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 richness of world life, many sculptures and temple architecture make the country life. 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 pilgrims 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, relaxes the seductive Chilika, India’s largest brackish lake.
Surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with emerald green islands, Chilika is a sanctuary and winter spot for winged visitors from around the world. The amazing lake, full of boats, reflects India in its best colors. 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 place of great biodiversity and the largest brackish water lake in Asia. The largest lagoon along the east coast of India stretches over 1,100 square kilometers. It is also a unique set of marine, salt and freshwater ecosystems with inimitable characters. A boat ride on this lagoon will take you amidst the chirps of millions of migratory birds from Baikal, Siberia, Southeast Asia and Central Asia. Travel further afield to visit some of the nearby area charmers Balugaon and Rambha, 25km away, are the two places, on the lake that serve as a base. Although the lake can be visited throughout the year, October to March is the best season because many migratory birds are available at this location. The lagoon ecosystem supports 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 sloper of Barakudia. This richness of life earned Chilika the designation of ‘Ramstad Site’, which is a Wetland of International Importance. Nalabana Island within the lagoon is considered a bird sanctuary, to unleash your adventurous traits, enjoy scootering, canoeing, kayaking and boating at the water sports complex near Panthniwas, managed by OTDC , as a comfortable accommodation. Breakfast at the floating restaurant and the naval exercises of the Indian Navy will encourage you to extend your stay in BarkuL.
But if you want privacy. Located at the southern tip of Chilika, Rambha Cove is dotted with a series of islands, each vying with the others to excel in natural beauty. Each of these enticing islands that emerge from the vast expanse of blue has a story to tell. Once a British officer named snodgross, who was the collector of Ganjam, used a breakfast island and stayed in a bungalow on the island. Three kilometers up the Rambha Way lies an architectural marvel in the shape of a conical pillar near the picturesque Ghantasala hill. Another three kilometers further is Honeymoon Island, once used by the Bruisers for picnics and fun. The crystal clear water inside and the luxurious bed of red and green decorations from around the world are simply captivating. The Island of Birds, four kilometers from rambha, is a must-see for its wealth of herbs, bushes and vines. and the mouth of Chilika, which offers a stretch of endless, uncharted beach to relax on. This almost four-hour fun-filled adventure boat trip is a destination unto itself.
KALIJAI TEMPLE: Kalijai Temple is one of the important attractions for visitors. It stands on a mound surrounded by blue water bears. The many Chilika folklores and legends refer to the goddess as the reigning deity of the lagoon. According to legend, a young girl who was drowned and then worshiped as a goddess after being sanctified. This small rocky island has a group of people who worship Devikalijai in the temple. No boatman or fisherman ventures forth 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 called parikuda because she has no ties to anywhere else. But at that time the tradition of society was selected. she has to go to her father-in-law’s house. Kalijai’s father arranged all of it for her in the traditional way. Selected one day, he commanded a boatman on behalf of a ‘Kalijai marriage ceremony’ towards parikuda. Before reaching Parikuda they must cross the lake. Both father and daughter left by ferry to Parikuda Island for their wedding. Right on the way, a storm arose and the sky turned dark and the boat was hidden in the beautiful lake. Kalijai disappeared into the dark water. But it was for a short time. Then the sky cleared. There was no storm. Only Kalijai’s father alive… cried… screamed… Kalijai… Kalijai… that’s all. It is located on a knoll surrounded by blue water bears. Every year at makar-sankranti, after the harvest, people from different places come to worship Devi Kalijai. Today the temple is the witness as a milestone or burning example for society.
AROUND CHILIKA: There are many places of interest that can be approached 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: ‘Discover of India Magazine’ Special
: Travelers (outside)
: Orissa Yearbook -2008