Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary
 Chilika,
the largest brackish water wetland (1000 sq. km aprox.) in the country
is situated in the east coast of the state in the district of Puri,
Ganjam and Khurda. A vast and picturesque lagoon/lake is famous
for rich bio-diversity including the migratory birds and has been
acknowledged as a "Ramsar site".
This vast lagoon studded with small fascinating islands and sandy
beaches interspersed with casuarina grooves along the Bay of Bengal.
Over 167 species of resident and migratory (94 species) birds including
flamingo, white bellied sea eagle, brahminy kite, spotbilled pelican,
barheaded goose, openbilled stork, spoonbill, brahimny duck, wigeon,
pintail, shoveller, ibis, stilt, heron, egret,avocet, gull, tern,
king fisher etc. find their winter abode in this wetland.
Besides this wetland provides home for endangered Irrawady dolphin
but their population is under much pressure. The sunrise and sunset
in Chilika are unforgettable scenes.
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