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Chilika is a largest brackish water lagoon in Indiaand supports a
wide assemblage of marine, brackish and freshwater flora and fauna. The
beauty of the lagoon has inspired poets and thinkers which is quite evident
in the poems written by Pandit Godavarish Mishra and Radhanath Roy
describing the beauty of Chilika. Chilika is an integral part of culture of
coastal Orissa. . It was one of the outlets maritime trade through which the
traders of Orissa used to sail for South-east Asian countries like Java,
Sumatra and Bali. Manikpatna happened to be the port for quite some time.
The lagoon supports the largest congregations of the migratory and non
migratory birds in the country, particularly during the winter. Flocks of
migratory waterfowl arrive from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral
Sea, remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and South
East Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas, to feed and breed on its fertile
waters. In 1989-90 an estimated two million birds visited the lagoon.
As per the report of the Asian Waterfowl Census, Chilika supports more than a
miliion water birds every winter. It hosts over 205 species of birds during
the peak migratory season of which at least 97 are intercontinental
migrants. Chilika provides an excellent opportunity for ecotourism and the
participatory eco-tourism can generate adequate alternate employment
opportunities for the local community and create desired awareness amongst
the stake-holder as well as the visitors for the conservation and wise use
of it’s natural resources. Some of the sites which has got
potentialty from Ecotourism point of view are as follows:
RAMBHA
Situated at the southern end of the lagoon Rambha bay is dotted with a
number of Islands and because of its enchanting beauty it happend to be the
picnic ground of Britishers . The number of inviting islands popping out of
vast stretch of blue water and each Island has got some story to tell. It is
an excellent site for Island trip as each island has got some uniqueness.
There is a Panthaniwas at Rambha run by OTDC. The following can be
memorable and peaceful destination from Rambha. The local community can
conduct the tourists .
BECON ISLAND
Located at 3.0Kms away from Rambha OTDC Bungalow. It is an architectural
marvel with a conical pillar and a small room constructed on a submerged
mass of rock in the Rambha bay near Ghantasila hill. Mr. Snodgrass built
this who, the then Collector of Ganjam under the east India Company. As per
the old document Mr. Snodgrass used to relax and do his office work on this
island. The ornamental pillar was constructed to put a light on the top.
The water sperad around the Beacon Island is very charming, surrounded by
the eastern ghat
BREAKFAST ISLAND
This island is located in the Rambha Bay between Badakuda and
Somolo island. It is a pear shaped island. It is otherwise known as "Sankuda
island". The remnants of a dilapidated bungalow constructed by the king of
Kalikote still exist on this island. Mr. Snodgrass the then Collector of
Ganjam used to occupy this Bungalow quite frequently. The island was full
of greenery and he used to do his office work on this island. The flora of
the island is quite interesting. A number of interesting rare plants are
still found on this Island.
HONEYMOON ISLAND
It is situated in the Rambha Bay near the Sankuda
Island. It is 5 Kms away from Rambha Jetty. It is otherwise known as "Barkuda
Island”. Britishers used this island for picknicking. The waters around
the island are very clear a luxuriant bed of red and green macro algae grow
on the bed. Dr.Anandale & Kemp recorded the limbless lizard an endemic
species from this island which is named after this Island.
SOMOLO AND DUMKUDI
Situated in the Central and Southern sectors of the lagoon, these islands
are inundated remnants of the Eastern Ghats. Though rocky, they are rich in
flora and fauna. Dolphins are often sighted on the peripheral waters of
Somolo island. A scenic and unique backdrop to Somolo is the Khalikote hill
range.
BIRDS' ISLAND
It is situated in the southern sector of Chilika . This is a hillock with
huge exposed hanging rocks. It is 4 Kms away from Rambha Tourist Bungalow,
and 1 Km away on the Eastern side of the Ghantasila hill. The island is
covered with herbs, shurbs, trees and creepers. The granite rocks are the
remnants of Eastern Ghats. Some of the huge rocks are painted white because
of the folic acid from the droppings of the Birds. Some residential birds
use the island as perching ground. During winter season, the migratory
birds are sighted here. It is known for its rich algal communities and few
mangrove species.
PARIKUD
A group of composite islands constitute the Garh Krishnaprasad Block and
are ideal spots for nature lovers, during the winter season it becomes an
avian grandeur.
KALIJAI TEMPLE
Kalijai temple is situated on an island considered to be the abode of the
Godess Kalijai. She is venerated due to the folk-lore and the legend. An
excellent destination for the tourists.
SATAPADA
Located on the eastern shore of the lake, it is 55 Kms from Puri. It is
bounded by the lagoon on three sides and thus offers an excellent view of
the Lagoon. One main attraction of Satapada is irrawaddy Dolphins, At
present 150 unemployed youth of Satapada area are operating 75 number of
boats to conduct the tourist into the Lake from Satapada. The following
spots can be the torist destination from satapada.
BARUNKUDA
It is a small island situated near Magarmukh with a temple of Lord Varuna.
NABAGRAHA:
An ancient deity located near village Berhampur, along the outer channel.
CHOURBAR SHIVA TEMPLE
Located along the outer channel near village
Alupatna.
MANIKPATNA
It is situated along the outer channel.
As per historical evidence, there was a port which was used for trade with
Far-East. Bhabakundeswar temple of Lord Shiva is located here. An old
Mosque exists here ,the entrance door of the Mosque is made of the jaws of
the whale. A typical curd is prepared here by tradition in bamboo basket.
SAND-BAR AND MOUTH OF CHILIKA LAGOON
A beautiful and endless un-explored
stretch of empty beach exists across the sand bar which separates the Lagoon
from the Sea The entire stretch is more than 30 Kms. It can be developed for
extending the camping facility to the high budget tourists.
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