Peak Season
Chilika Lake in December
Odisha, India
December Chilika is the definitive Indian birding destination
Why December scores 5/5
Weather
Peak β holiday birding
Roads & Access
self drive: Easy. road condition: Excellent β on NH-16. public transport: Balugaon railway station on main Howrah-Chennai line.. from nearest city: Bhubaneswar 100km (2.5h), Puri 50km (1.5h). last km difficulty: easy
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 4/5. note: Basic medical at lakeside towns. Bhubaneswar (100km) for serious cases.. ambulance: 108. nearest hospital: Government Hospital Balugaon β 10km
Network
JIO: Yes, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Good at shore. No signal on Nalabana Island.
Kids
Kid-friendly (5/5) β Irrawaddy dolphin boat ride exciting, Flamingo viewing spectacular, Safe boat trips, Educational birding, Good OTDC facilities at Rambha/Barkul
Elevation
1m β Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- βFirst-time travelers
- βSenior citizens
- βbirders
- βfamilies
- βholiday-travelers
Who should think twice
- βAnyone needing constant connectivity
- βSlightly busier boats
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5/5 | Peak β bird migration at maximum |
| February | 5/5 | February continues the spectacle β Nalabana Island teems with life |
| March | 4/5 | Good β birds departing |
| April | 3/5 | Only resident birds and dolphins β the migration spectacle isβ¦ |
| May | 2/5 | Hot |
| June | 2/5 | Monsoon |
| July | 2/5 | Monsoon |
| August | 2/5 | Monsoon peak |
| September | 3/5 | September boats resume on a full, green Chilika β first migrantsβ¦ |
| October | 5/5 | Peak β migration begins |
| November | 5/5 | Peak β full migration |
| Decemberviewing | 5/5 | Peak β holiday birding |
Practical Details
How to reach
Bhubaneswar 100km (2.5h), Puri 50km (1.5h). Roads: Excellent β on NH-16. Self-drive: Easy. Public transport: Balugaon railway station on main Howrah-Chennai line.. Last stretch: easy
Elevation
1m
Difficulty
easy
Budget tier
budget
Nearby in Odisha scoring high in December
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