The Chilika Lake is the pride of Orissa. Many poets and literates have been inspired by the beauty of the lake.Poets have been rightly termed it as NILAMBU CHILIKA as the water colour is blue which is not seen in other lakes. It is one of the major brackish water lakes of the world which became the research Laboratory for the eminent scientists like Dr. V.G.Jhingran who worked on the chilika fishes. Chilika lake is the largest brackish water lagoon of the Asia, which attracts thousands of migratory birds from all over the world during the winter season.
How to reach Chilika
How to reach Chilika
Chilika is well connected from all sides, whether you are coming from BBSR or from Berhampur or from Puri. The South East Railway connects Chilika with the Balugaon Station. Balugaon station is 90 Km from Bhubaneswar railway station and 70 Km from Berhampur. At Balugaon railway station auto rickshaw, cycle rickshaws are available to reach the tourist jetty. It is about 1.5 Km from the railway station.At the tourist jetty country boats fitted with outboard engine or motor lunch are availble to go inside the lake. Tourists can visit the Kalijai temple, Nalabana ( Bird Sanctuary), Parikuda gada, Chadei haga etc on hiring the Boat or motor lunch.
Where to Stay: Hotels and lodging facilities are available at Balugaon with a room rent range from 150/- to 1000/-.per day. At Balugaon 3 star hotels are available and at Barakul one can avail the facilities of OTDC panthaniwas which is only 5 KM from Balugaon towards Berhampur.
If you are coming from Puri it is better to visit Chilika at Satapada which is about 45 Km from Puri by Road. Hotels and OTDC Panthaniwas facilities are also available at Satapada.
The goddess of the Lake Maa Kalijai is present inside the lake in small mountain.The temple is called Kalijai temple. Every year on the day of Makara Sankranti a festival is held here.
Different varieties of fish are found in the chilika lake. The detail of all fishes will be elaborated latter. Locally called as Khainga( Mugil cephalus) is the most economical fish of the lake.
Different economical prawns are also found in the lakes. The major are Bagda( Paneous monodon), Kantala( Paneous indicus) etc.
A fishing jetty is situated at Balugaon, which is also used as tourist jetty. A separate fishing jetty is now under construction at Balugaon with fish godowns.
(To be continued)
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