Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake spans about 1,100 square kilometres along the Odisha coast and ranks as the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia. For those asking Chilika lake is freshwater or saltwater, it holds a unique mix of both, as seawater from the Bay of Bengal blends with freshwater inflow from rivers. A narrow sand barrier stretching nearly 60 kilometres separates it from the open sea. Many travellers wonder Chilika lake in which district it falls, and the answer includes parts of Puri, Khordha, and Ganjam districts. Recognised under the Ramsar Convention and listed as a UNESCO biodiversity hotspot, Chilika Lake supports extraordinary ecosystems. During winter from November to February, more than a million migratory birds arrive from regions such as Siberia, Lake Baikal, and the Caspian Sea. Flamingos, bar headed geese, and countless waders transform the wetlands into a vibrant sanctuary. The Chilika lake story also includes its famous Chilika lake dolphins, especially near Satpada, where a small but stable population of Irrawaddy dolphins thrives. Mangalajodi attracts serious bird watchers, Nalabana Island emerges seasonally as a protected sanctuary, Kalijai Temple sits on a picturesque island, and Rambha Bay offers scenic sunset views.