Chilika Lake Tour Packages
Chilika is Asia's largest brackish-water lagoon, separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandbar. In winter it hosts huge flocks of migratory birds, especially at Nalabana, and the Satapada mouth is home to Irrawaddy dolphins.
Chilika Lake at a glance
- LocationOdisha, India
- Time zoneIndian Standard Time (UTC+5:30)
- Driving sideLeft
- Calling code+91
- CurrencyIndian rupee (INR)
- LanguagesOdia
- Ideal stay1 day
- Getting thereBiju Patnaik International Airport (BBI)…
Best time to visit: November to February
Top Chilika Lake travel packages
A few of our Chilika Lake itineraries in different travel styles. Every one is private and can be changed to suit you.
Essential tips for travelling to Chilika Lake
UPI and cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels; keep some cash for small shops, rural areas, hill towns and tips.
Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.
Drink bottled or filtered water; it is cheap and easy to find.
112 (all emergencies)
Languages spoken: Odia.
Bhubaneswar is the main airport; Puri and Konark are an hour or so by road.
Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the Jagannath temple at Puri; the Raghunandan Library rooftop nearby offers a view.
The Rath Yatra (June or July) draws enormous crowds to Puri; book a year ahead.
Mangalajodi at dawn is one of India's best birding experiences.
General guidance. Local rules and services change; we confirm details for your dates.
Where is Chilika Lake?
Who should visit Chilika Lake?
Plan your Chilika Lake trip
Everything you need to know about Chilika Lake
Chilika is Asia's largest brackish-water lagoon, separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandbar. In winter it hosts huge flocks of migratory birds, especially at Nalabana, and the Satapada mouth is home to Irrawaddy dolphins.
Highlights include Nalabana Bird Sanctuary, Satapada dolphin point, Kalijai Temple and Rajhans Island. Local food worth trying: Chilika crab and prawns. Plan 1 day here; it suits birders, nature lovers. Our Chilika Lake itineraries run from 4 to 6 days and every one can be changed to suit you.
When to go
November to February. Peak bird season.
How to reach Chilika Lake
- By air: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), about 100 km
- By rail: Balugaon station
- By road: About 2 hours from Bhubaneswar
View all Chilika Lake packages
Private, customisable itineraries with prices quoted for your dates, hotel category and group size.
4D / 3NPuri · Chilika LakePuri & Chilika Holiday
Puri's beach and temple, then Irrawaddy dolphins and island beaches on Chilika Lake.
View itinerary →
6D / 5NBhubaneswar · Puri · Chilika LakeOdisha Temples, Lakes & Birds
Temples, crafts and winter birding at Mangalajodi and Nalabana on Asia's largest brackish-water lagoon.
View itinerary →2 itineraries
More places in Odisha
Top things to see in Chilika Lake
Chilika LakeIrrawaddy dolphins
Chilika LakeIsland temple
OdishaSandbar beach
Wildlife in Chilika Lake
Chilika LakeMigratory birds in winter
Chilika LakeIrrawaddy dolphins
Wildlife experiences
Sightings depend on season and luck and are never guaranteed. Keep your distance, stay with licensed guides and never feed wild animals.
Cultural experiences in Chilika Lake
Heritage and landmarks
On the menuFood to try
- Chilika crab and prawns
Outdoor activities in Chilika Lake
Many activities are seasonal. Best time for Chilika Lake: November to February. We check operating seasons for your dates.
Chilika Lake travel tips
Visa and entry
Indian citizens do not need a visa; carry a government photo ID such as Aadhaar or a passport for hotels and flights.
Health and safety
Travel insurance is a good idea, especially for adventure activities. Carry prescription medicines in their original packaging with a copy of the prescription.
Currency and tipping
The currency is the Indian rupee (INR). Tipping is not compulsory; around 5–10% in restaurants and a small tip for drivers and guides is appreciated.
Best time to visit
November to February. Peak bird season.
Getting around
Bhubaneswar is the main airport; Puri and Konark are an hour or so by road.
Local etiquette
- Dress modestly at temples, churches and mosques, and remove footwear where asked.
- Ask before photographing people, and follow photography rules at religious sites and museums.
What to pack
Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and swimwear, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for religious sites and comfortable walking shoes.
Phone and internet
Mobile data is good in towns and cities. Coverage can be patchy in remote, hill and forest areas, so download offline maps before you set off.
Budget
We don't publish fixed prices because the season, hotel category, flights and group size change the cost. Your written quote lists exactly what is included, so you can compare like for like.
Chilika Lake FAQs
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Chilika Lake guides and articles
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