Chilika – The largest brackish water lake
Orissa is a beautiful coastal state in eastern India. It has unique and valuable tourist resources. From the snowy adventure peaks of the mountain to the sand and surf of the Bay of Bengal, a great historical legacy, an ancient culture to a modern civilization, the wealth of world life, many sculptures and temple architecture make vibrate the life of the country. The state has something for everyone. The monuments: the sun temple in Konark, the jagannath temple in puri, the Ling raj temple in Bhubaneswar are the holy places of Orissa that attract thousands of pilgrimages from different parts of the world every day. The beautiful place, Chilika Lake, attracts people to enjoy the beauty of nature. shimmering in the luxury of its blue expanse, it relaxes the alluring Chilika, India’s largest brackish lake.
Surrounded by hills and dotted with emerald green islands, Chilika is a sanctuary and winter center for winged visitors from around the world. Chilika spells magic through her migratory birds and her treasure of aquatic fauna. The impressive lake, full of boats, reflects India at its best. Truly Chalkier is the most delicious cuisine for hungry eyes and hungry hearts.
CHILIKA: A two-hour drive from Bhubaneswar takes you to Chilika, a biodiversity hotspot and the largest brackish water lake in Asia. The largest lagoon along the east coast of India extends over 1,100 square kilometers. It is also a unique set of marine, salty and freshwater ecosystems with inimitable characters. A boat ride through this lagoon will take you among the chirps of millions of migratory birds from Baikal, Siberia, Southeast Asia and Central Asia. Travel further afield to visit some of the nearby enchanting areas Balugaon and Rambha, 25 km away, are the two places, on the lake that serve as your base. Although you can visit the lake throughout the year, October-March is the best season because there are many migratory birds available in this place. The ecosystem of the lagoon is home to more than 225 species of fish, a variety of phytoplankton, algae and aquatic plants, more than 720 species of non-aquatic plants around the lagoon. This list includes a number of rare, threatened and endangered species, including the limbless slope of Barakudia. This wealth of life earned Chilika the designation of ‘Ramstad Site’, which is a wetland of international importance. Nalabana Island within the lagoon is notified as a bird sanctuary, to give an escape to its adventurous traits, enjoy a scooter ride, canoeing, kayaking and canoeing at the water sports complex near Panthniwas managed by OTDC as a comfortable accommodation. Breakfast at the floating restaurant and naval exercises of the Indian Navy will help you extend your stay in BarkuL.
But if you want privacy. Located at the southern tip of Chilika, Rambha cove is dotted with several islands, each competing with the other to excel in natural beauty. Each of these attractive islands emerging from the vast blue strip has a story to tell. A breakfast island was once used by a British officer named Snodgross, who was the Ganjam gatherer. Three kilometers from Rambha Way is an architectural marvel in the shape of a conical pillar near the picturesque Ghantasala Hill. Another three kilometers away is the honeymoon island once used by the Bruisers for picnics and partying. The crystal clear water inside and the luxurious bed of red and green ornaments from around the world are simply captivating. The island of birds, four kilometers from rambha, is a must for its wealth of herbs, shrubs and vines. The eastern trap of the lake is equally tempting due to the playful dolphins of the Irrawaddy, a 30 km stretch of sand, the Rajhansa Islands. and the mouth of Chilika, which offers a stretch of an endless and unexplored beach to relax. This almost four-hour, adventure-filled, fun-filled boat trip is a destination unto itself.
KALIJAI TEMPLE: Kalijai temple is one of the important attractions for visitors. It is located on a mound surrounded by blue water bears, the many folklores and legends of Chilika refer to the goddess as the reigning deity of the lagoon. According to legend, a young girl who drowned and then revered herself as a goddess after being sanctified. This small rocky island has a group of people who worshiped Devikalijai in the temple. No boatman or fisherman ventures out without invoking Devi-kalijai’s blessing for safe passage. Local folklore describes the story of Kalijai, a poor girl, who did not want to get married on an island named Parikuda because there is no link to another place. But at that time the tradition of the society was selected. he has to go to his father-in-law’s house. Kalijai’s father arranged everything for him in a traditional way. Selected one day, ordered a boatman on behalf of ‘a kalijai marriage ceremony’ towards parikuda. Before reaching Parikuda they must cross the lake. Both father and daughter departed by ferry to Parikuda Island for their wedding. Just down the road, a storm was brewing and the sky darkened and the ship was veiled on the beautiful lake. Kalijai disappeared into the dark water. But it was for a short time. Then the sky became clear. There was no storm. Only kalijai’s father alive … cried … screamed … kalijai … kalijai … that’s all. Located on a mound surrounded by blue water bears, the temple is dedicated to their memory. Every year in makar-sankranti, after the harvest, people from different places who come worship Devi kalijai. Today the temple is the testimony as a landmark or the burning example for society.
AROUND CHILIKA: There are many places of interest that can be accessed from Barkul. The famous Narayani temple with a perennial stream and the Bhagabati temple are the important destinations. For nature lovers, there is the Nirmaljhar waterfall.
References: special ‘Discover of India Magazine’
: Travelers (look)
: Orissa Yearbook -2008