-: Chilika Bird Sanctuary :-

About Chilka Bird Sanctuary :-
The Chilka Lake in Orissa is Asia's largest inland salt-water lagoon. Studded with small islands- including the picturesquely-named Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island- the lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandy ridge. The pear-shaped lake spreads across 1,100 sq km, and has a unique ecosystem with a range of aquatic flora and fauna found in and around its brackish waters. An impressive array of bird life, both native and migrant, makes Chilka one of the best places in India for a bit of satisfying bird-watching

Nalabana Sanctuary in the heart of Chilka Bird Sanctuary is the integral part of this sanctuary. Chilka Lake is world's largest brackish water Lake and spreads across 1,100 kilometers. The lake is pear shaped and offers a perfect habitat for different bird species. The Lake is truly a bird's watcher's delight. The birds nesting in this sanctuary are jacana, purple moorhen, white-bellied sea eagles, greylag geese, herons and flamingos. It is also the best breeding ground for flamingos.

The best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to March when at least 50 to 70 species of migratory birds visit the lake. The weather is warm throughout the year, so one can visit the Park anytime except monsoon as the land becomes slippery and unsuitable to walk. 

The Chilika Lake is not only about birds, another major attraction at the lake is Irrawady dolphins, which are often spotted off Satpada Island. Satpada is bounded by the lagoon on three sides, and presents an excellent view and draws tourists to its entire 30 km stretch of sand bar.

Visiting the sightseeing destinations around the lake can be a enchanting experience. You may visit the island of Kalijai which is the popular religious center. Thousands of pilgrims flock here every year to pay homage to the Goddess kalijai. You can also be a part of the fair that is held here on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on the 14th of January every year. The lake can also be been fron the running train or any other vehicle. Another major attraction of the lake is the Nalabana, which is the famous birding spot. Than the tourists can visit Satapada where the famous Chilka Dolphins are can be seen in their natural best. 

River dolphins and porpoises swim in some of the world's mightiest rivers, including the Ganges, Indus, Yangtze, Mekong, and Amazon. But these river basins are also home to over 15 per cent of our planet's people and include some of the most densely populated, and poorest, areas on Earth.

Kalijai Island: Famous as a center of religious worship, the island has a temple of Goddess Kalijai. Legend has it that Kalijai was a young girl who died while crossing the lake. Following her death, a temple was built in her honour and it’s a ritual for every fisherman who passes through the island to pay their homage to her and hope that she will protect them. 

Excursion :
Narayani - (10 km from Barkul & 22 Kms from Rambha) Goddes Narayani adorns the hill top,

Gopalpur-on-sea - (45 kms from Rambha and 75 kms from Barkul ),

Taptapani Sulphur Spring - (100 kms from Rambha and 130 kms from Barkul) .

How to Get There :

Air - Nearest airport, Bhubaneswar is 105 kms from from Barkul & 135 kms from Rambha. Bhubaneswar is directly connected with kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderbad, Mumbai, by different airlines services

Rail - The nearest railheads are at Balugaon (5 kms from Barkul), Chilika, Khallikote and Rambha on South Eastern Railways Which are directly connected to Kolkata, Puri , Chennai Hyderabad and Mumbai via Secunderabad etc.

Road - Both Barkul & Rambha are situated on the National Highway No.5. Regular buses run between Bhubaneswar and Berhampur with stops enroute at Balugaon (for Barkul) and Rambha. Barkul to Bhubaneswar (105 kms), Puri(167 kms), Cuttack (133kms), Berhampur(78 kms), Gopalpur-on-Sea (75 kms) and Rambha (30 kms) etc.