Southwest of Puri lies beautiful Chilka Lake, an estuary of the Bay of Bengal, whose scenery includes the jungle-clad hills of the Eastern Ghats
on the west while the lake itself is dotted with islands. It is 45 miles long and averages ten miles in width, and the hunting, fishing,
and boating are all excellent. Formed of high tides in Bay of Bengal and fresh water of rivers, Asia’s largest lake Chilika spreads over 1165
sq km during monsoon season and 906 sq km during summer season. Game birds are particularly prolific. A hundred km from
Bhubaneswar &
Puri city,
separated from the turbulent sea, a long sandy ridge and studded with cozy isles, Chilika is the largest lake in the country. Immensely rich in
scenic beauty, this tranquil lake sometimes presents an awe-inspiring sight — in stormy weather. On moonlit nights, it is like a weird dream.
This provides a perfect habitat for many species of indigenous and migratory birds. In winter coveys of birds come here from places as far as
Siberia. One can take residence either at Rambha or at Barkul. There are bungalows overlooking the lake at both the places. Many of these
bungalows provide facilities for boating, rowing and angling. The lakeside scenery is perhaps the most idyllic. Some of the islands can be
reached by readily available boats. There is the Breakfast Island with a bungalow on it, a Bavkuda Island populated by spotted deer,
and Kalijai with a temple.