![Chilika lake is a brackish water lagoon, spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha state on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal, covering an area of over 1,100 km2. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest lagoon in the world[3][4][dubious – discuss] after The New Caledonian barrier reef in New Caledonia.
It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent. The lake is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals.
The lake is an ecosystem with large fishery resources. It sustains more than 150,000 fisher–folk living in 132 villages on the shore and islands.
The lagoon hosts over 160 species of birds in the peak migratory season. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas come here. These birds travel great distances; migratory birds probably follow much longer routes than the straight lines, possibly up to 12,000 km, to reach Chilika Lake.
In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
According to a survey, 45 percent of the birds are terrestrial in nature, 32 percent are waterfowl, and 23 percent are waders. The lagoon is also home to 14 types of raptors. Around 152 rare and endangered Irrawaddy dolphins have also been reported. Plus, the lagoon supports about 37 species of reptiles and amphibians.
The highly productive chilika lagoon eco-system with its rich fishery resources sustains the livelihood for many fisher men who live in and near the Lagoon. The water spread area of the Lagoon ranges between 1165 and 906 km2 during the monsoon and summer respectively. A 32 km long, narrow, outer channel connects the lagoon to the Bay of Bengal, near the village Motto. More recently a new mouth has been opened by CDA which has brought a new lease of life to the lagoon.
Microalgae, marine seaweeds, sea grasses, fishes and crabs also flourish in the brackish water of the Chilika Lagoon. Especially the recovery of sea grass beds in recent years is a welcoming trend which may eventually result in re-colorizations of endangered dugongs.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621562261891/1e8fd9af-7b1f-490e-95b1-2f9fb2318e30.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=500&q=medium)
Photo by Sukanta Maity
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Our top choices for Chilika Lake hotels
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (25)
"A good place to stay for few days"
Supriya
The price is ₩93,595
₩98,275 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 21 - Jan 22
8.0 out of 10, Very Good, (1)
"Nice place to retreat away from the crowd. You need a boat to get out and go anywhere from the hotel.
Walk to lake very quickly and easy.
Lake is full of Chilka dolphins and visible every time we went out.
Rooms and bathrooms are very basic and nothing short of a resort like.
Managed by local village people who were very friendly and welcoming and offered home cooked local cuisine every day which was delicious.
Place is very simple and good for a day or two at best."
Anil
The price is ₩94,029
₩98,730 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 28 - Jan 29
The price is ₩409,872
₩483,649 total
includes taxes & fees
Jan 15 - Jan 16
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Top Chilika Lake Hotel Reviews
Golden Retreat
10/10 Excellent
