Chilaka Lake Travel Guide – How to Reach, Best Time & Things to Do

Chilaka Lake is a hidden gem for nature lovers, bird watchers, and those seeking a peaceful escape. Surrounded by scenic beauty, the lake is a perfect destination for weekend getaways, picnics, and photography. If you are planning a trip, here’s a detailed guide covering how to reach Chilaka Lake, the best time to visit, and top things to do.

How to Reach Chilika Lake – By Train, Road & Air

Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, is located in Odisha, spread across Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam districts. Famous for Irrawaddy dolphins, migratory birds, and island temples, Chilika is well connected by road, rail, and air. Here’s a complete travel guide on how to reach Chilika Lake from different parts of India.

By Air – Nearest Airport to Chilika Lake

The nearest airport to Chilika Lake is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar (BBI), which is about 60 kilometers from Barkul, one of the main entry points to the lake. Bhubaneswar has excellent flight connectivity with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Once you arrive at the airport, you can hire a taxi or take state-run buses towards Balugaon, Barkul, Rambha, or Satapada, depending on which side of Chilika you plan to explore. For those coming from faraway states, flying to Bhubaneswar is the quickest and most convenient option.

By Train – Rail Connectivity to Chilika Lake

Travelers who prefer trains can easily reach Chilika Lake since it lies close to the Howrah–Chennai main railway line. The nearest major railway station is Balugaon, located about 53 kilometers from the lake. Several express and superfast trains from Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Bhubaneswar halt at Balugaon, making it very convenient for tourists. Other important stations include Khurda Road Junction (75 km away) and Puri Railway Station (about 50 km from Satapada side of the lake). From these stations, buses and taxis are available that can take you directly to the boating points at Barkul, Rambha, Satapada, or Mangalajodi.

By Road – Bus & Car Routes to Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake is also well connected by road since National Highway 16 (the Kolkata–Chennai Highway) passes close to Balugaon and Barkul. From Bhubaneswar, the distance to Barkul is around 62 kilometers, which takes about one and a half hours by car. From Puri, it is about 50 kilometers to Satapada, which is the famous spot for dolphin watching and the Sea Mouth. Regular OSRTC (Odisha State Road Transport Corporation) buses and private buses run frequently from Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, and Berhampur to the nearby towns of Balugaon and Rambha. Travelers who prefer a flexible journey can also hire a taxi or self-drive car for a more comfortable trip.

Popular Entry Points to Chilika Lake

• Barkul – Best for boat rides to Nalabana Bird Sanctuary & Kalijai Temple.

• Rambha – Scenic spot with islands like Breakfast Island & Birds Island.

• Satapada (near Puri) – Famous for dolphin watching & Sea Mouth point.

• Mangalajodi – A birdwatcher’s paradise on the northern banks.

Things to Do at Chilika Lake – Complete Travel Guide

Chilika Lake, spread across the districts of Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam in Odisha, is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and one of the most biodiverse wetlands in India. It is a paradise for bird lovers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and unique wildlife. If you are planning a trip, here are the top things to do at Chilika Lake.

1. Birdwatching at Nalabana Island

One of the most famous attractions of Chilika Lake is Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, a designated Ramsar site. During winter (October to March), the island becomes home to thousands of migratory birds that arrive from Siberia, Central Asia, and the Himalayas. You can spot flamingos, grey pelicans, herons, storks, and Brahminy kites. Birdwatching tours here are best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon when bird activity is high.

2. Dolphin Watching at Satapada

Chilika is one of the very few places in the world where you can spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins in their natural habitat. The Satapada region, near Puri, is the most popular spot for dolphin watching. Boat rides here take visitors deep into the lagoon, where dolphins can often be seen playfully surfacing in groups. For the best experience, plan your visit in the morning hours when the waters are calmer.

3. Visit Kalijai Temple on an Island

A trip to Chilika is incomplete without visiting the Kalijai Temple, located on a small island in the lake. Dedicated to Goddess Kalijai, the temple is an important pilgrimage site for locals. It is especially lively during the Makar Sankranti festival in January, when thousands of devotees gather for celebrations. Even if you’re not religious, the boat ride to the temple offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hills.

4. Explore the Beautiful Islands

Chilika Lake is dotted with scenic islands, each offering something unique.

• Breakfast Island – Known for its ruined colonial-era bungalow and peaceful surroundings.

• Birds Island – A rocky island covered with white patches from bird droppings, popular among photographers.

• Sea Mouth Island – The point where Chilika Lake meets the Bay of Bengal, famous for golden beaches and sunsets.

• Rajhans Island – A pristine island near Satapada, with mangroves and sandy beaches.

Exploring these islands by boat is one of the most relaxing experiences you can have at Chilika.

5. Experience Mangalajodi Wetlands

On the northern banks of Chilika lies Mangalajodi, once a poachers’ village, now transformed into a bird conservation haven. Eco-tourism initiatives here allow tourists to enjoy guided boat rides in traditional country boats, offering close encounters with migratory birds in shallow waters. Mangalajodi is often called “Bird Paradise of Asia”, and it is a must-visit for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

6. Enjoy Fresh Seafood

Chilika is famous for its freshwater prawns, crabs, and fish. Local eateries and OTDC Panthanivas restaurants at Barkul, Rambha, and Satapada serve authentic Odia seafood thalis. Don’t miss trying Chilika crab curry or freshly fried fish while overlooking the serene lake. Food lovers will find this experience as memorable as the sightseeing itself.

7. Take a Boat Ride Across the Lagoon

A boat ride is the best way to explore Chilika’s true beauty. Government-run OTDC boats and private operators offer different routes that cover bird sanctuaries, islands, and dolphin points. Morning and evening rides are particularly scenic, with the calm waters reflecting the sky and migratory birds flying overhead. Always book boats through authorized counters to avoid scams or overpricing.

8. Watch a Mesmerizing Sunset

Evenings at Chilika Lake are magical. The sight of the sun setting behind the Eastern Ghats, painting the waters with shades of orange and red, is truly unforgettable. Popular sunset points include Satapada Sea Mouth and Rambha side of the lake.

9. Visit Fishing Villages & Local Markets

Around Chilika, you can also explore traditional fishing villages, where locals depend on the lake for their livelihood. These visits give you a chance to experience the culture of the region, interact with fishermen, and even shop for handicrafts, seashell art, and dried fish in local markets.

10. Photography & Nature Walks

With its rich biodiversity, picturesque islands, and cultural landmarks, Chilika Lake is a photographer’s delight. Early morning walks near the banks or eco-tourism villages like Mangalajodi provide endless opportunities to capture birds, landscapes, and rural life.