Chilika
Chilika is a largest brackish water lagoon in India situated on the east-coast of India. It supports a wide assemblage of marine, brackish and freshwater flora and fauna. The lagoon supports the largest congregations of the migratory and non migratory birds in the country, particularly during the winter. Flocks of migratory waterfowl arrive from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea, remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and South East Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas, to feed and breed on its fertile waters. It hosts over 205 species of birds during the peak migratory season of which at least 97 are intercontinental migrants. Chilika undergoes a cyclical variation in salinity throughout the year, with different patterns seen in separate sectors. It is this periodicity in salinity that allows freshwater as well as marine and estuarine species to thrive in the lagoon. Boats, to tour the lake, can be hired at Balugan Barkul and Rambha.
Connectivity :-
It is well connected to the Chennai and Kolkata through National Highway No 5, and the Chennai Kolkata rail line passes along the western bankof the Lagoon Balugaon, with Balugaon, Chilika and Rambha being the main stations along the Western shoreline of the lagoon. Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, about 120 km away.
Climate :-
Typically tropical climate. December and January is relatively cold. June to September is the monsoon season.
Accomodation :-
Swosti Palm Resort. Details..
Panthanivas and Ashoka hotels at Balugaon by OTDC.
Yatrinivas at Satapada island by OTDC.
Plenty of accommodation is available at various places in and around the lake.
Language :-
It is recommended to hire a guide. They can speak English and Hindi will accent. Locally Oriya is spoken and Telugu because of proximity with Andhra Pradesh.
There are many islands near by for tourists. Namely :-
SAND-BAR AND MOUTH OF CHILIKA LAGOON
MANIKPATNA - As per historical evidence, there was a port which was used for trade with Far-East. Bhabakundeswar temple of Lord Shiva is located here. An old Mosque exists here ,the entrance door of the Mosque is made of the jaws of the whale. A typical curd is prepared here by tradition in bamboo basket.
CHOURBAR SHIVA TEMPLE
NABAGRAHA - An ancient deity located near Berhampur.
BARUNKUDA - It is a small island with a temple of Lord Varuna.
SATAPADA - One main attraction of Satapada is irrawaddy Dolphins.
KALIJAI TEMPLE
BIRDS' ISLAND
SOMOLO AND DUMKUDI - Dolphins are often sighted on the peripheral waters of Somolo island. These are inundated remnants of the Eastern Ghats.
HONEYMOON ISLAND
BREAKFAST ISLAND - The remnants of a dilapidated bungalow constructed by the king of Kalikote exist on this island.
BECON ISLAND
RAMBHA - There is a Panthaniwas at Rambha run by OTDC.
Useful Links :-
Chilika Development Authority website for more information on Chilika.
Orissa Tourism website.
ITDC website.
Chilika is a largest brackish water lagoon in India situated on the east-coast of India. It supports a wide assemblage of marine, brackish and freshwater flora and fauna. The lagoon supports the largest congregations of the migratory and non migratory birds in the country, particularly during the winter. Flocks of migratory waterfowl arrive from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea, remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and South East Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas, to feed and breed on its fertile waters. It hosts over 205 species of birds during the peak migratory season of which at least 97 are intercontinental migrants. Chilika undergoes a cyclical variation in salinity throughout the year, with different patterns seen in separate sectors. It is this periodicity in salinity that allows freshwater as well as marine and estuarine species to thrive in the lagoon. Boats, to tour the lake, can be hired at Balugan Barkul and Rambha.
Connectivity :-
It is well connected to the Chennai and Kolkata through National Highway No 5, and the Chennai Kolkata rail line passes along the western bankof the Lagoon Balugaon, with Balugaon, Chilika and Rambha being the main stations along the Western shoreline of the lagoon. Nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, about 120 km away.
Climate :-
Typically tropical climate. December and January is relatively cold. June to September is the monsoon season.
Accomodation :-
Swosti Palm Resort. Details..
Panthanivas and Ashoka hotels at Balugaon by OTDC.
Yatrinivas at Satapada island by OTDC.
Plenty of accommodation is available at various places in and around the lake.
Language :-
It is recommended to hire a guide. They can speak English and Hindi will accent. Locally Oriya is spoken and Telugu because of proximity with Andhra Pradesh.
There are many islands near by for tourists. Namely :-
SAND-BAR AND MOUTH OF CHILIKA LAGOON
MANIKPATNA - As per historical evidence, there was a port which was used for trade with Far-East. Bhabakundeswar temple of Lord Shiva is located here. An old Mosque exists here ,the entrance door of the Mosque is made of the jaws of the whale. A typical curd is prepared here by tradition in bamboo basket.
CHOURBAR SHIVA TEMPLE
NABAGRAHA - An ancient deity located near Berhampur.
BARUNKUDA - It is a small island with a temple of Lord Varuna.
SATAPADA - One main attraction of Satapada is irrawaddy Dolphins.
KALIJAI TEMPLE
BIRDS' ISLAND
SOMOLO AND DUMKUDI - Dolphins are often sighted on the peripheral waters of Somolo island. These are inundated remnants of the Eastern Ghats.
HONEYMOON ISLAND
BREAKFAST ISLAND - The remnants of a dilapidated bungalow constructed by the king of Kalikote exist on this island.
BECON ISLAND
RAMBHA - There is a Panthaniwas at Rambha run by OTDC.
Useful Links :-
Chilika Development Authority website for more information on Chilika.
Orissa Tourism website.
ITDC website.
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