Chilika lake

4.3

Location: Puri, Odisha, India

Estimated Visiting Time: 1 hour

Spread over the Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts, Chilika lake India is a brackish water lagoon of Odisha state on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya river. Covering an area of over 1100 square kilometers it is flowing into the Bay of Bengal. After Vembanad lake, it is the biggest lake. In India, after the new Caledonian barrier reef, Chilika lake is the largest lagoon and the largest brackish water lagoon in the world. As a tentative UNESCO World Heritage site, it has been also enlisted. In India, it is also the largest salt water. For migratory birds on the Indian subcontinent, it is the largest wintering ground. To a number of threatened species of plants and animals, this lake is like a home.

Attraction

A great place for family reunions, picnics with friends and family, and your near and dear ones. You can enjoy a great view of the lake.

History

During the later stages of the Pleistocene period about 1.8 million to 10,000 years BP, geological evidence indicates that Chilika lake was part of the Bay of Bengal. Neolithic c. 1600 BCE, Chalcolithic c. 1400 BCE to c. 900 BCE, and Iron age c. 900 BCE to c. 800 BCE are the three phases of the Chilika area culture provided by Golabai. To 2300 BCE, Radiocarbon dating traced the earliest level pf Golbai.On the left bank of the Malaguni river, a tributary of the Daya river, which flows into Chilika Lake is the place where the site is situated.

Inside/Outside Views

With large fishery resources, the lake is an ecosystem as well. On the shore and islands, it sustains more than 150,000 fishers–folk living in 132 villages. In the peak migratory season, the lagoon hosts over 160 species of birds. To reach Chilika Lake, some of the birds possibly travel a great distance as much as 12,000 km. The first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, Chilika lake was designated in 1981. 32 percent are waterfowl, 45 percent of the birds are terrestrial in nature, and 23 percent are waders according to the survey. To 14 types of raptors, the lagoon is also like a shelter. About 37 species of reptiles and amphibians are supported in the lagoon.

Opening Hours

This is open 24 hours the day

Entry & Others Fees

There is no entry fee to the lake.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

Situated close to Bhubaneswar, puri has great air, road, and rail connectivity. From most major parts of India, puri itself is accessible by road and rail.

By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik airport at Bhubaneshwar which is nearly 56 km from the heart of Puri city. The airport is very well linked to the major cities of Delhi and Mumbai. Through Delhi or Kolkata, International travelers need to get connections.

By Train: A major railway junction is placed in Puri. From many cities in India, including Bhubaneswar, New Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata, regular direct train services are available.

By Road: Through well-constructed roads, Puri is connected with the neighboring cities. To travel to Puri, buses are considered to be the main option as the bus stand near the Gundicha Temple. By bus one can reach Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack in 15 minutes.