OTDC Water Sports Complex

Nice place. Loved it, something like Elephanta Island Mumbai, Maharashtra

Below are the points. -Just to explore more we took balugaon city route (that was bad choice as bad roads and traffic) there is a place to take motor boats to reach kalijai(I will not recommend this as apart from motor boats you will have nothing to see). -Dont take balugaon city route(in NH5) to reach panthanivas(OTDC) as this will take more time to reach instead of this there is a cut ahead approx 15-20km and from there you can easily reach panthanivas with not much traffic. -You will find two type of boats (govt regulated (paddling and for sports) and private). -Surprisingly govt regulated boats cant go beyond a specified limit of 800mts but private boats can go till Kalijai and near by areas. Positive ------- -At the extreme end of the walk area there is a place for good photography. -You also have an option for stay. Negative -------- Unnecesaary parking charges of Rs40(max should be Rs20) need to pay instead of this Rs10 per head will help in keeping the area clean (specially after the govt regulated boats) section.

Excellent place for outing and weekend masti.

Nice place and good spot to enjoy with family.

It is the largest wintering ground for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent. The lake is home to a number of threatened species of plants and animals.[9][10] The lake is an ecosystem with large fishery resources. It sustains more than 150,000 fisher–folk living in 132 villages on the shore and islands.[11][12] The lagoon hosts over 160 species of birds in the peak migratory season. Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea and other remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Kazakhstan, Central and southeast Asia, Ladakh and Himalayas come here. These birds travel great distances; some of them possibly travel as much as 12,000 km to reach Chilika Lake. In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.[13][14] According to a survey, 45 percent of the birds are terrestrial in nature, 32 percent are waterfowl, and 23 percent are waders. The lagoon is also home to 14 types of raptors. Around 152 rare and endangered Irrawaddy dolphins have also been reported. Plus, the lagoon supports about 37 species of reptiles and amphibians.[15] The highly productive Chilika Lagoon eco-system with its rich fishery resources sustains the livelihood for many fishermen who live in and near the lagoon. The water spread area of the lagoon ranges between 1165 and 906 km2 during the monsoon and summer respectively. A 32 km long, narrow, outer channel connects the lagoon to the Bay of Bengal, near the village Motto. More recently a new mouth has been opened by CDA which has brought a new lease of life to the lagoon.

Water sports experience was superb. The staffs are very friendly. Rate is upto mark in comparison to the service. There is package for group of 6 people at Rs 700 where everyone can enjoy every ride. Very cost effective for big groups. Full enjoyment and paisa wasul type. Not much of crowd. Staff maintaining all safety protocol for guests.

Best part to seen chilka and all the boat man behavior is very friendly

It's a good place, but a little bit messy. You'll get a absolute awesome view of chilika lake. Most recommended in winter.