Chilika Lake Tour Guide: A Journey Through Nature's Paradise

Chilka lake was my dream and this time I visited this tourist place in winter time Oh! First of all need to talk about this tourist place because its unexplored place by so many people around the world. This unique and breathtaking tourist destination is located in the eastern Indian state of Odisha near the Way of Bengal.This is the largest brackish water lagoon lake in India and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

A Chilika Lake tour is an opportunity to experience the beauty of this unique ecosystem up close. From the vast expanse of blue waters to the verdant mangrove forests and the charming fishing villages along the shore, there is something for everyone in Chilika. During a Chilika Lake tour, visitors can witness the stunning sight of thousands of migratory birds flocking to the lake during the winter months. The lake is also home to a thriving population of dolphins, and visitors can take boat rides to spot these friendly creatures in their natural habitat.

 Chilika Lake is not just a place of natural beauty, but also has a rich cultural heritage. The local fishing communities have a deep connection with the lake and their traditions and way of life are an integral part of the Chilika experience. 

In this blog, I will take you on a journey through Chilika Lake, exploring its natural beauty, cultural significance, and share my good & bad experiences during the Chilika lake tour. So sit back, relax, and let's delve into the wonder that is Chilika Lake Odisha.

History of Chilika Lake 

Chilika Lake history actually I did n’t know about it before tour this place but after some research and met the local guides I shared this details.

The history of Chilika Lake dates back to ancient times, and the lake has played an important role in the cultural and economic life of the region for centuries. The earliest historical records of Chilika Lake date back to the 2nd century BC, during the reign of Emperor Kharavela of the Mauryan Empire. The lake is mentioned in several inscriptions found in the nearby hills of Dhauli and Jaugada, which indicate that the lake was an important center of trade and commerce in ancient times. Over the centuries, Chilika Lake has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Kalinga, Ganga, and Gajapati empires. It was also an important center of Buddhism, and several Buddhist sites can still be found in the surrounding hills and islands. In the medieval period, Chilika Lake was an important center of maritime trade, with ships from as far away as Arabia and Southeast Asia visiting its shores. The lake was also a center of salt production, with salt pans still visible along its shores. In the modern era, Chilika Lake has been recognized as an important wetland and wildlife sanctuary.

 

 In 1981, it was designated a Ramsar site, a global recognition of its importance for bird conservation. Today, Chilika Lake is a popular destination for tourists, who come to experience its natural beauty, cultural richness, and unique ecosystem. With its ancient history and cultural significance, Chilika Lake is truly a gem of Odisha, and a testament to the enduring connection between people and the natural world.

 

Biodiversity of Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake is renowned for its rich biodiversity and is considered one of the most important wetlands in Asia. Here are some of the key things of the lake's biodiversity

Birds: Chilika Lake is home to over 160 species of birds, both resident and migratory. The lake is a major stopover point for a variety of migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, storks, and sandpipers. During the winter months, the lake is transformed into a bird watcher's paradise, with thousands of birds flocking to the lake. 

Fish: The lake is also known for its rich fish biodiversity, with over 200 species of fish found in its waters. These include popular food fish like prawn, mackerel, and hilsa, as well as rare species like the Chilika dolphin fish and Chilika labeo. Reptiles and amphibians: Chilika Lake is home to a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the Olive Ridley sea turtle, Indian python, monitor lizard, and several species of frogs.

Mangroves: The lake's shoreline is lined with dense mangrove forests that are an important habitat for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species. These mangroves also play a crucial role in stabilizing the lake's ecosystem and protecting the shoreline from erosion. 

Flora: The lake and its surrounding areas are home to a diverse range of flora, including aquatic plants, mangroves, and terrestrial vegetation. The lake's floating islands, locally known as phumdis, are particularly unique and are formed by the accumulation of organic matter over time.

Some Images to related to Chilika Lake I Capatured During My Tour

Red Crabs

Chilika Lake Boating Area

Chilika's Inhabitants and Culture

Chilika Lake is not only ecologically significant but also culturally significant. Several indigenous communities have lived there for centuries and have a strong connection to the lake. Here are some facts about Chilika's society and people.

Fishing communities: The fishing communities around Chilika Lake have a distinct way of life and culture that is closely connected to the lake. These communities are renowned for their environmentally friendly fishing methods and capture fish using age-old techniques like fishing traps, gill nets, and stake nets. They also use vessels constructed of materials that are easily found nearby, including bamboo, reed, and palm leaves.

Art and craft: The people around Chilika Lake are skilled artisans and craftsmen. They make a variety of handicrafts like baskets, mats, and hats from the reed that grows along the lake's shoreline. They also make pottery, terracotta figurines, and other decorative items.

Festivals and celebrations: The people of Chilika Lake hold several festivals throughout the year, including the annual Chilika Mahotsav, which highlights the region's cultural heritage. Visitors to this festival can enjoy traditional dance performances, music, food, and other cultural activities.

Language and Literature: A number of languages, including Oriya, Telugu, and Bengali, are spoken by locals near Chilika Lake. Also, they have a strong oral storytelling and folklore tradition that has been passed down through the years.

These are some cultural things I noticed during my tour of Chilka Lake.

Things to do in Chilika Lake

Chilka Lake is a beautiful tourist destination in India for all kinds of people and offers a wide range of activities and attractions for the visitors. Without Chilika lake visit, your Puri tour was incomplete therefore I mentioned some activities for your information. 

Bird watching: Chilika Lake is a birder's paradise, with over 160 kinds of birds, both resident and migratory. November to February, when migratory birds arrive in large numbers, is the ideal time for bird watching.

Boating: Visitors can experience the lake's beauty and biodiversity by taking a boat ride on it. You can do a 2 hours boating ride from Chilika Satapada and during this ride you will see beautiful birds ,  the fishing area of Chilika , red crabs , Dolphin and sea mouth island. 

Dolphin watching: Chilika Lake is well-known for its Irrawaddy dolphin population, and visitors can take a boat trip to see these playful animals in their natural habitat.

Sea Mouth Island : This is an amazing and beautiful Island, and I had seen this type of Island for the first time of my life because here one side you can see the Bay of Bengal and another side  you can see the Chillika Lake. Here I saw a virgin beach with beautiful jungle and this is the best sea beach in Puri for photography. My experience is a lifetime experience so I recommend you to visit here during  your Chillika tour and enjoy the tour like me. 

 

How to visit Chilika Lake?

Chilika lake is well connected from Puri and the easiest way travels through various tour & travels companies bus or cab services. I had chosen the bus service to visit Chilika Satapada area that is 55 km from Puri main city. My recommendation is the bus its best option for you because it's reasonable and affordable compared to private cabs and if you visit through bus then your Chilika lake boating charges will decrease.

 

Watch this Video and Get More Visual Information 

FAQ related to Chilika Lake Tour

How much is the bus fare from Puri to Chilka?

Puri to Chilika you can reach through tour service operators buses and they have a full tour package for one day for between 700-800 rupee per person including bus fare. As per package bus fare is as below,

• AC bus fare is 300-350 Rupee per person
• Non AC bus fare is 220-270 Rupee per person 

How much time is needed for the Chilika Lake Tour?

The one-way journey from Puri to Chilka Lake takes 2 hours and the two-way journey takes 4 hours. It is a one day tour as you need 2-3 hours for boat riding there.

Can we see dolphins in Chilika Lake?

Yes. You can see the dolphins mostly during the winter season between Oct- Feb.

What is the best time to visit Chilika?

Chilika lake is a beautiful water spot and winter time is the best time to visit this place. As per my suggestion October to February months are the best time to visit Chilika lake. 

My experience at Chilika lake

This is my first time visiting this place and the tour experience is good but tourism development is not so good here. Food options are available here but quality is not good and cost is high and we have no alternative option so I take here egg curry & rice just for stomach fill up.  Another thing is don’t believe closed eyes on tour operators or guide here because they take extra money as per person's financial status and they forget your money during the ask to return back your money. But the tourist destination is very beautiful and I recommend must visit here one time in your life.