Chilika Wildlife & Bird Sanctuary, Odisha

The sanctuary is home to various local and migratory birds. A few amongst these include the flamingo, brahminy kite, white-bellied sea eagle, bar-headed goose, spot-bellied pelican, spoonbill, open-billed stork, wigeon, brahminy duck, pintail, stilt, shoveller, ibis, egret, heron, avocet and much more!

Moreover, the Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary is abundant in rich aquatic life that comprises of dolphins, prawns, crabs, limbless, lizards, crustaceans, etc. More than 225 species of fish are recorded to be within the waters of the lake. Upon the ground, the sanctuary provides abode to various blackbucks, spotted deers, golden jackals, hyenas, and other such animals.

With such abundant fauna, you can see why the Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary is referred to as blessed. However, the reason for such an abundant fauna is the presence of exquisite flora. The sanctuaries consist of forests comprising completely of reeds. These reeds play a vast role in attracting the various species of migratory birds. Furthermore, the flora is also said to consist of 726 flowering plant species that belong predominantly to the aquatic and sub-aquatic category.

However, this isn’t all that the area has to offer. Other attractions that pull families towards such a breathtaking environment include the Kalijai Temple, Parikud, Malud, and the mighty Daya & Malaguni Rivers. So, if you are ever looking to plan a trip near Puri or its vicinity, do make sure that the Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary is definitely on your bucket list.