Chilika Parikrama

The biggest internal saltwater lake in Asia, Chilika Lake, is a haven for wildlife and environment enthusiasts. A few tiny islands dot the pear-shaped lake, which is surrounded by salt pans and fishery.The largest inland saltwater lagoon in Asia is located in Satapada in Odisha, 44 km from Puri. Chilika Lake, which is situated at the mouth of the Daya River, is the second-largest saltwater lagoon in the world after the New Caledonian barrier reef in New Caledonia. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India.

Small islands dot the lake, notably the Breakfast Island and the incredibly picturesque Honeymoon Island. The pear-shaped lake, which has an area of 1,100 square kilometres and stretches from Rambha-Malud in Ganjam district in the south to Bhusandpur in Puri district in the north, is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60-kilometer-long thin strip of marshy islands and sand flats. The lake’s environment has abundant fisheries resources. It provides food for more than 150,000 fishermen who live in 132 settlements on the coast and in the islands. The Ramsar Convention recognised Chilika Lake as the first wetland of international significance in India in 1981.

The lake serves as one of the Chilika Lake Sanctuary’s most beneficial ecosystems. On the Indian subcontinent, it is the greatest wintering area for migratory birds. Birds migrate here from the Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and Southeast Asia, Ladakh, and the Himalayas, as well as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea, and other remote regions of Russia. Among the numerous species that make the lake a bird watcher’s paradise are White-bellied sea eagles, Graylag Geese, Purple Moorhen, Jacana, Herons, and Flamingos. In actuality, Chilika is home to one of the biggest flamingo breeding colonies in the world.

The Chilika Lake sanctuary, which is well known for housing aquatic animals, also has Irrawaddy dolphins, which vary from other dolphins in colour and prominence of the dorsal fin. The area also features a variety of wild creatures, including Blackbuck, Golden Jackals, Spotted Deer, and Hyenas, in addition to the avifaunal species. The spectacular dawn and sunset vistas of Chilika Lake Sanctuary are well-known. The Kalijai Temple, which is consecrated to Goddess Kalijai, is one of the most well-known tourist destinations close to Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary. At the temple that draws plenty of tourists and worshippers, Makar Sankranti is observed with tremendous fanfare and joy.

In Orissa, Chilika Lake is the most well-liked eco-tourism location. A complex floral system with a multitude of aquatic and non-aquatic plants exists around the lake, in addition to the presence of exotic fauna in the region. The most recent environmental assessment found that Chilika Lake and its surroundings are home to more than 710 plant species. The primary justification for selecting Chilika Lake as a Ramsar site is the enormous variety of Flora and Fauna present there, including several rare and endangered species of all kinds.

Boating is one of the most well-liked pastimes at Chilika. Chilika Lake may be visited all year round, although the ideal months to go are from November through February. It is very thrilling to visit this lake during these months because it is migration season for birds.

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