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The lake offers a variety of different attractions that the tourists can explore to appreciate the beauty of nature in all its grandeur.
Mangalajodi - Birds Paradise of Asia
Mangalajodi - Birds Paradise of Asia is in the North Eastern Part of Chilika Lake. Millions of migratory birds gather during different parts of the year here. Winter witnesses the highest gathering of around 4 to 5 Lakhs resident and migratory birds. It is the only place in India where large flocks of different species of colourful birds can be seen from proximity of boat. Mangalajodi is one of the oldest village coming under Tangi block of Khurda district in Odisha, 75 km from Bhubaneswar towards Berhampur with a huge marshland along the northern edge of Chilika Lake.
This is not only the place for bird watchers but also a photographers paradise in Odisha. More than 200 species of birds are recorded in Mangalajodi during winters. Lakhs of Ruffs, Godwits, Terns, Plovers, Sandpipers, rare Grey-headed Lapwings, Gulls, Pintails, Ruddy Shelducks, Skulkers like Ruddy-breasted Crakes, Baillon’s Crakes, Slaty-breasted Rails and the Greater Painted Snipes, Black-tailed Godwits, Oriental Pratincoles and the Pacific Golden Plovers etc. Variety of Raptors are also seen hunting in different parts of Mangalajodi. Listen to different voices of different birds all around you, sometimes in chorus and sometimes simple exchange of language in form of calls, quacks, chirps, whistles, mimics & trills that echoes different stories of communication among them.
Nalaban Bird Sanctuary
The prime attraction of Chilika is the Nalaban Island. It takes 3 to 4 hours of boat ride to reach Nalaban from the shores of Barakul. Being the country's biggest waterfowl habitat, this island spread over 15.53 square kilometers within the chilika lagoon and is notified as a 'Bird Sanctuary' under Wild Life (protection) Act in 17th December 1987. The place derives its name from the tall 'Nala' grass (nala grass is a kind of weed) found in the island. In winter it supports the largest congregation of migratory birds in the country. The unique feature of this island is that it is in submerged condition throughout the year except from November to April.
Kalijai Island and Goddess Kalijai
Another important place in Chilika is the the island of Goddess Kalijai which is the most frequent visited spot for tourists. The island is famous as a centre of religious worship due to the temple of Goddess Kalijai. Goddess Kalijai is the presiding deity of chilika lagoon. In the January month of every year there is a big fair held here on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. There is a story behind the place which is centered around an innocent girl called 'Kalijai' who got married and was going by a boat along with her in-laws through this lake to the in-laws place. In between, heavy storms came and the boat sank. Everybody including Kalijai died in that storm. The place where the temple stands now is near to the place where the boat sank. Local tourists, sailors and fishermen pray Goddess Kalijai everyday for their safe journey in the lake.
Satapada Dolphin Sanctuary
From Nalaban, four hours boat ride would take the tourists to Satapada. It is located on the southern part of the Chilika Lake. Satapada is an ultimate place to watch 'Irrawaddy Dolphins'. If you are lucky then you will be able to see entire dolphin, generally some portion of the tail or head of the dolphin is visible while they are swimming. If they jumps then only the complete dolphin can be seen. Since last five-six years this spot is a major tourist attraction because of the development of a Dolphin Sanctuary. More information on Satapada
Rajhans Island
About 45 minutes boat journey from Satapada, it is situated in the northern sector of the Chilika lake in an exclusive area having views of Bay of Bengal and Chilika Lake. The sand bars, casuarina shelter belt, the sea facing and lake facing watch towers attracts tourists to this place. A perfect picnic spot and spend some quality time with loved ones, it is a small and serene island in Chilika. Perfect to spend an entire day here, it is bordered by a lagoon on one side and an ocean on the other and with mountains and forest in between. It is worth visiting.
Honeymoon Island or Barkuda Island
It is situated in the Rambha Bay near the Sankuda Island. It is 5 kilometers away from Rambha Jetty. It is otherwise known as 'Barkuda Island'. Britishers used this island for picnicking. The waters around the island are very clear. A luxuriant bed of red and green macro algae grow on the bed. Dr. Anandale and Kemp recorded the limbless lizard (an endemic species) from this island which is named after this island.
Becon Island
Located at 3 kilometers away from Rambha OTDC Bungalow, it is an architectural marvel with a conical pillar and a small room constructed on a submerged mass of rock in the Rambha bay near Ghantasila hill. Mr. Snodgrass built this who, the then Collector of Ganjam under the East India Company. As per the old document, Mr. Snodgrass used to relax and do his office work on this island. The ornamental pillar was constructed to put a light on the top. The water spread around the Beacon Island is breathtakingly beautiful.
Birds Island
It is situated in the southern sector of Chilika. This is a hillock with huge exposed hanging rocks. It is 4 kilometers away from Rambha Tourist Bungalow, and 1 kilometer away on the Eastern side of the Ghantasila hill. The island is covered with herbs, shurbs, trees and creepers. The granite rocks are the remnants of Eastern Ghats. Some of the huge rocks are painted white because of the folic acid from the droppings of the Birds. Some residential birds use the island as perching ground. During winter season, the migratory birds are sighted here. It is known for its rich algal communities and few mangrove species.
Breakfast Island or Sankuda Island
This island is located in the Rambha Bay between Badakuda and Somolo island. It is a pear shaped island. It is otherwise known as 'Sankuda Island'. The remnants of a dilapidated bungalow constructed by the king of Khalikote still exist on this island. Mr. Snodgrass the then Collector of Ganjam used to occupy this Bungalow quite frequently. The island was full of greenery and he used to do his office work on this island. The flora of the island is quite interesting. A number of interesting rare plants are still found on this island.
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