Subhechcha Ganguly 
Odisha has been a state that has always captivate the travelers with its beauty. The connectivity of Odisha with other states is also very strong and thus this state attracts a large number of tourists every year. “Chilika Lake” is one of the famous tourist destinations. This beautiful brackish water lagoon is spread , over the the districts of Ganjam , Khurda and Puri. Chilika is the largest salt water lake in Odisha and this place has been listed as a tentative “UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE”.
This lake is not only famous for its captivating beauty but also has an immense contribution on ecosystem. This fishing done from Chilika Lake helps to sustain more than 150,000 fisher folk living in about more than 130 villages on the shore and islands . A lot of visitors regularly visit this place during the winter season , as it is a treat to watch the various migratory birds here. One can see migratory birds from distant places like Russia, Caspian Sea, Kirghiz Steppes etc. The Zoological survey of India has surveyed as many as 800 species of Flora and Fauna in the Chilika Lake.
One can see a beautiful sight of migratory birds including White-bellied sea eagles, brahminy ducks ,egrets, Indian rollers etc in the Winter Season. This lake is the home of many endangered species which makes this place so special. The Dolphins in Chilika Lake are very famous and it anchors the tourism of Odisha in a National and International level.This place provides a calm environment and any tourist can spend a peaceful time in the lap of the nature by visiting Chilika Lake in Odisha.
By Subhechcha Ganguly
Image source : Travel and Trekking , UNESCO
