Awesome Chilika Lake

  

    So before the sun starts to ascend and we hit peak summer, here’s your chance to make the most of an extended weekend round the corner. If you are in love with waters and want to begin with splash, head to Chilika Lake in Odisha, an up and coming tourist destination.

   Chilika is Asia’s largest brackish or salty water lagoon, and lies at heart of coastal Odisha, interspersed with sand flats and islands to hop on and off

   Located around 500 km from Kolkata, Chilika is easily accessible by road. A long ride on the cards in the holiday mood is ideal to set the tempo going this year. If you are the adventurous sort and love to drive, the lake professes to be the ideal of destination to reach by road.

If you are looking at a short family holiday, make the journey as fun as the destination itself. Indeed, the joy of driving with the family is much fun, replete with camaraderie and bonhomie.

A Haven For Biodiversity

Chilika is a hotspot for biodiversity to thrive, with 52 rivers and rivulets draining into the lagoon. It is home to many species of birds, and flora and fauna, including rare and endangered animals as enlisted by IUCN(International Union for Conservation of Nature).

   An ornithologist’s delight, the lake records over 800 species of birds living in and around the lagoon. It is the largest wintering ground in India for migratory waterfowl from around the world. During peak season, it is home to nearly a million bird species traveling from as far as Russia, Mongolia, and Central and Southeast Asia.

   In fact, the island of Nalaban within the lagoon is noticed as a bird sanctuary, also a site for conservation.

   As the wintering season closes, you can spot the golden plovers, flamingos, sandpipers, pelicans, and gulls among many other species, take flight back to their homes.

   At Chilika, there are boat rides available which will allow you to meander across the islands, mean while soaking in the rich natural diversity available. Binoculars and cameras at the ready, you can spot the various species of birds, animals and marine species.

   Chilika offers a natural habitat for various birds of prey, which swoop in and out in anticipation of prey. You’d be amazed to notice their keen sense of sight as they track prey from large distance.

   The Satpada Island lagoon is also home to the Irrawaddy dolphins, which are rare and endangered species. If you are lucky in one of your boat rides, you’d be able to spot the majestic creatures ambling around the waters.

   Because of its rich biodiversity and extensive socio-economic importance, Chilika Lake was designed as the first Ramsar Site of India as Wetlands of International Importance.

Intriguing History

Amidst the spotting of various wildlife species on your boat rides across Chilika, there will hardly be a boring moment with your guide mesmerizing you with fascinating tales of yore.

   Legend has it that pirate King Raktabahhu wanted to ransack Puri and arrived with a large fleet of ships. To avoid detection, he anchored out of sight, but the sea washed  up ashore the refuse from the ship, thus warning the residents of an imminent attack. They fled and what was left was a deserted city when the King attacked.

   Furious, he blamed the sea, which surged and drowned the army, forming what is now the Chilika lagoon.

Amidst Piety And Serenity

Once of the islands of Chilika hosts the Kalijai Temple, considered to be the above of the Goddess Kalijai. The deity is venerated in folklore and is revered by the locals. The island is an important spot for pilgrims and tourists alike, and there is much calm and serenity to be found on the quiet shores.

   In all, Chilika is the ideal destination for short break. It is well connected and offers proper accommodation facilities as well.