Chilika Lake – Asia’s Largest Brackish Water Lagoon
Facts About Chilika Lake
Surface area 900 km2 - 1,165 km2
Max. depth 4.2 m (13.8 ft)
Primary inflows 52 streams including the Bhargavi, Daya, Makra, Malaguni and Luna rivers
Water volume 4 km3 (3,200,000 acre·ft)
Brackish water or briny water is water that has more salinity than fresh water, but not as much as seawater. It may result from mixing of seawater with fresh water and Chilika is the largest such lake and one of the most sought after tourist destinations for the visitors not only from India, but from across the globe. The vast expanse of Chilika evokes awe and fills mind of the tourists with wonder. The seemingly unending blue waters of the lagoon embracing the distant horizons casts a hypnotic spell on the visitors.
Chilika is one of the important wetland ecosystems in the world where many rare species of flora and fauna are found. The lake is said to be containing nearly 225 varieties of fishes and a wide variety of aquatic plants. It is the largest wintering ground of migratory birds who traverse thousands of miles every year to alight on the lake and the islands. The lake dons a vibrant and colorful look with the multi-hued birds painting the waterscape with their buzzing activities.
