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Chilika Lake facts for kids

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Chilika lake
A beautiful view of Chilika Lake.

Chilika Lake is a very special place in India. It's the largest saltwater lake on India's eastern coast. This huge lake is found in the state of Odisha. It is connected to the Bay of Bengal. A big part of Chilika Lake is also a safe home for many birds.

What is Chilika Lake?

Chilika Lake is a huge body of water. It is known as a brackish lake. This means its water is a mix of fresh water and sea water. Rivers bring fresh water into the lake. The Bay of Bengal brings in salt water. This mix creates a unique home for many plants and animals.

Where is it located?

The lake stretches across three districts in Odisha. These are Puri, Khordha, and Ganjam. It is a very important wetland. A wetland is an area of land covered by water. It is also a Ramsar site. This means it is recognized internationally for its importance.

Home for Wildlife

Chilika Lake is famous for its amazing wildlife. It is a paradise for birds, especially during winter. Many birds fly here from far-off places. They come from places like Siberia, Russia, and Central Asia.

Birds of Chilika

Over 160 different kinds of birds visit Chilika. You can see many types of ducks, geese, and flamingos. Some common birds include the Northern Shoveler, Black-tailed godwit, and Pied kingfisher. It's a great place for birdwatching.

  • Northernshoveler-Chilika
    A Northern Shoveler duck.
  • Lesser Flamingos I3 - Chilika IMG 9295
    Lesser Flamingos resting in the lake.
  • Pied Kingfisher at Chilika I IMG 9396
    A Pied Kingfisher looking for fish.

Other Animals

Besides birds, the lake is home to many other creatures.

  • Fish: Many types of fish live here. One common fish is the Wallago attu.
  • Dolphins: You might even spot Irrawaddy dolphins here. They are a special type of dolphin. They are often seen near the lake's mouth.
  • Crabs: Red crabs are also found in the lake.
  • Reptiles: The lake also has green sea turtles and some types of legless lizards.
  • Mammals: You might find fishing cats near the lake's edges.
  • Wallago attu 1
    A Wallago attu fish, common in the lake.
  • DSC 0764f
    An Irrawaddy dolphin in Chilika Lake.
  • Red Crab at Chilika
    A red crab found near the lake.

History and Importance

Chilika Lake has been important for a very long time. People have lived around it for thousands of years. Archeologists have found old tools and pottery here. These findings show that people used to trade things like shells and pottery.

How the Lake Helps People

The lake is very important for the local people. Many families depend on it for their living.

  • Fishing: Fishing is a main activity. People catch many types of fish and prawns.
  • Tourism: Many tourists visit Chilika Lake. They come to see the birds, dolphins, and beautiful views. Boat rides are a popular activity. This helps the local economy.
  • Boat ride on Chilika Lake, Balugaon, Odisha, India
    Tourists enjoying a boat ride on Chilika Lake.
  • Satapada 2
    The jetty at Satapada, a popular spot for tourists.

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Lago Chilka para niños

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