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Chilka Lake, the largest inland lake of India, is one of the most famous tourist attractions of Orissa. It is a brackish water lake that is located nearly 45 kilometers from the coastal city of Puri. Chilka Lake was formed as result of the silting action of the Mahanadi River. In fact, this wonderful lake is located on the southern side of the mouth of the Mahanadi River. The lake is nearly 75 kilometer long and has width of 15 kilometers. It occupies an area of 1100 square kilometers. During the summer months the area of the lake reduces to nearly 906 square kilometers. This lake is one of the largest coastal lakes of India. The lake is filled with a large number of islands, which are separated from one another by a channel of water. The various islands that one can find over here include Parikud, Phulbari, Berahpura, Nuapara, Nalbana, and Tampara. Nalban is one of the most beqautiful islands of this place. Chilka Lake near Puri is home to a large number of migratory and dometic birds. Tourists visiting Puri, make it a point to come here to catch a glimpse of the rare species of birds that flock this place. Flamingoes are extremley common over here. Most of the migratory birds fly from Siberia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and the Himalayas. They come here during October and stay till March. Hence, the perfect time to visit Chilka Lake is during the winter season. You can also find a large number of water birds and other aquatic creatures over here. The water is replete with nearly 225 varieties of fish. The Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary has a total of 150 varieties of birds. A major attraction of this place is the Irrawaddy Dolphin that one can get to see swimming in the waters of the lake. Chilka Lake is definitely the palce which offers you every opportunity to get close to Mother Nature. You can come to Chilka Lake by driving down National Highway number 5. Buses and taxis are available in plenty to enable yo to reach this stunning palce. There are a large number of guest houses, maintained by the Orissa Touris Development Authority, where you can sty when visiting this palce. A visit to Chilka Lake forms an important itineary of the excursion near by Puri. The beauty of the lake, the different species of birds and the surrounding scenery makes it a haven for bird wateches and nature lovers.
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