Orissa is a beautiful coastal state in eastern India. It has unique and valuable tourism resources. From snow adventurous mountain peaks to sand and surf Bay of Bengal, great historical legacy, ancient culture to modern civilisation, wealth of cosmopolitan life, numerous sculptures and temple architecture rocks the life of the country. The state has something for everyone. Monuments- Sun Temple in Konark, Jagannath Temple in Puri, Ling Raj Temple in Bhubaneswar are the holy places of Orissa that attract thousands of pilgrims from different parts of the world every day. The beautiful place, Chilika Lake, attracts people to enjoy the beauty of nature. Sparkling in the luxury of its blue expanse, relax the alluring Chilika, India’s largest brackish water lake.
Chilica, which is surrounded by hills and dotted with emerald green islands, is a haven and winter resort for winged visitors from all over the world. The amazing lake, dotted with boats, reflects India at its colorful best. Chalkir is truly a delicacy for hungry eyes and thirsty hearts.
Chilika: A two-hour flight from Bhubaneswar takes you to Chilika, a biodiversity hotspot and the largest brackish water lake in Asia. The largest lake stretches along the eastern coast of India, covering an area of ​​1,100 square kilometres. It is also a unique combination of marine, saltwater and freshwater ecosystems with incomparable features. A boat trip on this lake will bring you amidst the singing of millions of migratory birds from Baikal, Siberia, Southeast Asia and Central Asia. Another excursion to visit some of the enchanting areas of the nearest area is Balugaon and Rambha, 25 km away, are the two places, on the lake that serves as a base. Although you can visit the lake throughout the year, October to March is the best season because many migratory birds are available in this place. The lake’s ecosystem supports more than 225 species of fish, a variety of phytoplankton, algae, and aquatic plants, and more than 720 species of non-aquatic plants around the lake. This list includes a number of rare, threatened, and endangered species, including the limbless barracuda. This wealth of life has earned Chileka the designation “Site Ramstad,” a wetland of international importance. Nalapana Island within the lake has been notified as a bird sanctuary, to give a chance to your adventurous traits, indulge in scooter riding, canoeing, kayaking and boat rides at Water Sports Complex near Panthniwas operated by OTDC as a relaxing homestay. Breakfast in the floating restaurant and sea exercises by the Indian Navy egg for you to extend your stay in Barkol.
But if you want privacy. Rambha cove is located at the southern tip of Chilika and is dotted with a number of islands, each coming together for excellence in natural beauty. Each of these attractive islands emerging from the vast expanse of blue has a story to tell. The breakfast island was used by a British officer named Snodgross, who was a collector of Ganjam, and who stayed in a bungalow on the island. Three kilometers from Rampa Road stands an architectural marvel in the shape of a conical pillar near the picturesque Ghantasala Hill. Another three kilometers away is the honeymoon island that the Bruisers used for picnics and parties. The interior’s crystal clear waters and luxurious bed of red and green cosmopolitan decor are simply captivating. Bird Island, four kilometers from Rambha, is a must see for its wealth of grasses, shrubs and creeping plants.. The eastern lagoon trap is equally alluring because of the playful Irrawaddy Dolphin, 30 km stretch of sand, and the Rajahansa Islands and Chilika Estuary which offers an endless and unexplored stretch of beach to relax on. This adventure and fun-packed, nearly four-hour boat trip is the destination itself.
Kaligai Temple: Kaligai Temple is one of the important attractions for visitors. It is located on a hill surrounded by blue water bears. Many Chilika folklore and legends refer to the goddess as the ruling deity of the lake. According to legend, a young girl was drowned and then honored as a goddess after being canonized. This small rocky island has a group of people who worship Devi Kaligai in the temple. No boatman or fisherman ventures out without invoking Devi-kalijai’s blessing for safe passage. Local folklore describes the story of Kaligai, a poor girl, who did not want to get married on an island named Barikuda because there is no connection to another place. But at that time the community tradition was chosen. She has to go to her father-in-law’s house. Kaligai’s father arranged the whole thing in a traditional manner. Determined on the day, he gave an order to a boatman on behalf of the ‘Kaligai Marriage Ceremony’ towards Parikuda. Before reaching Parikuda, they must cross a lake. Both father and daughter start their ferry towards Baricuda Island to attend her wedding. On the way, a storm blew up and the sky became dark and the boat was covered in the gorgeous lake. Kaligai disappeared into the dark waters. But it was for a short time. Then the sky became clear. There was no storm. Only Kaligai’s father is alive… He cried…. He cried… Kaligai… Kaligai…. That’s it. She is located on a hill surrounded by blue water bears, and a temple is dedicated to her memory. Every year on makar-sankranti, after the harvest people come from different places to worship Devi kalijai. Today the temple is the witness as a landmark or a hot example for the community.
About Chile: There are many places of interest that can be approached from Barkol. The famous ever-current Narayani Temple and Bhagabati Temple are also important destinations. For nature lovers, there is Nirmalagarh Waterfall.
References: Private Journal “Discovering India”
: travelers (out look)
: Book of Orissa -2008
