Chilika Lake - चिल्का झील

Chilika Lake, sprawling across an area of over 1,100 Sq.Km during monsoons is Asia's largest brackish lagoon. It is a unique assemblage of Marine, brackish and fresh water eco-system with estuarine characters. The lake has a rich variety of aquatic fauna and is a safe haven for a large number of endangered species. During winters, it attracts over one million migratory birds - including osprey, grey legged geese, herons, cranes and flamingoes and is perhaps the largest congregations of aquatic birds in the sub-continent. Chilika was also designated as a "Ramsar Site" ie, a wetland of International importance. The Nalaban, one of the biggest islands within the lagoon is notified as a Bird Sanctuary. The best time to visit is from October to June. Boating and fishing facilities are available at the lake, which is very rich in fish. One can view the dolphins at chilika mouth near satpara. For cruising and visiting the islands, OTDC provides motor launches at Barkul and Rambha. Other attractions are beautiful beach along Rajhansa and sacred Kalijai temple. Chilika is also known for sunset and sunrise views.