Things to do in Chilika Lake, Odisha
Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon with estuarine characteristics along the east coast of Indian sub-continent in Asia and second largest coastal lagoon in the world, its area ranges from about 900 to 11,165 sq km during summers and monsoon…
7 places to visit in and around Chilika Lake, best known first. Tap a place for directions, or let Turkart turn them into a day-by-day plan.
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- 1Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon with estuarine characteristics along the east coast of Indian sub-continent in Asia and second largest coastal lagoon in the world, its area ranges from about 900 to 11,165 sq km during summers and monsoon…
Wikipedia - 2Nalbana Bird Sanctuary
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary or Nalbana Island is the core area of the Ramsar designated wetlands of Chilika Lake. It was declared a bird sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972.
Wikipedia - 3Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
A designated bird sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act, Nalabana is a big island in the center of the lake. A treat for bird-watchers in the winter months, this island is completely submerged in the monsoon months.
- 4Kalijai
Kalijai Temple, also Kalijai Hill, is located on an island in Chilika Lake. It is considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai.
Wikipedia - 5Kalijai Island
Abode of Goddess Kalijai. Pilgrims flock here in January during Makar Mela (at the time of Makar Sankranti) to pay obeisance to the Goddess. Is very close from Barkul. Flocks of peacocks roam here, mingling with the devotees. Legends say th
- 6Bhagabati Temple, Banapur
The temple of the goddess Bhagabati, the presiding deity of the Indian town Banapur in Odisha has earned celebrity as a centre of religious activities.
Wikipedia - 7Satapada
Close to Dolphin point, where the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins and occasionally, bottle-nosed dolphins can be seen. Chilika is one of the only 2 lagoons in the world where Irrawaddy dolphins can be seen. Boat rides are available
Best time to visit Chilika Lake
Best weather: Nov–Mar.
| Month | Average | Rain | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Pleasant | 23°C | 12 mm |
| Feb | Pleasant | 25°C | 17 mm |
| Mar | Pleasant | 28°C | 25 mm |
| Apr | Hot | 29°C | 48 mm |
| May | Hot | 30°C | 115 mm |
| Jun | Rainy | 30°C | 204 mm |
| Jul | Rainy | 29°C | 326 mm |
| Aug | Rainy | 29°C | 319 mm |
| Sep | Rainy | 29°C | 273 mm |
| Oct | Rainy | 28°C | 192 mm |
| Nov | Pleasant | 26°C | 36 mm |
| Dec | Pleasant | 24°C | 16 mm |
Long-term monthly averages for the area, from NASA POWER. Festivals and crowds are not counted; check before you book.
How to reach Chilika Lake
- Nearest railway station: Gangadharpur (GNGD), 11 km away.
- Nearest airport: Biju Patnaik Airport (BBI), 79 km away.
Straight-line distances; the road is longer. Check trains and flights before you travel.
What a 2-day trip to Chilika Lake costs
- Budget: about ₹1,800–₹3,500 per person
- Mid-range: about ₹4,300–₹8,300 per person
- Comfort: about ₹9,500–₹18,000 per person
A rough estimate for 2 adults sharing a room: stay, food, local travel and entry tickets, from typical price ranges (not live prices). Getting to Chilika Lake is not included.
Compare Chilika Lake with nearby towns
| Town | Distance | Best weather | Places to see | 3 days, mid-range, per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chilika Lake | – | Nov–Mar | 7 | ₹7,000–₹13,800 |
| Kenduli Sasan | 55 km | Oct–Feb | 10 | ₹7,000–₹13,800 |
| Puri | 53 km | Oct–Mar | 30 | ₹7,000–₹13,800 |
| Khordha | 61 km | – | 26 | ₹7,000–₹13,800 |
| Jatani | 64 km | Oct–Feb | 26 | ₹7,000–₹13,800 |
Distances in a straight line from Chilika Lake; trip costs are rough estimates (not live prices). Tap a town for its own page.
Tips from travellers to Chilika Lake
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Questions travellers ask
What are the best places to visit in Chilika Lake?
The best known are Chilika Lake, Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, Kalijai, Kalijai Island.
When is the best time to visit Chilika Lake?
Best weather: Nov–Mar.
How do I reach Chilika Lake?
Nearest railway station: Gangadharpur (GNGD), 11 km away. Nearest airport: Biju Patnaik Airport (BBI), 79 km away.
How much does a 2-day trip to Chilika Lake cost?
Budget: about ₹1,800–₹3,500 per person; Mid-range: about ₹4,300–₹8,300 per person; Comfort: about ₹9,500–₹18,000 per person. A rough estimate for 2 adults sharing a room: stay, food, local travel and entry tickets, from typical price ranges (not live prices). Getting to Chilika Lake is not included.
Sources: places from Wikipedia, Wikidata, Wikivoyage and OpenStreetMap; weather from NASA POWER; stations and airports from Wikidata. Last checked Oct 2026.