Chilika Lake is a salty water lagoon spread over Puri, Ganjam and Khurda districts of Odisha and is considered to be the largest lake in India. The lake is a home to a number of species of plants and animals. Many people come to this place with their families and friends to relax and enjoy the beauty of this lake. You can watch different species of migratory birds plus you can also spot dolphins which will give you a wonderful experience.
It is one of the famous tourist attractions in India. People also take an experience to enjoy boating. In the middle of the lake you will get to see Kalijai Temple which gives you a divine moment. There are also some wonderful sights to visit which will help you to capture some of the best moments in your life.
So from my personal point of experience I would like to share some of the top sights in Chilika Lake which you must experience with your loved ones.
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is located on Nalabana Island in the Chilika Lake. In this lake you can see thousands of migratory birds like flamingo, brahminy kite, spotbilled pelican, spoon bill, ibis etc. in the sanctuary plus it is also home to over 225 species of fish, dolphins, limbless lizards and crabs. The island gets submerged during the monsoon season. In this place couples, families and nature lovers visit this spot to spend some good time.
Timings : 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee : Free
Best Time To Visit : Between October to March
Kalijai Temple
Kaljai Temple is located on an island in Chilika Lake is considered to be the most spectacular spot for the tourists. The temple is abode of the Goddess Kalijai. The island provides an excellent destination for pilgrims as well as for tourists. Every year in the month of January a big fair is held during the Makar Sankranti Festival.
How To Reach :
By Road – Chilika is well connected by road.
By Train – Take Balugaon railway station
By Air – Take the nearest airport i.e. Bhubaneswar Airport
If you want to know more about the best places to visit in Mysore city then you can read my other article about “Best tourist attractions in Mysore”.
Satapada
Satapada is located in the Southern part of Chilika Lake. It is one of the most popular picnic spot of Odisha and is located at a distance of 50 kms from Puri. The main attraction of Satapada is the dolphins where thousands of people with their friends and families visit this place to see its beauty. Due to this reason Satapada has become the most major attraction for the tourists.
How To Reach :
By Air – Take Bhubaneswar Airport
By Train – Take nearest railway station i.e. Puri 50 km from this place.
By Road – Take regular bus, taxi and auto services.
Rambha
Rambha is located at the Southern coast of the Chilika Lake is well known for its natural beauty and incredible landscapes around it. It is surrounded by a number of islands like Honeymoon Island, Sanakuda Island, Breakfast Island which attracts this place.It is considered a great spot for bird watching. Rambha welcomes guests every year and the climate in this place is filled with beauty.
How To Reach :
By Road – It is situated on NH5 between Berhampur and Bhubaneswar
By Air – Take Bhubaneswar Airport which is 130 km from Rambha
By Train – Take Balugaon railway station located at a distance of 35km from Rambha
Mangalajodi
Another famous spot to experience is Mangalajodi which attracts thousands of visitors over the years. Mangalajodi is located in the North Eastern part of Chilika Lake. It is the only place in India where large numbers of different species of colourful birds can be seen. It is the oldest village that is under Tangi block of Khurda district. In this place many tourists comes with an intention to capture some beautiful photographs.
How To Reach :
By Train – Take Khurda Road railway station which is 30 km from the place.
By Road – It is about 70 km south-west of Bhubaneswar off NH 16 that connects Bhubaneswar to Berhampur. It is 4 km southeast of Tangi town in the Khurda district of Orissa. You can hire a taxi from Bhubaneswar or you can opt for bus that goes from Bhubaneswar to Tangi.
So based on my personal experience I have collected some of the “Top Sights in Chilika Lake” that will make you mesmerized. If you are planning to visit Chilika Lake with your loved ones then do let me know about it in the comment box below and share your personal experience you had.
