Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake is one of the most popular day trips among the places to visit near Puri. This guide covers access points, wildlife and boat hire, with the fare figures marked where unverified.

Chilika Lake is a brackish-water lagoon spread over parts of Puri, Khordha and Ganjam districts, joined to the Bay of Bengal by a channel near Satapada. Its area varies by season, from roughly 900 to 1,165 sq km. It was designated a Ramsar wetland in 1981. More than 225 bird species have been recorded, and about two million waterbirds are reported to winter here after travelling from Central Asia, Russia and the Himalayas.

Nalabana Island is the core bird sanctuary, with mudflats that emerge after the monsoon. Satapada, about 50 km from Puri, is the usual starting point for Irrawaddy dolphin watching, and boats also run from Barkul and Rambha. Islands and shrines in the lagoon include Kalijai Temple, Breakfast Island and Honeymoon Island. Boats are hired from OTDC or private boat associations, and fares depend on the boat size, route and duration.

The figures seen were a few years old (about Rs 1,000–1,170 per hour for a 20-seater), so confirm the current rate at the jetty. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed. Winter, from November to February, is the best period for birds; the lake is hot in summer and often choppy during the monsoon. Take sun protection, since most boats offer limited shade.