Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon, spread over the Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha state on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India. It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent. The lake is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals. The lagoon hosts over 160 species of birds in the peak migratory season. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, the Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and Southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas come here. These birds travel great distances; migratory birds probably follow much longer routes than the straight lines, possibly up to 12,000 km, to reach Chilika Lake. Geological evidence indicates that Chilika Lake was part of the Bay of Bengal during the later stages of the Pleistocene period.
(*All the above information are from Wikipedia.)
Transport:
Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneshwar is the nearest airport located at a distance of 120 km from here.
Rail: Puri Junction and Bhubaneswar railway stations are the major railheads near Chilika which are well connected to the rest of India.
Road: OSRTC buses and private bus operators have regular bus services from Bhubaneswar (Baramunda Bus Station) and Cuttack (Badambadi Bus Station) to Balugaon (also known as Barakul) throughout the day. Buses are also available from Puri to Sadapada.
Local: Boats are available for hire on an hourly basis for the trip within Chilika and its Islands. There are three entry points to Chilika, namely Sadapada, Barakul and Rambha. Sadapada is located at the northern part of Chilika and is close to Puri and also to the mouth of the lake opening into the sea. This is the best spot for the Dolphin rides. Barakul and Rambha area are towards the southern part of the lake and is visible from the NH5 and the railway track of Howrah- Chennai connection. Barakul is the entry point for visiting Kalijai temple and Nalabana for birdwatching. While Rambha is the entry point for Breakfast island, Dinosaur Park, Honeymoon Island and Sankuda Island.
Hotels: OTDC operates three Panthaniwas in Sadapada, Barakul and Rambha.