Chilika the lagoon Lake, located in the state of (Odisha) Orissa state on the east coast of India is a famous tourist destination.

Chilka Lake

Chilka Lake – the lagoon Lake in Odisha State

Chilike lake is a lagoon Lake. Separated from the Bay of Bengal by a long strip of sandy ridge, it spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Orissa state on the east coast of India. It is the most wonderful and major saltwater lake in India the second largest lagoon in the World.

Area: Chilka Lake is about 72 km long, 8-21 km wide, and about 2 m deep, spreading for about 1,100 sq km area. The Daya and Bhargavi rivers fill the lake except during the dry months from December to June, when ocean water enters through a small passage.

Chilka Lake is dotted with many emerald-green islands. The lagoon hosts over 160 species of birds in the peak migratory season. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas come here.

The famous temple of the goddess Kalijai is on Kalijai Island at a distance of about 16 km from the Rambha railway station on the southeastern railway. Local people of Chilika refer to goddess as the reigning deity of the lagoon. Offering good hunting, boating, and fishing, hundreds of boats sail out daily on the lake’s open area of water in search of crabs, mackerel, and prawns.

Other major attractions of Chilika are: Nalaban Island, the Nirmaljhar Waterfall, Satpada, Somolo and Dumkudi islands, Parikud, Barunkuda, Nabagraha, Manikpatna etc.