Chilika Lake, Odisha, is a birdwatcher's paradise and a dolphin's playground! This huge lagoon, once known as 'Kalijai,' offers boat trips, stunning views, and exciting wildlife encounters. A must-see!
Enjoy A Boat Trip On The Lake To Spot Dolphins And Migratory Birds.
Explore The Nalaban Bird Sanctuary, A Haven For Migratory Birds.
Indulge In Fresh Seafood At Nearby Restaurants.
Visit The Kalijai Temple, Located On An Island In The Lake.
October to March
₹2,000 per person
Chilika Lake has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was once a major port and trading center. The lake finds mention in ancient Hindu texts like the Mahabharata. Over the centuries, the lake has witnessed the rise and fall of various kingdoms and dynasties. It has evolved significantly due to natural processes and human activities. Conservation efforts in recent decades have helped restore its ecological balance.
We booked a boat ride for 9 people through OTDC, and it turned out to be one of the most mind-blowing experiences we've ever had. The 4-hour journey across the stunning Chilka Lake was absolutely magical. Our boat driver was highly skilled and experienced, ensuring that we felt safe and comfortable throughout the trip. His expertise made all the difference, and we felt like we were in good hands, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the surroundings. The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly spotting the dolphins. Seeing these majestic creatures up close was an experience beyond words. One of the dolphins even swam right past our boat! Though I couldn’t capture that perfect moment on camera, it’s a memory etched in my heart forever. We also came across vibrant red crabs and even witnessed pearl hunting, adding more wonder to the journey. Another highlight was reaching the **mohana**, where the lake meets the sea. The vastness and serenity of the place were breathtaking. The beauty of this spot is something that simply cannot be described—it must be experienced. What made this trip even more memorable was the rain. Cruising across the vast lake, with the gentle rain creating ripples in the water, felt like something out of a dream. The combination of nature’s elements made it an extraordinary adventure, one that will remain forever in the depths of my memory. Overall, the Chilka Lake boating experience was nothing short of spectacular, filled with unforgettable moments of awe and wonder. I’ll cherish this trip for a lifetime.
Great viwe of lake from the train. This is the Rambha part of the lake...People come here for boating and enjoying the scenic beauty of this lake....Water is crystal clear and area is well maintained by the government and local people. Boating is open for a particular period of day.. So come according to this time otherwise you can't experience the boating of Asia's largest brackish water lagoon
Our visit to Chilika Lake was somewhat disappointing. Despite the beautiful scenery, we didn't see any Irrawaddy dolphins or migratory birds, which was a letdown. The boat ride felt long and uneventful, lacking the excitement we had hoped for. Additionally, we noticed many trees being cut down, possibly for the dhabas in the area, which is concerning for the environment. While the local seafood was delicious and the people were friendly, the overall experience didn’t meet our expectations.
Chilika Lake is one of the most beautiful place of Odisha not only in Odisha but also on the whole World, because with the respect of time there are lots of different types of birds are seen there. It covers a large area and known as one of the most salty water lake in India. It covers Puri, Khordha and Ganjam like districts. I will recommend you to Must visit place between November to February month for great experience. ❤