SIMILIPAL

SPREAD over 1,100 sq. km. Chilika is the country’s largest inland lake. Dotted with islands, it has the richest variety of aquatic fauna and is a bird watcher’s paradise when migratory birds arrive in winter. Sunset and Sunrise are memorable experiences here. Boating and fishing facilities are available in this lake, which is rich in fish. One can view the dolphins at Chilika mouth near Satpara. For cruising and visiting the islands, one can make use of the motor launches of the OTDC at Barkul and Rambha, and of the Revenue Department at Balugaon. Private boats are also available. OTDC organises water sports in Chilika at the Water Sports Complex, located at Barkul.

How to get there : The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, 100 km away. The Calcutta-Chennai rail route touches Chilika Lake at Balugaon, Chilika Khallikote and Rambha. National Highway No. 5 runs along the lake and touches Balugaon, Barkul and Rambha. Buses and Taxis are available from Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Puri and Berhampur to Chilika. OTDC provides luxury coaches and cars from Bhubaneswar and Puri.

Where to Stay : OTDC’s Panthanivas, Barkul, Balugaon – 752030, Tel : 20488, Tariff : Rs. 275 and Rs. 500 for double-bed rooms, non-AC & Ac. Panthanivas, Rambha – 761028, Tel : 57346. Tariff : Rs. 200/- and Rs. 350/- for double-bed rooms, non-AC & AC. Hotel Ashoka at Balugaon, Tel : 20408 & 20409. Yatrinivas, Satpara, Tariff : Rs. 100 for double-bed rooms.

Assistance : Rambha Tourist Office in Panthanivas, Tel : 57344, Gram : ORISSATOUR & Puri Tourist Office, V. I. P. Chhak, Tel : 22664, Gram : ORISSATOUR.