Chilika (Barkul)
DirectionQueen of natural beauty, Chilika, the largest brackish water lake in Asia covering an area of over 1,100 sq. km is a great attraction.
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, covering an area of over 1,100 km2. It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest lagoon in the world after The New Caledonian barrier reef in New Caledonia.
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 lake is an ecosystem with large fishery resources. It sustains more than 150,000 fisher–folk living in 132 villages on the shore and islands.
How to Reach:
By Air
The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar, 98 kms. from Balugaon, 105 kms from Barkul and , 130 kms from Rambha, 108 kms from Satapada.
By Train
The nearest railhead is at Balugaon for Barkul (6kms), Puri for Satapada (50kms). Rambha is also a railhead. Bhubaneswar is yet another convenient railhead for visiting Chilika Lake.
By Road
Barkul,Balugoan and Rambha are situated on National Highway No.5. Regular buses ply between Berhampur and Bhubaneswar, which stop at Rambha and Balugoan. Tourists can avail of auto rickshaws and taxi from both these places and reach the lake in a short while.