'''Chilka Lake''' is spread over Khurda, Ganjam and Puri districts of Orissa. '''Balugaon''' and '''Rambha''' are two major towns serving as entry points for the lake. It is Asia_fs largest salt-water lagoon and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandy ridge. The pear-shaped lake spreads across 1,100 sq km, and has a unique ecosystem with a range of aquatic flora and fauna found in and around its brackish waters. An impressive array of bird life, both native and migrant, makes Chilka one of the best places in India for bird-watching, splashing around in the water and quiet relaxation.
Understand
Chilka lake is an important habitat and breeding ground for both resident and migratory and aquatic birds, most notably flamingoes. Migratory birds arrive in October from as far away as Siberia, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and the Himalayas and generally stay until March. Part of the lake is protected by the Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary, which harbors over 150 migratory and resident species of birds. The Nalaban Island within the lagoon is classified as a Bird Sanctuary under the wildlife protection act. The lake is also home to a diverse range of aquatic life, including 225 species of fish and the Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris). The rare limbless lizard barkudia insularis is endemic to one of the lake's small islands. Chilka Lake is designated a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
The larger islands lie between the sandbar and the lake, separated by shallow channels, and include Parikud, Phulbari, Berahpura, Nuapara, Nalbana, and Tampara.
Get in
'''By air''' ? the nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, about 120 km away.
'''By rail''' ? the nearest rail stations is at Balugaon, on the Howrah-Chennai track. From Balugaon buses are available to the lake.
Some of the trains which stop at Balugaon are: 6003/6004 Howrah Chennai Mail, 2703/2704 Faluknama Express, 8645/8646 East Coast Express, 6358/6357 Gurudev Express, 2863/2864 Howrah Yeshvantpur Express, 5228/5227 Muzaffarpur Yeshvantpur Express (weekly), 2508/2507 Guwahati Ernakulam Express (weekly), 2530/2509 Guwahati Bangalore Express (triweekly), 5628/5627 Guwahati Trivandrum Express (weekly).
For timings etc. check with [http://www.indianrail.gov.in/ Indian Railways].
'''By road''' ? a part of Chilka Lake is visible from NH5 and the Howrah-Chennai train track.
Get around
Auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available. The services of local boatmen and the motorboats of Orissa Tourism Development Corporation are available for access to the islands though outboard motors are not allowed near the bird sanctuary. OTDC boats can be hired at Barkul, and cost between Rs 410 (for a 7-seater boat) to Rs 790 (for a 34-seater boat) per hour. A special tour is operated by the OTDC between Barkul and Kalijai, and costs Rs 40 per head. However you can find private machine operated boats for the tours, but you have to bargain a bit to get a fair deal.
More information on Chilka can be obtained from the Government of Orissa Tourism Counter at the Tourist Bungalow in Rambha (District Ganjam) Orissa, Telephone +91 6810 278346.
See
'''Nalabana''' ? a forest of reeds and resting place for migratory birds in winter.
'''Bird Island''' ? watch birds in their natural habitat.
'''Kalijai''' ? abode of Godess Kalijai. Pilgrims flock here in January during Makar Mela (at the time of Makar Sankranti) to pay obeisance to the Goddess.
'''Satapada''' - dolphins may possibly be seen here
'''Brahmaputra''' - The place is known for its scenic beauty.
Some of the other islands.
If you are staying for 1 day extra. then you can visit some more places near by Balugaon and Banpur. You can visit famous places like Narayani Temple,Bhagawati Temple at Banpur and a dam constructed over the river Salia known as Salia Dam for scenic view.
Do
After moving around one will hardly find time for anything else.
Buy
Fish, prawn and the famous crab from Balugaon market
Eat
'''Rambha Dhaba''' - Close to chilka. Best and freshest veg and non veg stuff. Its one of the best dhabas I_fve ever come across.
'''Chilka Dhaba''' - near Barkul Panthanivas
'''Chilka Hotel''' - Balugaon Main Road
'''Sagar''' fastfood and restaurant - Balugaon Main Road.
'''NARAYANI RESTAURANT'''-near barkul panthanivas road.
Mob:9861364135
You will enjoy items of fish, prawn and crab.
Drink
Drinks are available but if any one is particular about brands and such things, it is safer to carry one's own.
plz note that the best restaurent of this place is chilka dhaba ! may be the best in orissa
Sleep
At Rambha
'''Panthanivas''' [http://www.panthanivas.com/index.asp] (Orissa Tourism Development Corporation), Rambha, Telephone +91 6810 278346, email: otdc@ortel.net/ otdc@panthanivas.com. Rooms Rs. 300-600, Dormitory beds Rs. 50.
At Balugaon
'''Panthanivas''' [http://www.panthanivas.com/index.asp] (Orissa Tourism Development Corporation), Barkul, At/ PO Balugaon, Dist. Khurda, PIN 752 030, Telephone +91 6756 220488. email: otdc@ortel.net/ otdc@panthanivas.com. Rooms Rs. 375-850.
'''SHREE KRISHNA LODGE, ''' Panthanivas Road, Barkul, Telephone 9938263157,9861364135 Rooms Rs. 250-400
'''Hawa Mahal, ''' College Road, Balugaon, Telephone +91 6756 220246, Rooms Rs. 80-200.
'''Narayani Lodge, ''' Banapur Road, Balugaon, Telephone +91 6756 220521/220212, Rooms Rs. 80-120.
'''Patro Lodge, ''' Chilika Road, Balugaon, Telephone +91 6756 220308, Rooms Rs. 60-180.
Get out
Gopalpur-on-sea
Puri