Lake Chilka, Asia's biggest salt water lake on the eastern coast of India, has had a history spanning nearly 5,000 years. The lake has inspired philosophers, poets and naturalists by its vast water area with a panoramic view of the Eastern Ghats in the background.

Once a part of the Bay of Bengal, the lake provided excellent port facilities in the past. Commercial ships would sail from the lake to distant lands of Cambodia and Indonesia. Even today, the villagers around the Chilka observe an annual festival called “Bali Yatra” (Journey to Bali in Indonesia). A place called Manikpatna is considered the site of this ancient port.

Today, the Ramsar lake status conferred on Chilka has added to its legend and celebrity. Six major islands  Parikud, Phulbari, Berahpura, Nuapara, Nalbana, and Tampara, adorn Chilka like a woman's jewellery.

The islands, together with the peninsula of Malud, constitute the Krishnaprasad Revenue Block of Puri district. Whereas the north shore of the lake falls in Khurdha district, the western shore is part of Ganjam district.

The blue lagoon, that is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow spit of land, has a unique ecosystem with a range of aquatic flora and fauna found in and around its brackish waters.

OTHER ATTRACTION

Flora and Fauna:
Chilka, a part-salty and part-fresh water lake, attracts thousands of migratory birds every year and hence is a bird-watcher's paradise. With the advent of winter, thousands of avian guests throng the lagoon after weeks of non-stop flight from as far away as Siberia, Iran, Afghanistan and the Himalayas.

Chilka, a natural habitat of a variety of species of flora, is also home to a diverse range of aquatic life, including 225 species of fish and the famed Irrawaddy Dolphin. The dunes and sandy areas of the beaches, by the lake, present a rich floral kaleidoscope of their own.

Kalijai Temple:
Folklore says it Kalijai, a newly married girl, drowned in Chilka on her way to her father-in-law's home. People believe Kalijai is still alive and protects anybody who ventures out into the Chilka. The Kalijai temple, situated on the emerald Kalijai island, is a must-see.

Nalabana Island:
The Nalaban Island, a bird sanctuary brought under the Wildlife Protection Act, is home to over 150 species of migratory birds. The island boasts of a isolated beach with golden sand and sparkling blue water. You can enjoy boating and fishing here.

Tour de Chilka:
You can hire motorised yachts, speed boats and Kayaks to cruise on the Chilka and foray into the islands. The machines are operated by the Orissa Tourism Development Corporation at fixed rates.

Sea Sizzlers:
While out on the Chilka, enjoy the taste of Oriya cusine and delicious seafood laid out on plantain leaves. Never forget to satiate your taste buds with fresh Tiger Prawns, Red Crabs and other delicacies harvested from Chilka.

Tourist Information

How to reach:
• By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik Airport at Bhubaneswar, 105 km from Barkul and 135 km from Rambha.
• By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Balugaon that connects to Kolkata, Puri, Hyderabad and Mumbai.
• By Road: Both Barkul and Rambha, the nearest transit points towards Chilka, are situated on National Highway 5. Regular buses ply between Bhubaneswar and Berhampur, while stopping en route at Barkul and Rambha. Auto and cycle-rickshaws are available at both Barkul and Rambha to transport visitors to the lake.

For more on India tourism, visit:
www.indianadventureportal.com
www.hcilondon.net

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