Chilika is a wonder creation of nature. It is a vast and picturesque lagoon in the heart of coastal Orissa flanked by rolling hills, green fields, sandy beaches, interspersed with casuarina groves along Bay of Bengal with fascinating small scattered Islands.Chilika is renowned for the vast congregations of migratory avifauna which visit the place every winter from far off areas like the Caspian sea, Lake Baikal,Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and Southeast Asia,Ladakh and the Himalayas.

The Nalaban Island within the lagoon is notified asa sanctuary under the Wildlife (Protection) Act,1972. The Lagoon has also been identified as priority site for conservation and management by the National Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs committee of Ministry of Environment and Forests,Government of India. Based on its rich biodiversity and socio-economic importance, it was designated as a Ramsar site in 1981, under the convention of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsarconvention) specially as waterfowl habitat

Chilika is the largest brackish water lagoon with estuarine characteristics that sprawls along the east coast. It is the largest wintering ground for the migratory waterfowl found any where on the Indian sub continent.

LOCATION

Satellite Imagery of Chilika

Chilika is the largest inland brackish water body of it's kind in Asia forming an enormous lagoon (lOOOSq.Km.) situated on the east coast of peninsular India between 19 degree 28' N to 19 degree 54' N latitude and 85 degree 05' E to 85 degree 38' E longitude in the districts of Puri, Ganjam and Khurda in the State of Orissa .

CLIMATE

Annual rainfall : 1160 mm.
Air Temperature : 10° C to 45° C
Salinity : 0.21 ppt. to 35 ppt.
Depth of water : 30 cm to 4.5 m.

SEASONS
The climate is tropical with well-defined seasons like summer (March/April-June) monsoon (July-September/October) and winter (mainly November-February).

Chilika has been designated as a wetland of International importance (Ramsar site) for the following reasons:

Index Map of Nalaban Sanctuary

• Over a million migratory waterfowl and shorebirds winter here, and it comprises a substantial portion of the migratory flyway of several waterfowl.

• It is a hot spot of biodiversity, with over 400vertebrate species recorded;

• As an estuarine lagoon it supports a unique assemblage of marine, brackish water and freshwater species;

• Several endangered, rare, threatened and vulnerable species are found here;

• Exceeds l,00,000ha in total area;

• Supports fisheries that are a lifeline to a community of over 1,00,000 fisher folk and contribute significantly to India's international trade;

• The lagoon is of great value in preserving genetic ecological diversity because of the variety of habitats, flora and fauna.

Bhabakundaleswar Temple, Manikpatna

BIODIVERSITY FAUNA
Chilika is a hot spot of biodiversity with unique floral and faunal composition. It supports rich and varied life forms. 230 species of migratory and resident birds find their abode in this wetland. It includes 95 species of local and long distance migrants. Some of them are: Flamingo, White bellied Sea eagle,Brahiminy kite, Spotbilled Pelican, Bar headed Goose, Open bill stork, Spoonbill, Brahiminy duck,Wigeon, Pintail, Shoveller and a large number of other ducks and geese, White ibis, Cormorant,Heron, Egret, Stork, Stilt, Avocet, Gulls, Tern, Coot,Osprey, Purple moor hen, Lapwing, Curlew,Whimbrel, Godwit, Sandpiper, Little stint, Plover,Kingfisher, etc. Major concentrations of birds areseen from late November to mid February when large numbers of migratory birds come from far off places of the globe. Nalaban and its neighborhood are the major eye catching bird concentration area harboring lakhs of birds. Other concentration areasof birds are Gerasar and Bhusandpur-Manglajodi-Kalupadaghat-Sorana side of Chilika Lake.

Other fauna of this water body includes fishes (321 species) and several varieties of prawns, crabs and oysters. Dolphins are another attraction. A few Amphibian and Reptilian species including water snakes are also found. A survey of the fauna of Chilika carried out by the Zoological Survey of India during 1985-87 recorded over 800 species in and
around the lagoon. This list includes a number of rare and endangered species, including the Barkudia limbless skink {Barkudia insularis).

Black Winged Stilts

The faunal composition of Chilika is as follows:
Protozoa-61species piatyhelminthes-29 species
Nematodes- 37 species Polychaetes-31 species
Brachyura-28 species Decapoda- 30 species
Mollusca - 136 species Fish- 321 species
Amphibians and Reptiles- 37 species
Birds- 230 species Mammals - 18 species

FLORA
Phytoplankton, algal communities and vascular plants constitute the flora of Chilika lagoon, its island and shore lines facing the sea. A total of 102 species of algae and 546 species of Angiospermic plants have been reported from Chilika lagoon and its immediate neighborhood. Some of the notable species of plants found in the lagoon includes Gracilaria verrucosa, Chaeotomorpha linum, Enteromorpha intestinalis belonging to Macro algae group and Potamogeton pectinatus, Halophila ovalis, Schoenoplectus litoralis, Phragmitis karka,Cassipourea cylanica, etc. from angiosperms.

Nest of Pheasant Tailed Jacana With Eggs

SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS
The biodiversity of Chilika lagoon offers ample scope for regulated ecotourism. In addition to the rich biodiversity, other major attractions are cruise/boatride, sunrise, sun set, Islands, coastal sandy stretch with casuarinas plantations between sea and lake near Berhampura. It is an easy approach from Satapada, 45-50 km from Puri) etc. Numerous islands of varying shape and sizes surrounded by vast stretch of blue water, the unexplored stretch of beach across the sand -bar separating the lagoon from the sea, the millions of colourful migratory birds during winter, the Irrawady dolphins are some of the unique features of Chilika and hold immense potential for development of Wildlife tourism.

SITES TO SEE

Habitat Manipulation for Ecotourism in Nalaban

[1] NALABANA ISLAND: It has been declared as Bird Sanctuary. About one million migratory birds throng this island during the period from October-March every year.

[2] KALLUAI TEMPLE: It is situated on an island considered to be abode of the goddess Kalijai. She is venerated due to the folklore and legend.

[3] PARIKUD: It is located in the eastern side of Chilika and is an idle spot for nature-lovers during winter season when migratory avifauna is abundant.

[4] BERHAMPURA: It is situated in the Northern sector of the Chilika lagoon in an exclusive area having views of Bay of Bengal and Chilika.It is an ideal place to keep oneself away from the complexity of the city life. Watch towers are available for having glimpses of migratory birds and dolphins.

Pelican-One of the Heaviest Waterfowl

[5] SATAPADA: It is located in the Eastern side of the lake about 50 kms. away from Puri.The main attraction of Satapada is Irrawaddy River Dolphins. Around 50 numbers of such dolphins move around between Satapada and
sea mouth fearlessly.

[6] MANIKPATA: It is situated in the outer channel having Historical significance. This was a port that was used for trade with the Far East in ancient Kalinga. Bhabakundeleswar temple and an old mosque are located here.

[7] RAMBHA: Situated at the southern end of the Lake, it is a popular tourist site with a number of inviting islands and vast stretch of blue water. There is a Panthaniwas at Rambha.The following can be memorable and peaceful exclusions from Rambha.

Boats for Eco-Tourism at Satapada

[8] BEACON POINT: Located at 3km away from Rambha OTDC Bungalow. It is an architectural marvel with a conical pillar and a small room constructed on a submerged mass of rock in the Rambha bay near Ghantasilla hill. This way built by Mr. Snodgrass, the then collector of Ganjam under the East India Company. As per the old document Mr. Snodgrass used to relax and do office works on this island. The ornamental pillar was constructed to put alight on the top. The water spread around the Beacon Island is very charming.

[9] BREAKFAST ISLAND: This Island is located in the Rambha Bay and between Badakuda and somolo Island. It is a pear shaped Island.It is otherwise known as Sankuda Island. A bungalow was constructed on this island by the King of Khallikote. Mr. Snodgrass, the then Collector of Ganjam, used to occupy this Bungalow quite frequently. The Island was full of greenery and he used to do his office work in this Island.

Bird's Island, Rambha

[10] HONEYMOON ISLAND: It is situated in the Rambha Bay near the Sankuda Island. It is 5Km away from Rambha Jetty. It is otherwise known as "Barkud island". Britishers use this Island for picnicking. The waters around the Island is very clear and dark blue in colour.The limbless lizard was recorded from this island by Anandale and Kemp.

[11] BIRD'S ISLAND: It is situated in the southern sector of Chilika Lake. This is a hillock with huge exposed hanging rocks. It is 4 km away from Rambha Trourist Bungalow and lkm away on the Eastern side of the Ghantasila hill. The Island is covered with herbs, shrubs, trees and creepers. The granite rocks are the remnants of Eastern Ghats. Some of the rocks are painted white with the dropping of the birds. Some residential birds use the island as perching ground. During winter season, the migratory birds are sighted here. It is known for its rich algal communities.

Mosque at Manikpatna

[12] BARUNKUDA: It is a small island situated near Magarmukh with a temple of Lord Varuna.

[13] SOMOLO AND DUMKUDI: Situated in the central and southern sectors of the Lake, these island are inundated remnants of the Easter Ghats. Though rocky, they are rich in flora and fauna. Dolphins are often sighted on the peripheral water of Somolo Island. A beautiful and unique backdrop to Somolo is the Khallikote hill range.

[14] NABAGRAHA: An ancient deity located near village Berhampura, along the outer channel.

[15] CHOUBAR SHIVA TEMPLE: Located along the outer channel near village Alupatna.

[16] SAND-BAR AND MOUTH OF CHILIKA
LAGOON: A beautiful stretch of endless unexplored stretch of beach, exists across the sand bar which separates the lagoon from the sea. A nice destination to relax.

Beacon Point

[17] SEA BEACH AT THE MOUTH OF RUSHIKULYA RIVER MOUTH: Located between the river mouth and extending north wards the 4-6 Km long stretch is the famous mass nesting site of endangered Olive Ridley Sea turtles. It is only at a distance of about 2km from the National High way No. 5 and an ordinary kacha road passes through the coastal villages namely, Purunabandha and Gokharkuda. There are multi purpose cyclone centres at these villages.

[18] POTAGARH: This is located at the Rushikulya river mouth.

[19] SATAPADA: Located at distance of about 50kms from Puri. The CDA has developed a mass awareness and Interpretation Centre at the site.

[20] BARKUL: A Wetland Research and Conservation Centre has been established at Barkul with an aquarium, wetlands museum,auditorium with hostel facility for scientists.

A Portion of Nabagraha at Satapada

[21] CHAKRANASI: Located at distance of two kilometer from Rajhans. Local belief is that when Lord Jagannath was taken away by 'Kala Pahad', he was rescued by one wandering
medicant, Bishar Mohanty, who placed
'Brahma' of the idol at Chakranasi and Lord
Jagannath stayed there for quite some time
before finally going to Puri. The 'Navagrahas'
can still be seen at Chakranasi.

[22] BRITISH DHABA: Located at distance of two kilometer from Rajhans. Earlier the normal route from Puri to Ganjam was along the sand bar. Several resting places were constructed on the way. The half buried, more than three hundred year old Dhaba can still be seen.

Sandbar with Casuarina Along the Outer Channel

HOW TO REACH THERE

AIR WAYS
Bhubaneswar, the State capital is well connected to Calcutta, Delhi, and Mumbai and Chennai. Regular flights are also available from these Cities by Indian Airlines or Sahara-Air. The nearest Airport,Bhubaneswar is situated at a distance of 100 km.from Balugaon.

RAILWAYS
Bhubaneswar, the nearest railhead (East Coast Railway) is well connected to Calcutta, Delhi, and Mumbai and Chennai. The Calcutta - Chennai Rail route touches Chilika at Balugaon, Chilika, Khallikot and Rambha. Nearest Railway Station at Balugaon is only 1 km. away. From Balugaon and Rambha railway station one can go to Calcutta, Puri, Chennai and Hyderabad, etc.

Dhaudi-a Traditional Prawn Trap of Chilika

ROAD WAYS
The Chennai (Madras) bound N.H. No.5 linking Kolkata (Calcutta) -Cuttack - Bhubaneswar-Balugaon- Barkul - Rambha- Berhampur and Vishakhapatnam runs along the lagoon. National Highway No.5 touches Chilika at Balugaon, Barkul and Rambha.

Distance from Bhubaneswar
Balugaon - 100km

Barkul - HOKm
Rambha - 130Km

Distance from Puri
Satapada - 50Km

HOW TO REACH IMPORTANT PLACES

Nalabana Island: It is an hour journey by mechanized boat from Balugaon. One and half hour boat journey from Barkul, two hours boat journey from Rambha, Satapada and Mangalajodi.

Bahano-a Traditional Fishing Community

Kalijai Temple: It is an hour boat journey from Balugaon, 45 minutes from Barkul, one hour from Rambha three hours from Satapada and Mangalajodi.

Parikuda: It is just an hour journey from Balugaon and approachable by road from Pallur on N.H.5.

Bramhapura: It is just 45 minutes boat journey from Satapada, 3 hours boat journey from Balugaon.

Satapada: It is one and half-hour journey from Puri by road and three hours boat journey from Balugaon.

Manikapatna: It is just 45 minutes boat journey from Satapada or 30 minutes road journey from Satapada.

ENTRY POINTS
The visitors can enter to the Chilika Lagoon from Rambha, Barkul, Balugaon, Mangalajodi and Satapada.

Fisherman's Cottage

ACCOMMODATION

[1] O.T.D.C. Pantha Nivas at Barkul

[2] O.T.D.C. Pantha Nivas at Rambha.

[3] Jatri Nivas, Orissa Tourism Department at Satapada.

[4] Forest Department Rest House "Rajhansa" at Bramhapura.

[5] Many other hotels/ Guest Houses etc. at Balugaon and Rambha.

PERMITS
The visitors are permitted to enter the Chilika lagoon from Rambha, Barkul, Balugaon, Mangalajodi and Satapada.

BOAT FACILITIES

[1]Boat with engine for accommodating 15 people at a time along with boatman - 2 Nos.

[2]4(four) seater Fiber boat with engine- INo.

[3]Besides the above, mechanized boat facilities are available by O.T.D.C. at Rambha, Barkul and Satapada. Private mechanized boats are also available at the above places and at Satapada, Mangalajodi, etc.

Tourist Boat in Chilika

BOAT HIRING CHARGES

Hiring charges of tourist boats of Dolphin
Motor Boat Association
[Capacity: 6 adults + 2 children (one family per
boat)]
1. Dolphin sight seeing (1 hour) Rs. 250/-
2. Dolphin sighting and new mouth Rs. 450/-
(3 hours)
3. Dolphin sighting and bird Rs. 700/-
sanctuary (4 hours)
4. Kalijai, dolphin sighting and Rs. 900/-
bird sanctuary (7 hours)
5. Barakul, dolphin sighting and Rs. 1000/-
bird sanctuary (8 hours)
Extra charges for camping Rs. 50/-
Extra charges for camping and Rs. 100/-
night halt

Hiring charges of OTDC Motor Lunch Tours
1. 20 seater boat (per hour) Rs. 630/-
2. 6 & 7 seater boat (per hour) Rs. 410/-
Detention per hour Rs. 50/-
Nighthalt Rs. 100/-

CHARGES / FEES
Entry fees to the Chilika Sanctuary is Rs.l/- peradult Indian and Rs.5/- for adult Foreigners. The room rents of Rajhans I.B. is Rs.200/- per day.

CONTACTS

• The Divisional Forest Officer & Wildlife Warden, Chilika Wildlife Division, Balugaon, Dist-Khurda.Ph. 06756-221814(0).
• Range Officer, Balugaon Wildlife Range, Balugaon.
• Range Officer, Brahmapura Wildlife Range.

Assistance for tourism information/ activities are available at tourist offices of OTDC Ltd./ Orissa Tourism Department at Barkul, Rambha, Satapada,and other places.

Sun Set at Chilika

FOOD AVAILABILITY

Food facilities are available at Pantha Nivas at Rambha, Barkul and Satapada. Private hotels are also available at Balugaon, Rambha, Satapada and Barkul. At Mangalajodi, the boatmen can provide food on boat on advance payment.

Activities of fishermen with their district culture and traditions are the rich experience in itself.

COMMUNICATION

A wireless communication system covering all important points within and around the sanctuary has been established. During emergency this communication network will usually be available to multi-day trekkers through the established base
stations. At present the VHF Base Stations of the communication network in Chilika are located at places like Balugaon, Rambha, Berhampura, Arakhakuda, Pitisal, etc.

PASSPORT / VISA / INSURANCE
Foreign visitors are required to produce valid passport, visa and insurance.

DO'S AND DONTS

• Do abide the rules and regulations of sanctuary.
• Do not disturb birds and other wildlife (hunting,shooting, killing, capturing and causing harm to them are prohibited and punishable).
• Do not destroy/ disturb the habitat of birds and other wildlife.
• Do not disturb tranquility by making noise/playing music etc.
• Do not throw anything undesirable including polythene bags, garbage, injurious substances etc. (keep it clean and pollution free).
• Do not fish in sanctuary area.
• Do report about offences/ offenders and strange events to Forest/ Police officials and assisting them.

ACTIVITIES

Beach trekking

The sea beach along Chilika is one of the untouched beaches of the state. The beach offers one of the best views of the Bay of Bengal. This beach is reportedly safe for visitors who can have a great time in the sea waters. The beach is not a continuous sand bar but is cut off at old Chilika mouth (Magarmukh) located near the fishing village Arakhakuda as well at the new mouth near the Ramabharathia forest beat house. At places along this beach there are high sand dunes which provide panoramic view of both sea and the lagoon. At both the mouths there are fishing boats which can be availed for ferrying to Bali-Harachandi and Puri in the north and Prayagi, Palur and Rushikulya mouth in the south.

Sighting of sea turtle nests

Sporadic nesting of endangered Olive ridley sea turtles takes place all along the Chilika coast,particularly at night hours during late winter and summer months.Lucky visitors may find locating these nests very interesting if the nesting turtles are not disturbed.

Sighting of other fauna

Besides, the beach also offers a large variety of faunas ranging from invertebrates like variety of crabs and mollusksto higher vertebrates like jackals,hyenas, fishing cats, civet cats and ratels, etc.

Sighting of Dolphins

Chilika is the abode of the Irrawaddy dolphins in India. More than 100 of them can be seen surfacing the lagoon and chasing fishes. Maximum number of the population of the Irrawaddy dolphins is in Outer channel of the lagoon. A watch tower has been constructed near Rajhans to facilitate observation of these endangered species in Chilika.

Sighting of birds

Chilika lagoon is the famous wintering ground for lakhs of migratory birds. Their arrival to the lagoon starts during October and they stay here up to March-April. During this period, the entire lagoon presents a picturesque view with colorful birds all around. Depending upon the depth of water, salinity, food availability and other factors, different species of birds can be seen at different sites. In all, more than 200 species of birds including both resident and migratory birds can be seen inside the lagoon and in it's periphery.

Fishing

The lagoon with it's unique water conditions (fresh and brackish water) houses a large variety of fishes. Tourists can relax and enjoy fishing activities in the lagoon.

Boating

The calm water of the lagoon offer ideal conditions for boating. The rising and setting of the sun in the far horizon, the rhythmic swimming and surfacing of the dolphins, the swooping terns and sea gulls catching fish, the gentle splash of the water, and fish popping up from the Chilika's surface offer avery enthralling experience while boating or rowing in wind driven boats. Besides, boating during moonlit nights is very romantic and enjoyable.

Wind Surfing

The sea water of this part of the Bay of Bengal is relatively calm in winter months from October to February. Since the beach has a gentle gradient,wind surfing can be tried as an adventure sport, in this area.

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