Chilka Lake

Chilka Lake

 Chilka Lake is located just south of Puri. This is a place of enchanting beauty, and also one of the largest mixed salt and fresh water lake in Asia. Chilika lake is the largest inland lake in India and covers an area of 1100 square km and stretch across the Puri and Ganjam districts. Chilka lake is 70 km. long and 15 km. wide on an average. It is separated from the sea by a narrow sand bar and forms an enormous lagoon when it is joined to the Bay of Bengal with a north mouth. Marshes, lowlands and islands dot the shallow waters. This lake has abundance of bird and marine wildlife. Millions of migratory birds, including ducks, cranes, golden plovers, sandpipers, ospreys, flamingoes, hawks and various other birds migrate here during the winter from Persia and Siberia. One can also enjoy the wondrous sight while boating down the gentle waters or fishing for the abundant fish.