Chilika Lake

Such a serene place. Such beauty! It's a must visit!
We took a 3.5 hour ride which cost us ₹2400 in total for 4 of us. The trip contained one boat which could take 6 adults easily.
We spotted a pair of dolphins swimming their merry way and were able to feed the birds which was quite fun.
After almost two hours of ride, we land on an island nearby which acts as a partition between the lake and the ocean.
The island was a bit of a disappointment. The beach is beautiful in itself but it's SO LITTERED! The authorities really need to work and clean up the place and impose some serious fines to stop such horrendous littering.
You can eat lunch at the beach, they have local fishes as delicacy and for vegetarians the option contains between a thali of rice, dal and seasonal vegetable and, maggi. So basically, not much.
Overall, it's a nice place really.

Such a beautiful place. The boat ride is amazing. There are different boats offered by Government of Odisa. If people are less in count, one can use the speed boat as well. We went through speed boat keeping all safety and precautions in mind. Wearing a life jacket is a must. You can buy some foods for the birds. Via speed boat it will take an hour to reach the temple Kalijali. The temple area is also very nice, neat and clean. Some easy to bite food options are available like chat, chips and all. So all together 2 hours of journey in up and down. And the boat ride is worthy. Peace. The birds will follow you as long as you will give them food but upto a certain distance. Everywhere there is water & fresh air. The only thing is nothing but be in the moment & relax. Enjoy yourself. Such a stress free environment. While before entering to the main gate, just at the backside, there is pay and use toilet, well maintained, both for men and women. Car parking is also available with the pricing based on the vehicle. Fantastic, mesmerizing place. Just loved it. One must visit if you are visiting Puri. And we had a good luck so we were able to se Dolphin. 😌😌😌.

Chilika Lake in Odisha offers a captivating boating experience, showcasing the diverse beauty and wildlife that adorn its vast expanse. The journey begins with multiple points to embark on your adventure, allowing you to customize your exploration of this natural marvel. However, it's essential to clarify the route and duration when booking your boat, as not all routes cover every highlighted destination, and costs may vary.

The boat ride takes you through a spectacular journey, offering glimpses of the Bird Sanctuary, Red Crab Point, Dolphin Point, Rajahansha, Island, Sea Mouth, Nalabana, Kalijai Temple, and the enchanting Mangrove Plantation. It's advisable to confirm the itinerary to ensure you don't miss out on any of these breathtaking locations.

While the boat services might seem a bit expensive, the views and experiences justify every penny spent. The scenery is nothing short of stunning, with birds gracefully soaring overhead, dolphins playfully leaping in designated areas, and the vibrant red crabs making a striking appearance at the Island and Sea Mouth.

A visit to the Island adds an extra layer of fascination to the journey. Here, locals share their knowledge about Pearl Gemstones, which are cultivated in the ocean beds within oysters. The process of extracting these gems, along with a display of various other stones and species, adds an educational and entertaining element to the trip. Bargaining skills come in handy when considering a purchase, allowing you to acquire these unique souvenirs at the most affordable rates.

In conclusion, exploring Chilika Lake is an absolute delight for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The combination of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and cultural encounters make it a truly memorable experience. While boat services may seem pricey, the priceless moments and memories forged during this journey make it well worth the investment. Chilika Lake stands as a testament to Odisha's natural wonders, offering a perfect blend of tranquility and excitement for those who embark on its waters.

It was a beautiful experience. We were in the boat for around 4 hours and it's worth visiting. There was an island where red crabs, and gems are shown to us by the local fisherman. Then we were taken to the beach and later to the dolphin point. We were able to spot 4-5 dolphins. Overall a must experience. Even it was sunny, since we will be boating we had a cool and fresh Breeze.

Chilika Lake in Odisha is a natural marvel that left me in awe. The vast expanse of shimmering waters, teeming with diverse birdlife, is a treat for nature lovers. The tranquil boat ride offered breathtaking views of the picturesque surroundings. The lake's serenity, coupled with the vibrant hues of migratory birds, creates a peaceful and mesmerizing ambiance. A visit to Chilika Lake is a must for anyone seeking a serene escape into the heart of nature. An absolute gem in Odisha! 🦩🌊 #ChilikaLake #NatureEscape

A little time taking but the view was amazing 😍..we are lucky to see the dolphins..the most beautiful thing about the lake is the island... very beautiful quiet island..i can stay there for the whole day

An Enchanting Boat Ride on Chilika Lake: A Must-Do Experience:
The four-hour journey was an absolute delight, offering a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural encounters, and wildlife sightings.

The boat ride commenced at a serene jetty, where we boarded a comfortable vessel and set sail onto the tranquil waters of the lake. The sun's warm embrace kissed the lake's surface, creating a shimmering spectacle that was both captivating and calming.

Our Chilika Lake boat ride was an unforgettable experience, a symphony of natural wonders, cultural insights, and wildlife encounters. It was an adventure that exceeded all expectations and left us with memories that will last a lifetime.

Must-Visit for Nature Lovers and Wildlife Enthusiasts

The Chilika Lake boat ride is a must-do for anyone seeking an immersive experience amidst nature's splendor. Whether you're a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, this journey promises to captivate your senses and leave you with a profound appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.

Awesome lake to visit. If you are lucky enough you might come across dolphin 🐬 too. I got its mesmerizing view from Chennai-Howrah train.

Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and second largest coastal lagoon in the world, spread over the Puri, Khordha 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 square kilometres (420 sq mi).
There are no dolphins in lagoon. The ride is lengthy about 4.5 hours. It depends on how deep you start. If you start very early towards lake, u end up paying 5000 Rs for boat ride. The deeper you start the lesser you pay and shorter is ride. The Sea mouth area is good, the beach is wonderful, the island where fresh pearls are harvested along with Opal and Red Coral from Coral stones is amazing experience.

Chilika Lake is a brackish water lake and a shallow lagoon with estuarine character spread across the districts of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam in the state of Odisha in eastern India. Fed by 52 rivers and rivulets, the waterspread area of Chilika varies between 900 to 1165 sq. km. during summers and monsoon respectively. The pear shaped lagoon is about 64.5 km. long and its width varies from 5 to 18 km. It is connected to the Bay of Bengal by a 32 km long and 1.5 km wide channel that mostly runs parallel to the Bay separated by a narrow spit whose width varies between 100 m to several kilometres.

The lagoon can be broadly divided into four ecological sectors based on salinity and depth, namely the southern zone, the central zone, the northern zone and the outer channel. A number of islands are present in the lagoon, prominent among which are Krushnaprasad, Nalaban, Kalijai, Somolo and Birds Islands.

A survey of the fauna at Chilika by the Zoological Survey of India in 1985-87 recorded over 800 species in and around the lagoon. The list includes a number of rare, threatened and endangered species including the Barakudia limbless skink.

Such a beautiful place. We were on a boat for around 3 hrs. and it was a very frightful journey because the water wave is very high in the middle of the lake. But we all enjoyed it a lot. We saw beautiful birds, 3,4 dolphins, and also seen red crabs. Lastly, the most valuable thing, pearl , we found and we took 2 pearls, one is mine and one is for my daughter.

Chilika Lake is a very popular and largest lake in my recent Puri Jagannath Temple Tour i saw this lake and captured a few clips from inside the train. I heard this lake is very popular for dolphin 🐬 and want to see and visit very soon.
I love chilika especially the islands.

Loved it, it's a little pricy for a boat ride, but definitely worth the price. I have seen dolphins, Red Crabs, Flying Fish, took a dip in the water and enjoyed the sunset. A truly kept secret, must visit!

Chilika Lake, situated in the state of Odisha, India, is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon and a haven for biodiversity. Spanning over 1,100 square kilometers during the monsoon season, it is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow sandy ridge. The lake is an ecosystem with a large fishery resource, supporting the livelihood of thousands of fishermen. It is renowned for its dynamic ecosystem, which hosts over 160 species of birds in the migratory season, including the rare and endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

Declared a Ramsar site in 1981, Chilika Lake is a significant wetland of international importance, attracting eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts from across the globe. The lake's vast expanse is dotted with a number of islands, each with its own distinct flora and fauna. Nalabana Island, for example, is a birdwatcher's paradise, turning into a breeding ground for birds during the winter months.

Chilika's unique biodiversity is not only a crucial habitat for wildlife but also a vital source for studying and conserving various species. The lake's scenic beauty, coupled with its rich marine and bird life, makes it a popular destination for boating, bird watching, and fishing, offering a serene escape into nature.

Efforts by the government and various NGOs to preserve the lake's ecosystem have seen significant success, including the revival of the population of Irrawaddy dolphins and an increase in the arrival of migratory birds. Chilika Lake remains a symbol of natural beauty and ecological diversity, emphasizing the importance of conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

Beware of Scams ! How they try to fool you is when your boats halt at any place or crab island they will Demonstrate pearl being taken out from shel of oyester . Random basis they will show and will show case excitement of pulling out Navranta, Munga or pearls

Don't feel prey to the act it is all for scamming .

I also had read it at Google and did not feel prey to it . Sharing this so that you also don't get scammed. No natural pearls or Stones are there !!

Boat operaters are mostly village boys and quite energetic boys they will ask for some extra 100 200 Rs for their drinks ..pay them they will help you better.

Price is 4700 approx for boat ride and halt at small island . timing total is minimum 2 hours..

Amazing Experience. One of the must visit places near Bhubaneswar. Boating is an amazing experience. The temple and rocks are also really worth a visit. A dream Paradise for a photographer/nature lovers. Boat ride during Sunsets is highly recommended as you can experience the amazing sunset in the chilika late.

Must try boating and feeding the birds 🐦 was great 👍. It takes 3 hrs to complete the whole trip around the lake , also we can see lots of 🐬 Dolphins
there. Sometimes during the day when the sun is harsh , the dolphins don't come out to the water surface . So , visiting the lake during early time or during late eve is the best 👌🏻
...

We went there in March in afternoon.. its bit far away from Puri but road is good.. it takes around 2 hours in boat.. we went to the island from there. It's a small island but people are really shameless, throwing garbage there only and making it all dirty and no one is coming to clean that up.. lake is so big and so beautiful.. It was very calm and serene..we were lucky that we had a glimpse of dolphins and also few birds there..yes sun was harsh still we enjoyed there.. after returning we saw a museum which is really good, must go there too..but a request to govt and people to keep the area clean..

You loved by bird to comming to this place chilika lake thus so most beautiful full. Must trying boating and feeling so good most importance think I seen like crying fish dolphin,red crabs. Took in dip water and the enjoyed the sum light. Road tripes are so good and enjoy to lost of monuments

Chilika Lake, located in Odisha, is a beautiful and unique lake that is home to a plethora of exotic and endangered species. It is the largest brackish water lake in India and one of the largest in Asia.

The lake is home to over 160 species of birds, including grey-headed fishing eagle, purple moorhen, Indian skimmer and black-bellied tern. It is also home to several species of fish, amphibians and reptiles, including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

Visitors to the lake can enjoy a boat ride through the lake and get up close to the wildlife. From the boat, you can spot migratory birds, Irrawaddy dolphins and other aquatic animals. The lake also offers some stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and you can get a glimpse of the beautiful blue waters, which change colour depending on the season.

Apart from wildlife watching, visitors can also take part in activities like fishing, bird watching and angling. There are several resorts and lodges near the lake which offer comfortable accommodation and delicious local cuisine.