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Chilika |
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Chilka Lake
- Asia's largest brackish water lagoon with water spread
ranging from 1165 sq km m the rainy season to 906 sq km
in the dry season is nestled in the heart of the coastal
Orissa. It extends from Bhusandpur in Puri district in
the North to Rambha-Malud in Ganjan district in the
South, separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60 km long
narrow strip of marshy islands and sand-flats.
Some of the prominent islands like Nalabana, Kalijal, Somolo,
Honeymoon, Break-fast, Birds and Rajahansa inhabited by
small subsistence fishermen families, are popular
destinations for daily
boat trips. Because of its rich
bio-diversity and socio-economic importance,
Chilika
was designated as a Ramsar
site in 1981 to afford better protection.
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Facts about Chilka Lake, Orissa |
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Water Spread Area |
1100 sq
km |
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Max length |
64.3 km |
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Max breadth |
18 km |
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Districts |
Puri,
Khurda and Ganjam |
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Best time to visit Chilka Lake |
November-February |
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Entry Points |
Satpada,
Barkul and Rambha-110 km, 97 km and 120 km respectively
from Bhubaneswar |
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Chilika Eco Tourism |
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Chilika is recognized as one of the most important
wetlands in the world because it is home to a
phenomenal variety of birds. Chilika Lake offers
visitors a spectacular display of its colorful avian
charms in a thousand different hues presented by
over 160 species in the peak season between November
and February. The lake and its reed islands teem
with nesting birds-white bellied sea eagles,
ospreys, golden plovers, sand pipers, flamingos,
pelicans, shovellers, gulls, include migratory ones
flying great distances from Iran, Central Asia and
Siberia. |
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The large Nalabana Island
(Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the
lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987.
The core area of about 9 sq km attracts around
400,000 waterfowls of different species. Often
underwater, the island gradually emerges with the
outset of summer. It is literally a paradise for
bird-watchers. |
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Another major
attraction at Chilika is Irrawady dolphins which
are often spotted off Satpada Island. Satpada,
bounded by the lagoon on three sides, offers an
excellent view and attracts the visitors to its
entire 30 km stretch of sand bar. Boats arranged
by OTDC are available for both the islands. The
lake also supports the local fisherman in
earning their living from Chilika's prawn,
mackerel and crabs. |
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Of
late, slightly reduced number of birds--owing to
growth in prawn farming as well as silting and
reduced salinity--has alarmed the conservationists.
The plying of mechanized boats, the increasing of
different fishing nets and gears has threatened the
flagship species of the Chilika lagoon, the Irrawady
dolphin. |
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Chilika Eco
Tourism |
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