Chilika – The largest brackish water lake
Orissa is a beautiful coastal state in eastern India. It has unique and valuable tourist resources. From the adventurous snow-capped mountain peaks to the sand and surf of the Bay of Bengal, a great historical legacy, ancient culture to modern civilization, rich world life, many sculptures and temple architecture make the city vibrate. country life. The state has something for everyone. The monuments: sun temple at Konark, jagannath temple at puri, Ling raj temple at Bhubaneswar are the holy places of Orissa which 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. Glowing in the luxury of its blue expanse, the alluring Chilika, the largest brackish water lake in India, soothes.
Surrounded by rolling hills and dotted with emerald green islands, Chilika is a sanctuary and wintering ground for winged visitors from around the world. The amazing boat-lined lake reflects India at its colorful best. 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, salty and freshwater ecosystems with inimitable characters. A boat ride on this lagoon will take you amid the chirps of millions of migratory birds from Baikal, Siberia, Southeast Asia and Central Asia. Travel further afield to visit some of the enchanting nearby area Balugaon and Rambha, 25km away, are the two locations, on the lake that serve as your base. Although you can visit the lake throughout the year, October to March is the best season because many migratory birds are available in this place. The lagoon ecosystem is home to 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 Barakudia limbless slope. This richness of life earned Chilika the designation ‘Ramstad Site’, which is a wetland of International Importance. Nalabana Island within the lagoon is considered a bird sanctuary, to unleash your adventurous traits, indulge in scooter riding, canoeing, kayaking and boating at the water sports complex near Panthniwas, run 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 of which competes with the others for outstanding natural beauty. Rising out of the vast expanse of blue, each of these enticing islands 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 from Rambha Way stands an architectural marvel in the form of a conical pillar near the picturesque Ghantasala Hill. Another two miles beyond is Honeymoon Island, once used by Bruisers for picnicking and merrymaking. The crystal clear water inside and the luxurious bed of red and green decorations from around the world are simply captivating. Bird Island, four kilometers from rambha, is a must-see for its wealth of herbs, shrubs and vines. and the mouth of Chilika, which offers a stretch of endless, unexplored beach to relax on. This nearly four-hour fun-filled, adventure-filled boat trip is a destination unto itself.
KALIJAI TEMPLE: The Kalijai Temple is one of the important attractions for visitors. It stands on a mound surrounded by blue water bears. Chilika’s many folklore and legends refer to the goddess as the reigning deity of the lagoon. According to legend, a young girl who was drowned and later revered as a goddess after being made holy. This small rocky island has a group of people who worship Devikalijai at the temple. No boatman or fisherman ventures without invoking Devi-kalijai’s blessing for safe passage. Local folklore describes the story of Kalijai, a poor girl, who did not wish to get married on an island called Parikuda because she has no ties to another place. But at that time the tradition of society was selected. she has to go to her mother-in-law’s house. Kalijai’s father arranged everything from her for her in the traditional way. Selected one day, he ordered a boatman in the name of ‘kalijai marriage ceremony’ towards parikuda. Before reaching Parikuda they must cross the lake. Both the father and the daughter left by ferry to Parikuda Island for their wedding. Right on the way, a storm raged and the sky turned dark and the ship 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 on 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: Special ‘Discover of India Magazine’
: Travelers (outside)
: Orissa Yearbook -2008
