Chilika Lake 2025 – All You Need to Know Before You Visit
One of the largest lagoons in India, Chilika Lake is a rather sizeable brackish water lake in Odisha. One of the most beautiful places to visit, it is a ground for migratory waterfowl. It is home to many kinds of animals that are vulnerable and endangered as well. This lagoon is not only a place to sightsee but also has intriguing legends. It is an old lake with signs that it was more profound than its current depth, 8 metres. The Chilika beach is a place of great significance not only to the place’s history but its culture as well. It is a serene place to visit with your family. You can forget about all your worries and get lost amongst the many mysteries of Chilika Lake, surrounded by your loved ones.
About Chilika Lake
Image Credit: Government of Odisha for Wikimedia Commons
Located at a distance of 44 km from Puri, Chilika Lake is Asia’s biggest inland saltwater lagoon. It is one of the largest coastal lagoons in India and the second largest in the world after the New Caledonian barrier reef. The lake is surrounded by charming small islands that are perfect for honeymooners. Chilika Beach is home to many rare and endangered species, including Irrawaddy dolphins and flamingos. The infamous Chilika Beach is the hub for people to enjoy the perfect sunset. For birdwatchers and nature lovers, Chilika Beach is the place to be at. Let’s discover some of the popular things to do at Chilika Lake.
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List of Things to do in Chilika Lake
Odisha is famous for its historical junctures and spectacular scenery. Odisha has many tourist attractions worldwide, from coastlines to pilgrimage sites. Nonetheless, the Puri Beach Festival and the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath attract tons of crowds every year to this state
1. Savour Fresh Sea Food In Chilika
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Multiple restaurants around the lake are well-equipped with the best foods for you to devour. If you ever visit Chilika Lake, trying their seafood is a must. There are a variety of things that you can try, such as jumbo prawns, different types of fish, and crabs. Some suggestions for you to try are Sagar Fast Food, Lake View Restaurant, OTDC Panthanivas, Chilika Dhaba, and many more places for lip-smacking food.
- Key Attraction: jumbo prawns, different types of fish, and crabs
- Timings: Usually from 11 Am – 10 Pm
2. Dolphin Watching At Satapada
Image Credit: MKar for Wikimedia Commons
The Satapada is a famous spot for tourists wishing to see some dolphins, not just any but Irrawaddy dolphins. As time passed, the place grew famous for its dolphin sightings, attracting tourists from everywhere, eventually developing a Dolphin Sanctuary. It is one of the only two observatories dedicated to Irrawaddy Dolphins. You can also spot other dolphins like the Bottles-Nosed Dolphins, Common Dolphins, and White-Nosed Dolphins.
- Best Time To Visit: All-Time
- Timings: From 6 Am in the morning
Related Post: Tourist Places in Odisha
3. Bird Watching At Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
Image Credit: Mike Prince for Wikimedia Commons
The Nalabana is an island on the Chilika Beach, home to many migratory birds like the Spoon-billed Sandpiper, White-Bellied Sea Eagle, Black-tailed Godwit, and some regal flamingoes. These birds often flock to this island from colder regions such as the Himalayas, Iraq, Siberia, and Iran. The island is mainly submerged throughout the year, so the best time for you to visit to do birdwatching would be from October to April. This island was given the term sanctuary in 1987 in December. You can visit this place via a boat ride from Barkul, which can take up to a few hours.
- Best Time To Visit: All-time
- Timings: From 5 Am in the morning
4. Boat Rides In Rambha Bay
Image Credit: Mr. Debapriya Hore for Wikimedia Commons
Rambha is a collection of small islands with whimsical names that you would enjoy visiting, such as Honeymoon Island, Breakfast Island, and Bird’s Island. You can go boating for hours without any interruptions. As you are boating, watch for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, which are extremely rare. It would be best if you occasionally visited Rushikulya Beach, where they nest and lay their eggs.
- Best Time To Visit: Rainy season
- Timings: 10 Am – 7 Pm
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How To Reach Chilika Lake
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By Air
Biju Patnaik International Airport is the nearest airport. Local buses or taxis can be hailed from the airport to reach the lake and enjoy quality time with friends and family.
By Rail
There are no direct trains to Chilika Beach, therefore one can take the route to the Balugaon Railways Station, the nearest junction from Chilika, about 50 km away.
By Road
The roads are well-connected to Chilika Lake from various entry points, making a road trip a perfect vacation. There is no one route for you to choose from. You can take many routes to Chilika Lake, depending on your location.
You May Also Like To Read: Wildlife Sanctuaries In Odisha
Now that you know much more about Chilika Lake before you start reading this article, you are equipped with everything you need to know to have a fantastic trip to Odisha. Please do not waste another minute and book your trip to Odisha to enjoy all that this gorgeous lake offers its guests.
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Cover Image credit: By Soumendra Kumar Sahoo for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chilika Lake
Why is Chilika Lake famous?
The Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish lagoon located in Odisha, east coast of India. It has a rich biodiversity and a rich history that is culturally important. A beautiful place that is home to many species of birds and marine life.
What is the best time to visit Chilika Lake?
The months from October to March are the best time to visit this magnificent lake. It is host to many migratory birds, that often travel during the months of winter and take refuge in this lake.
What can tourists do in Chilika Lake?
There are several activities that tourists can enjoy during their visit to Chilika Lake such as Boat rides, bird watching, dolphin watching, exploring and enjoying local cuisine, and many more things.
Is there an entry fee to the lake?
Yes, there is an entry fee for all. There are multiple ways to pay, either you pay as you visit or you can pay for a package that includes multiple things for you to enjoy in Chilika Lake.
Are there any other tourist attractions that people must visit?
There are quite a few places that attract tourists in large numbers such as the Kalijai Temple, Satapada, and Nalabana Island which is a sanctuary for migratory birds during the winter.
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