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 Lakes in Orissa are world famous for the bio-diversity and breathtaking beauty that even leaves the seasoned tourist mesmerized. Spread over 1,100 sq km of clean blue water, evergreen hillocks tours to Chilika Lake, the largest inland brackish water lake in Asia, is an adventure you wouldn't want to end or for that matter, forget in a hurry.
Easily accessible by air from Bhubaneswar (100 km), road and rail, October to June is the best time for tours to Chilika Lake to get a glimpse of the stunning variety of avian, aquatic, reptilian and animal life that is typical of the Chilika Lake region in Orissa.
While the journeys on boat and train from Balugaon, Barkul, Rambha and Satpada are unforgettable for the raw energy of the Chilika Lake landscapes, you can also indulge in fishing, bird watching, boating and cruises that are popular ways to explore the islands on the Chilika Lake and its natural beauty.
The Chilika Lake rich in mackerel, prawn and crabs and is also a paradise for bird watchers as it is the winter sanctuary for many migratory birds (osprey, herons, cranes and flamingoes) besides the local and indigenous species. You too can go on a birding tour of the Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary on your tour to Chilika with Tourism of Orissa packages.
The islands of Chilika are best toured on a cruise in the Chilika Lake. The Kalijai Island is a place of religious importance for its temple devoted to the worship of Goddess Kalijai and a must visit is the fair held in the island during the festival season of Makar Sankranti.
The Nalabana Island in Chilika is the chief bird watching region for its bird sanctuary and covers vast portion of the Chilika Lake. Here, migratory birds are the biggest draw that seek asylum during the harsh winter season back in Siberia and Iran. The Satpara Island is popular as a dolphin-spotting site in Chilika Lake, Orissa.
Honeymoon Island, Breakfast Island, Birds Island, and Parikud Island, are other islands that you can visit on your tour to Chilika with Tourism of Orissa packages. You can also go on short excursions to the picnic spots at Narayani and Nirmaljhara, and temple of Goddess Bhagabati and the temple of Dakshya Prajapati at Banpur.
The Ansupa Lake in Banki, 70 km from Cuttack, is another refuge for the migratory birds in the winter season. A fresh water lake located amidst the Saranda Hills and surrounded by bamboo bushes and mango groves, boating and fishing in the Ansupa Lake is a relaxing and engaging experience.
Other fresh water lakes in Orissa include Sara (near Puri), and Kanjia Lake in Nandan Kanan National Park (near Bhubaneswar).
There are many hotels and lodges where you can stay comfortably on your tour to Chilika and Ansupa Lakes.
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