Chilka Lagoon Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon in the east coastal line of Odisha state (or Orissa) in India.

Migratory birds at Chilka Lagoon Lake, Odisha, India.

This Lagoon Lake is the second largest lagoon in the world. Lagoon Lake is India’s first wetland of International Importance.

Overall, Lagoon Lake is the most beautiful natural scenery in Orissa. This lake is spread across three districts, namely Puri, Ganjam, and Khurda. Chilka Lagoon Lake is at the mouth of the Daya River. This river falls into the Bay of Bengal. Motto Village connects the lagoon to the Bay of Bengal.

This Lake has an area of around 1165 square kilometers in the rainy season, which shrinks by 150 square kilometers in the dry season.

Chilka Lagoon Lake is also known as Chilika Lake. The Lake is separated from the sea by a strip of sand flats and marshy islands. These islands near the sea inside the lake are occupied by fishermen’s families. Many tourists like to visit these islands. These islands are accessible by boat.

Aquatic Flora and Fauna

This Lagoon Lake is rich in Aquatic Flora and fauna and is home to many threatened plants and animals.

Irrawaddy dolphins, which are endangered, numbering around 150, are there off Satpada Island.

Orissa Chilka Lagoon Lake is one of the most prominent and vital wetlands in the world. It is the largest wetland in India for migratory birds, numbering around 160 species.

Chilika Lake’s largest island, Nalabana Island, is a bird sanctuary. Chilika Lake is famous for its fishing and related industries. Crabs, Prawns, and  Mackerel are found in plenty in Orissa’s Chilka Lake.

Mangalajodi village is beside this lake. It has wetlands that are home to migratory birds.

How Do I Go to Chilka Lagoon Lake?

Orissa Chilka Lagoon Lake is easily accessible by road from Bhubaneswar, Puri, and many other cities in Orissa. Many hotels by the lagoon side are available.