Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is a brackish water lagoon covering an area of 1100 sq feet. Chilika lagoon is the second largest lagoon in the world and the largest lagoon in India. In winters thousands of migratory birds of different varieties come to Chilika. Home of various endangered species of plants and animals, Chilika is a great tourist hub in Puri in Odisha (Orissa). The lake is home to around 160 varieties of fishes. Moreover, in the nearby hilly and sandy area of the lake, you come across monkeys, cheetals, porcupines, blackbucks, mongoose, fishing cats, etc. The splendid sight of dolphins jumping up and down into the water lets you glued to the lake. One also spots snakes, lizards, turtles moving over the area of the adjacent beach.
In addition to this, Chilika Lake of Puri is dotted with amazing islands that are very rich in flora and fauna. Kalijai Island, Birds Island, Honeymoon Island etc. are some of the fascinating spots inside the Chilika Lake. The amazing Kalijai Island is known to be a place where Goddess Kalijai resides. The place is mostly flocked by fishermen. Moreover, on the special festival of Makar Sankranti that comes in the month of January, a large number of people come to this island. Numerous boat rides across the water let you bask in the beauty of the lake. In order to avail the facility of boats, you can visit the spots of the Chilika Lake including Balugaon, Barkul, Satpada and Rambha.
Nalbada Island is another island if Chilika Lake. People consider it the major island where flora and fauna is found in leaps and bounds. In addition to this, there exists Birds Island where you can behold the sight of various migratory birds. Other places and attractions to see in Cilika Lake include Parikud and Malud which appear to be vibrant islands that can be found within the lake. To make your trip more memorable, cruise trip in Chilika Lake is a great idea.
Those who visit Chilika Lake must make it a point to witness the flora and fauna that Chilika Lake is known for. The flora of associated with this lake includes plants such as phytoplanktons, Naja Faveolata, Azolla Pinnata, Sesuvium portulacastrum, Ceratophyllum Demersum, Salicornia brachiata, Phyla nodiflora, Suaeda maritima, Heliotropium, Cassipourea ceylonica, Carmona retusa, Meytinus emarginatus, marshes as well as grasses can also be found surrounding the Chilika Lake.
Fauna or animal species are also abundant in this Chilika Lake of Puri. A variety of animals such as Ctenophora, Chaetognatha, Isopoda, Echiura, Platyhelminthes, Brachiopoda, dolphins, as well as reptiles such as snakes, turtles, lizards, etc can be found as you visit the Chilika Lake. Among the 160 species of fishes, you have Neptunus Pelagious, Scylla Serrata, etc. Truly, the rich flora and fauna accentuates the overall beauty of this lake. Therefore, do make it a point to come and see Chilika Lake and get amazed by its natural wonders.
