Nalabana Island Bird Sanctuary (boat-only).
Closed to general visitors year-round — only opens during the National Chilika Bird Festival (one-week winter window, dates announced annually). Few tourists know it exists.WHY NOBODY KNOWS
The 15-sq-km mudflat is the core of Chilika's Ramsar-designated wetland (declared bird sanctuary 1972). Hosts 400,000+ migratory birds in winter including the critically endangered spoon-billed sandpiper, Asian dowitcher, and Pallas' fish eagle. Boundary-marker birdwatching by boat is allowed year-round; full island access only during festival or with research permit. See https://www.chilika.com/nalabana-island.php
