Known as the second largest lagoon in the world, Chilika Lake is one of the well known places in Odisha along with Jagannath Temple and Konark temple. The popularity of Chilka Lake is credited to the rare and elusive species of river dolphins, known as the Irrawaddy Dolphins. During winter, the Chilika lake witnesses one of the largest gatherings of migratory birds from Siberia, Russia, Mongolia and south East Asia.
It is often told that visit to Puri remains unfinished without a trip to Chilka Lake. Chilika offers a glaring chance to visit nature and natural beauties through its vast coverage of bluish water, undulating green hills and islands in it and the clear bluish sky with hovering white clouds.
Chilika Lake is situated 105 kms from Bhubaneswar and mere 37 kilometers from the revered city of Puri. One can avail bus, taxi and rail as a mode of transportation. Winter is the best time to go Chilika, from October to March, when the lake is crowded with large number of migrating birds from different countries. Avoid rainy season from June to September.
Famous attractions in and around Chilka Lake include Nirmal Jhar, Narayani, Gopalpur-on-Sea and Taptapani (hot springs).