Over one million winged guests transform Chilika into paradise
Winter has cast a magical spell over Odisha as Chilika migratory birds return in staggering numbers, turning the blue lagoon into a kaleidoscopic display of nature. As temperatures dip, the lake has become a bustling sanctuary for avian visitors traveling from distant lands. According to Amlan Nayak, DFO of the Chilika Wildlife Division, the migratory window typically spans from October through March, offering a long season for nature enthusiasts to witness this spectacle.
Recent data from the latest Chilika bird census indicates a massive congregation of approximately 11,27,000 birds. These feathered visitors have settled across various pockets of the lake, with Mangalajodi bird watching spots and the Nalabana bird sanctuary emerging as the top destinations for visitors. While Nalabana is usually a restricted forest zone, a special initiative by the Odisha government has opened doors for the public to explore its beauty every weekend during the peak months of December, January, and February.
To celebrate this natural phenomenon, the Odisha Bihanga Utsav 2026 is currently in full swing. Running from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, the three-month festival aims to highlight the ecological importance of the lake while boosting winter tourism in Odisha.
Safety for these guests remains a top priority. The Wildlife Division has established 21 dedicated bird camps this season to monitor the flocks. Thanks to 24/7 patrolling and community awareness programs—especially those targeting schools and vulnerable local areas—incidents of poaching have significantly dropped. This proactive approach ensures that the lake remains a safe haven for species flying in from as far as Siberia and Central Asia. Tourists visiting from places like Khordha have noted that the ease of access to restricted areas like Nalabana during weekends has made this season particularly special for photography and birding.
