Chilika Lake

It is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon.

It is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second largest coastal lagoon in the world.

It lies in Odisha state on the eastern coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River flowing into the Bay of Bengal.

Because of its rich bio-diversity and socio-economic importance, Chilika was designated as a Ramsar site in 1981 to afford better protection.

It was first waterbody in Indian to be designated as wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub- continent.

It was put under Montreux Record (record for such sites where there has been or likely to be adverse ecological change due to manmade activities), but was later removed from it due to conservation efforts.

Chilika, known for its exquisite natural beauty, attracts many tourists because of its dolphin population.

The large Nalabana Island (Forest of Reeds) covering about 16 sq km in the lagoon area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987.

Kalijai Temple – Located on an island in the Chilika Lake.