Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake, located on the east coast of India in Odisha, is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and the second largest in the world. Its surface area fluctuates between 900 and 1,165 square kilometers depending on the season and monsoon rains. The lake is linked to the Bay of Bengal through a narrow outer channel, facilitating a unique mixing of fresh water from inland rivers and saline sea water. In 1981, Chilika was designated as the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. It is particularly famous for being home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, hosting one of the few stable populations of the species in the world. During the winter months, the lagoon transforms into a major avian sanctuary, welcoming over a million migratory birds from as far away as Siberia and Iran. The ecosystem supports the livelihoods of more than 150,000 local fishermen. Nalabana Island, situated within the lake, is a protected bird sanctuary that remains submerged during high monsoons.

Nearby cities

Paradip

A major port city in Odisha, located at the confluence of the Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal.

Puri

Puri is a sacred city on the Bay of Bengal, famous for the Jagannath Temple and its vast sandy beaches.

More places

Konark Sun Temple

A 13th-century temple dedicated to the sun god Surya, conceived as a gigantic chariot.

Paradeep Port

A major seaport on the east coast, primarily handling iron ore, coal, and crude oil.

Mahabodhi Temple

A Buddhist temple in Bodh Gaya, marking the location where Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment.