It is Asia’s largest brackish water bay with a water-spread ranging from 1100 sq. km in the rainy season to 900 sq. km in the dry season. Nestled in the heart of coastal Odisha it extends from Puri district in the North to Ganjan district in the South. It is separated from Bay of Bengal by a 60 km long band of islands.

Some of the important islands are Nalabana, Kalijal, Somolo, Honeymoon, Break-fast, etc. These are inhabited by local fishermen families and are popular stops for one day boat trips. Chilika Lake is one of the most important wetlands in the world as it is home to an extraordinary variety of birds. It offers visitors a remarkable display of its colorful birds during the peak season between November and February. Some of the nesting birds include – ospreys, white-bellied sea eagles, golden plovers, sand pipers, flamingos, etc., as also migratory birds from Central Asia and Siberia.

The Kalijai temple is situated on an island in the Chilika Lake, and is one of the famous attractions. Goddess Kalijai is revered among the locals and is also a destination for pilgrims as well as tourists. The temple can be reached with the help of a boat from Chilika Lake.

The Nalabana Island which covers 16 sq. km in the bay area was declared a bird sanctuary in 1987 and is a heaven for bird-watchers.

The Irrawaddy dolphins are spotted off Satpada Island and this is another major tourist attraction. Boats are available for visiting.

There is a fascinating event connected to Lord Jagannatha which took place near the Chilika Lake. Once, Purushottama Deva, the king of Puri was insulted by a south Indian king and was defeated in battle. On returning to Puri, Purushottama Deva prayed to Lord Jagannath to assist him in the next battle with the south Indian king of Vidyanagar. In answer to his prayers, Their Lordships, Jagannatha and Balabhadra appeared as two soldiers riding on horses ahead of the king’s army, so as to fight on his side. On reaching Chilika Lake Their Lordships came across a milkmaid and asked her for some buttermilk. When she gave Them buttermilk, Lord Jagannatha gave her a golden ring and asked her to show it to the king for payment. Accordingly, a short while later the milkmaid gave the ring to the king of Puri. The king immediately understood that Lord Jagannatha was helping him.  He rewarded the milkmaid suitably. Needless to say, the king emerged victorious in the battle.