilika Development Authority.
Related: Konark Sun Temple • Odia History
