A number of islands have been doted the expanse of the lake. Nalbana Island, because of its varied flora and fauna, forms the core of the Chilika sanctuary. Kalijai Island is home to the Goddess Kalijai, venerated by the local fisher folk. This island plays host to a huge fair on 'Makar Sankranti' held annually in the month of January. The large fishing community adds flavor to the lake with their traditional colorful sail boats bobbing expertly across the water, reminiscent of the ancient maritime heritage of Orissa. In fact, the fisher folk can be persuaded to take visitors on their boats

Chilika is worth visiting the year round, however, the winter months, when the air reverberates with the din of the birds, are the nicest times. Barkul, Rambha, Balugaon and Satpada are the bases for visiting Chilika, where boats can be hired.

Best time to visit Chilka Lake
Enjoy the unparalleled beauty and tranquility of Asia¿s largest brackish water lake between the months of September to April

How to Reach

Chilka can be conveniently visited through Balugaon, Barkul, Rambha and Satpara

By Air :Nearest airport is is at Bhubaneswar, 98 kms from Balugaon,105 kms from Barkul,130 kms from Rambha and 105kms from Satapara.

By Rail :Nearest railhead is at Balugaon, a station on the South Eastern Railway route that is directly

connected to Kolkata, Puri, Hyderabad, Chennai and Mumbai.

By Road : Both Barkul and Rambha are situated on National Highway No.5 (NH 5) Regular buses also ply between Berhampur and Bhubaneswar, stopping en route at Barkul and Rambha. Tourists can also avail of auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws from both these places and reach the lake in a short while, from either Barkul / Rambha / Balugaon.

The Lake can also be enjoyed from Satpada, 52 km. from Puri.