Chilika Lake, situated on the eastern coast of India in the state of Odisha, is the largest brackish water lagoon in the country and the second largest in the world. Covering an expansive area of approximately 1,100 square kilometers, the lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a narrow sandy ridge.
Location and Geography of Chilika Lake:
Chilika Lake is located in the Khurda, Ganjam, and Puri districts of Odisha. The lake is a dynamic ecosystem, influenced by both freshwater rivers and the saline waters of the Bay of Bengal. Its geographical features include islands, sandbars, and peninsulas, contributing to the unique and diverse environment of the lake.
Biodiversity & Avian Population:
The lake is renowned for its rich biodiversity, supporting a variety of flora and fauna. Chilika is a haven for migratory birds, and it serves as an essential wintering ground for thousands of birds that travel great distances. The Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, a part of Chilika Lake, is a designated area for the conservation of avian species.
During the winter season, Chilika becomes a temporary home for a vast number of migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, herons, and many other species. The lake’s mudflats and islands provide ideal conditions for these birds to feed and breed.
Flora and Fauna of Chilika Lake:
Apart from its avian inhabitants, Chilika Lake supports diverse aquatic life, including various fish species and prawns. The lake is also known for its resident population of Irrawaddy dolphins, making it one of the few places in India where these dolphins can be spotted.
Chilika Lake has been recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, highlighting its significance in terms of biodiversity and ecological balance. The Ramsar designation emphasizes the need for conservation efforts to protect the lake’s unique ecosystem
Economic Importance of Chilika Lake:
Chilika Lake plays a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Fishing is a major economic activity, with traditional fishing practices being an integral part of the lake’s cultural heritage. Additionally, salt production and tourism contribute to the economic activities around the lake.
Efforts have been made to conserve and manage the delicate ecosystem of Chilika Lake. Conservation initiatives include the protection of bird habitats, sustainable fishing practices, and measures to ensure the overall health of the lake.
Chilika Lake stands as a natural treasure, offering a blend of ecological significance, cultural heritage, and economic importance to the region. It continues to be a focal point for researchers, nature enthusiasts, and tourists interested in exploring the beauty of India’s diverse landscapes.
What is Chilika Lake Bird Festival
During Winter Chilika Lake turns into an paradise for birds all over the world, many types of birds visit this black lagoon water lake to rest and reset.
Some of the birds travel thousands miles to this place every year, We know the birds can track their way, so they remember this place. This time is the best to see the beauty of nature and variety of birds in one place.
So Odisha government created an bird watching event for the nature lovers, this event is held for 3 days with different types of activities for different dates.
This event is called National Chilika Bird Festival, this year is the 4th Chilika Bird Festival.
So here we will provide details of the event and how you can book the tickets, when it will start and end, everything in details.
Chilika Bird Festivals Start Date & End Date
National 4th Chilika Bird Festival is scheduled to be happen in 27th January to 29th January 2024 in Chilika, Odisha
What You Can Expect To See in Chilika Bird Festival
Chilika Lake boasts an extraordinary avian spectacle, attracting a diverse array of bird species. Among the numerous inhabitants are tens of thousands of Ruffs, Godwits, Terns, Plovers, Sandpipers, and the elusive Grey-headed Lapwings. The skies are graced by the presence of Gulls, Pintails, Ruddy Shelducks, and Skulkers such as Ruddy-breasted Crakes, Baillon’s Crakes, and Slaty-breasted Rails. The marshes come alive with the enchanting presence of the Greater Painted Snipes.
Noteworthy among the residents are Black-tailed Godwits, Oriental Pratincoles, and Pacific Golden Plovers. Mangalajodi is a haven for various Raptors, showcasing their hunting prowess. The region hosts locally migrating species like Spot-billed Pelicans, Oriental Darters, Painted Storks, and Black-headed Ibises, many of which fall into the near-threatened category.
Long-distance migratory birds, including the elegant Lesser Flamingos, Ferruginous Pochards, and Eurasian Curlews, find sanctuary in these waters. The endangered Great Knot is a remarkable visitor, while the endangered River Tern gracefully patrols the skies. The list extends to the Eurasian Wigeon, Gadwall, Black-tailed Godwit, and Northern Shoveller, with populations nearing the impressive count of one lakh. Large flocks, numbering in the thousands, also include Garganey, Lesser Sandplovers, Brown-headed Gulls, and Common Teals. This thriving ecosystem stands as a testament to the lake’s role as a vital habitat for a myriad of avian species, both resident and migratory.
Things to Do in Chilika Bird Festival 2024
These are the events you can expect to experience during the National Chilika Bird Festival 2024.
- Bird Watching
- Sanctuary Visit
- Nature Walk
- Boating
- Technical Session
- Photography
Agenda of Chilika Bird Festival 2024
- Day 1- Inauguration and Presentation by Expert Speakers.
- Day 2 – Bird Watching at Mangalajodi and Nalabana.
- Day 3 – Optional tours for the participants on paid basis.
What to Do & What Not to Do During The Chilika Bird Festival.
DO’s:-
- Carry warm clothing. Be adequately dressed and equipped for outdoors, including sunscreen lotion. When out on birding, khaki or olive-green or brown clothing would be suitable.
- Use only closed footwear.
- Stick to the prescribed schedule. Any attempt at access otherwise is treated as trespass in protected areas and may invite action.
- Abide by the instructions of designated guides.
- Camera equipment.
- Be attentive during any prior briefing and interaction with local staff. It will make your visit and stay more enjoyable and informative.
- Always carry back your left-over.
- Use biodegradable material only.
DON’Ts
- Carry or consume alcohol, smoke or ignite fire within the sanctuary limits.
- Use polythene bags.
- Make noise.
- Get out of designated transport / boats without the consent of designated guides.
- Litter and pollute the environment.
- Tease / provoke birds and other wildlife.
- Use perfumes or strong smelling chemicals.
- Carry or use arms.
- Collect any material from the sanctuary.
Ticket Registration Process of Chilika Bird Festival 2024
Here we have simplified the process on how you could book an ticket for the festival at your home through online websites.
Step by step process to follow for ticket booking.
- Log on to Odishatourism Website.
- Fill up the form the website to register for the bird festival.
- Check your registered mail id for acknowledgement form for the registration.
- Receive Another Mail after the acknowledgment mail, which will contain the Payment link upon approval.
- Pay the fee as per the package chosen during the registration process.
- After the payment of the ticket fee you will receive an Invitation mail for the festival.
- At last take an printout of the entry pass of the invite and keep it handy during the visit.
