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Destination · Chilika

Chilika Lake study tour: islands, dolphins and birds

Chilika Lake is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, spread across the Puri, Khordha and Ganjam districts of Odisha. It was India's first Ramsar wetland site and is dotted with islands such as Kalijai, Nalabana, Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island.

  • Irrawaddy dolphins at Satapada
  • Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
  • Kalijai island temple
State
Odisha
Districts
Puri, Khordha, Ganjam
Type
Brackish water lagoon, Ramsar site since 1981
From Bhubaneswar
About 100 km
Best time
November to February

Updated · Planned by the Study Tours India team

See sample routes
Boats on Chilika Lake, Odisha, during a student study tour
Lagoon & islands
Why Study Tours India

Why Chilika Lake islands make a living classroom

Since 2016 we have planned study tours where learning comes first and the paperwork is never your problem.

01

Industries matched to your syllabus

Plants and offices chosen by branch and semester, not a generic list.

02

Approvals and MOU handled

Approval letters, industry visit MOU and NOCs arranged by our team.

03

Every student insured

One ops team member per 25 students, 3★+ hotels and checked buses.

04

Certificates after the tour

Attendance certificates and records ready for IQAC and NAAC files.

Itineraries

Itineraries with Chilika Lake dolphins and birds

Tap any card, answer five quick questions and get a sample day-by-day plan straight away.

Industry Tours5 Days / 4 Nights
Bhubaneswar · Gopalpur · Chilika · Konark

Bhubaneswar – Gopalpur – Chilika Lake – Konark

Industry visits around Bhubaneswar and Ganjam, a boat day on Chilika Lake and the Sun Temple at Konark.

Chilika boat rideGopalpur beachIndustry visits
Ideal for
Engineering, Science, Ecology
Best time
Nov – Feb
Trip page
Open Tours5 Days / 4 Nights
Bhubaneswar · Puri · Konark · Chilika

Odisha Heritage Open Tour

A fixed-date small-group tour of Odisha's temples, coast and Chilika Lake. Join solo or with friends.

Fixed datesSmall groupChilika boat ride
Ideal for
Individual students and faculty
Best time
Dec, Feb
Trip page

Chilika Lake islands worth visiting

  • Kalijai Island: a hilltop temple reached by boat
  • Nalabana Island: a bird sanctuary, busiest in winter
  • Honeymoon and Breakfast Islands: small, quiet islands near Rambha
  • Rajhansa: a sandbar between the lake and the sea

November to February is the best time to visit Chilika Lake, when migratory birds arrive and the weather suits boat rides. Students of ecology, geography and fisheries get a real lesson on wetlands. Try the Bhubaneswar – Gopalpur – Chilika Lake – Konark itinerary.

FAQ

Chilika Lake FAQs

Quick answers from our destination experts. Still unsure? Ask us directly.

How many islands are in Chilika Lake?

Chilika Lake has many small islands. The best known for visitors are Kalijai, Nalabana, Honeymoon Island, Breakfast Island and the Rajhansa sandbar.

Does Chilika Lake have dolphins?

Yes. Irrawaddy dolphins live in Chilika, and boat trips from Satapada give the best chance of seeing them.

Is Chilika Lake freshwater or saltwater?

It is brackish, a mix of seawater from the Bay of Bengal and freshwater from rivers, which is why it supports such varied wildlife.

How far is Chilika Lake from Bhubaneswar?

About 100 km, roughly two to two and a half hours by road to Barkul, Rambha or Satapada.

What is the best time to visit Chilika Lake?

November to February, when migratory birds are present and the weather is cool enough for long boat rides.

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India's automotive and manufacturing hub, with assembly lines that host student groups.

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Golden sand and sunsets to end a week of plant visits on a high.

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