NewKerala.com

Chilika Lake Welcomes Over 1.1 Million Migratory Birds This Season

With the drop in temperature, migratory birds have arrived at Odisha's Chilika Lake, drawing tourists to the region. The recent bird estimation recorded approximately 11.27 lakh birds, with Nalbana and Mangalajodi highlighted as prime destinations for bird lovers. The Chilika Wildlife Division has established 21 bird camps and runs awareness programs alongside 24/7 patrolling, which has significantly reduced poaching. Concurrently, the Odisha Bihanga Utsav 2026 is being held from December to February to celebrate the birds and attract visitors.

Key Points: Migratory Birds Arrive at Odisha's Chilika Lake

  • Over 1.1 million birds counted
  • Nalbana & Mangalajodi are key spots
  • 21 bird camps established
  • 24/7 patrols reduce poaching
  • Odisha Bihanga Utsav 2026 underway
2 min read

Odisha: Migratory birds arrive at Chilika Lake as temperature drops

Over 11 lakh migratory birds flock to Chilika Lake as temperatures drop. Key spots Nalbana and Mangalajodi attract tourists during Odisha Bihanga Utsav.

"In the recent bird estimation, we have encountered 11,27,000 birds... - Amlan Nayak, DFO Chilika"

Chilika, January 6

As the temperature has dropped, migratory birds have arrived at the Chilika Lake, drawing in tourists. Birds arrive at the lake in the migratory season starting from October and ending in March, according to DFO, Chilika Wild Life Division, Amlan Nayak.

Speaking to ANI, DFO Nayak said that the birds congregate at multiple locations across Chilika. He also highlighted Nalbana and Mangalajodi as key destinations for bird lovers. In the recent bird estimation, the lake encountered about 11,27,000 birds, according to the DFO.

He said, "....Birds come here in the migratory season, which starts from October and ends in March. The birds congregate at many places throughout Chilika. Important places to visit for bird lovers are Nalbana and Mangalajodi.... In the recent bird estimation, we have encountered 11,27,000 birds..."

He also told ANI that 21 bird camps are established each year during the bird season. Additionally, many awareness programs for schoolchildren and the public are conducted to highlight the importance of migratory birds visiting Chilika. The awareness meetings are conducted at vulnerable locations. According to DFO Nayak, 24/7 patrolling and awareness have helped to reduce poaching to a great extent.

"Each year in the bird season, 21 bird camps are established... Many awareness programs for schoolchildren and the public are conducted to highlight the importance of migratory birds visiting Chilika... Awareness meetings are conducted at vulnerable locations, and 24/7 patrolling and awareness have helped us in bringing down poaching to a great extent...", he said.

Odisha Bihanga Utsav 2026 is underway from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. The nearly 3-month-long programme is being held to celebrate migratory birds at Chilika Lake and attract bird lovers.

A tourist at Khordha told ANI that two locations, Mangalajodi and Nalabana, attract large numbers of migratory birds each year. She emphasised the difficulty of visiting Nalabana, as it is located within a protected forest and public access is restricted. However, the Odisha government's initiative has made it easier for visitors to explore Nalabana every weekend for 3 months, i.e., from December to February. As a result of the initiative, the tourist observed many species of migratory birds.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
11 lakh+ birds! That's an incredible number. It shows how important Chilika is as an ecosystem. The government initiative to allow weekend visits to Nalabana is a great step for tourism and education. More states should promote their natural heritage like this.
A
Amlan Nayak
As the DFO mentioned, the awareness programs for school children are crucial. Building conservation values in the next generation is the only way to ensure long-term protection. Hope the Bird Festival inspires many young bird lovers.
S
Sarah B
Visited Mangalajodi last year. It's a breathtaking experience, absolutely world-class for birdwatching. The local guides are very knowledgeable. A bit of respectful criticism: the infrastructure (toilets, signage) could be improved to handle more tourists responsibly.
K
Karthik V
The balance between tourism and conservation is key. 24/7 patrolling is good to hear. We don't want to love the place to death with too many visitors. The restricted access to Nalabana makes sense for the birds' safety.
M
Meera T
This is the real "Incredible India". Nature's spectacle. The Odisha Bihanga Utsav is a fantastic idea. It brings economic benefits to the local communities too, which in turn incentivizes them to protect the lake and its visitors. Win-win! 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50