Nestling
in the heart of coastal Orissa, Chilka is India's biggest inland lake.
Spread over 1,100 square kilometres, stretching across the length of the
three districts of Pun, Khurda and Ganjam, it joins up with the Bay of
Bengal through a narrow mouth, forming an enormous lagoon of brackish
water.
Dotted with many emerald green islands with colourful names such as Honeymoon Island and-Breakfast Island, Chilka is home to a rich variety of aquatic fauna. It is also a sanctuary and winter resort for migratory birds, some coming from as far as Siberia.
Containing a large variety of fish, the lake provides a livelihood to thousands of fishermen. Hundreds of boats sail out daily on the lake's blue expanse in search of mackerel, prawn and crabs, providing an insight into the pageant of rural India at its colourful best.
Encircled by hills all along its arched shape, Chilka lake's colour changes with passing clouds overhead and the shifting sun. The water ripples languidly, occasionally rippling with a gentle breeze across from the Bay of Bengal.
'Hundreds of boats sail out daily on the lake's expanse in search of mackerel, prawn and crabs...'
Last modified: 26/02/2004