Satpada Chilika Lake

Chilika Lake, located along the eastern coast of India in Odisha, is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and the second largest in the world. Spanning over 1,100 square kilometers, this lake connects to the Bay of Bengal and is home to a variety of ecosystems, including saltwater, freshwater, and marshes.

Historically, Chilika has been mentioned in ancient texts like the Ain-i-Akbari, where it was praised for its rich aquatic life. Even British sailors once used the lake for anchoring ships.

Today, it’s a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers. The lake hosts over 160 species of birds in the winter and is home to the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. If you’re planning a trip, don’t miss out on our Odisha tour packages, which include a curated visit to Chilika Lake along with other must-visit places in the state.

Best Timing & Entry Fee for Chilika Lake, Odisha:

The best time to visit Chilika Lake is from November to February. During these months, the weather is pleasant and perfect for boating and sightseeing. More importantly, this is also the time when migratory birds arrive in large numbers, making it the ideal season for bird watching.

Monsoons (July to September) bring heavy rains, which make boating difficult and slightly unsafe. Summers (March to June) are quite hot and humid, so they are best avoided.

As for the entry fee:

1. Entry Fee to Chilika Lake: There is no entry fee to the lake itself, but you will need to pay for boat rides.
2. Boat Charges: Charges can range from ₹200 to ₹2,500 depending on the duration, type of boat, and number of people.
3. Kalijai Temple Entry: No entry fee is charged.