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Chilka Lake is a coastal lake located in state of Orissa in India. It is Asia's biggest inland salt water lagoon. A sandy brim separates it from Bay of Bengal. The splendid Lake rambles over 1,100 sq km and has a diverse ecological unit with variety of aquatic fauna and flora in its waters. The lake was consequently formed by the silting process of Mahanadi River which saps into northern part of Lake.
Dotted with numerous islands, the lake offers an exceptionally beautiful panorama to the spectators. Parikud, Berahpura, Nalaban, Phulbari, Tampara and Nuapura are some of the prominent islands situated amidst the enchanting Lake. A conglomeration of islands along with Malud Peninsula forms a revenue block called Krishnaprasad in Puri district. The north shoreline of Chilka Lake comes under Khordha district while the western coast is the part of Ganjam district.
The Lake is an ecstasy for bird watchers. Numerous domestic and migrating birds dwelling beside Lake makes the vista more picturesque. The Lake serves as a major breeding zone and habitat especially to the flamingoes. Purple Moorhen, herons, geese and white bellied sea eagles are some of the prominent species of birds offering delight to bird watchers. The lake offers stay to the birds from Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Siberia and Himalayas especially in winter season. The Nalaban Island in the Lake is declared as a bird sanctuary under wildlife preservation act. Chilka Lake bird sanctuary is the residence of numerous local as well as migrating birds. The atypical limbless lizards called Barkudia Insularis are rampant in the small islands in Lake.
The shores of the Chilka Lake are also the homeland of spotted deer, blackbuck, hyenas and golden jackals. The dazzling lake has an affluent marine life with about 160 species of crustaceans, fish and other aquatic animals. The lake is also famous for dolphins. Crab, prawns and mackerel fishing are some of the major sources of income of local populace. Numerous fishing and sail boats can be seen in the lake every morning in search of some good catch.
Kalijai Island in Chilka Lake is well known for the shrine of deity Kalijai. The island is visited by devotees during the festival of Makar Sankranti (kite festival) in January. The marvelous milieu of the lake is on its pinnacle especially in the months from October to March. The lake is also called as wetland of international importance.
The airport of Bhubaneshwar lies just 120 km from the lake. The nearest railhead to the lake is in Balugaon and Rambha. State transport buses also offer easy accessibility to the place. The motorboats offered by OTDC makes the impressive islands in the lake easily reachable. Numerous tourist lodges, rest houses and hotels beside lakebed offer comfortable and lavish accommodations to the visitors.
The Chilka Lake is an ideal destination for a recreational visit for both the bird watchers and the picnic goers.
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