Chilka Lake (also Chilika Lake) is a brackish water coastal lake in India's Orissa state, south of the mouth of the Mahanadi River. It is the largest coastal lake in India The lake is an important habitat and breeding ground for both resident and migratory and aquatic birds, most notably flamingoes. Migratory birds arrive in October from as far away as Siberia, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and the Himalaya, and generally stay until March. Part of the lake is protected by the Chilka Lake Bird Sanctuary, which harbors over 150 migratory and resident species of birds.

Chilka Lake is spread over Khurda, Ganjam and Puri districts of Orissa. Balugaon and Rambha are two major towns serving as entry points for the lake.

 
The main attractions of the lake are :

 Nalabana – a forest of reeds and resting place for migratory birds in winter.

 Bird Island – watch birds in their natural habitat.

 Kalijai – abode of Godess Kalijai. Pilgrims flock here in January during Makar Mela (at          the time of Makar Sankranti) to pay obeisance to the Goddess.

 Satapada - dolphins may possibly be seen here

 
Getting there:

By air – the nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, about 120 km away.

By rail – the nearest rail stations is at Balugaon, on the Howrah-Chennai track. From Balugaon buses are available to the lake.
Source:wikipedia/wikitravel