Chilika Lake
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Overview
Chilika Lake in Odisha is Asia's largest brackish-water lagoon, covering about 1,165 km². It is a wintering ground for migratory birds and is home to Irrawaddy dolphins.
Chilika and Keoladeo in Rajasthan were India's first Ramsar sites, both designated in 1981.
Geography and key facts
- Brackish-water lagoon in Odisha; Asia's largest
- Area: about 1,165 km²
- Ramsar site since 1981 (one of India's first two)
- Migratory birds and Irrawaddy dolphins
Why it matters for UPSC
Learn it as a lagoon–state and Ramsar–state pair, and remember it was among India's first Ramsar sites.
Note for UPSC
Odisha; Asia's largest brackish-water lagoon and a Ramsar site, wintering ground for migratory birds and Irrawaddy dolphins. Ramsar site (wetland of international importance), Odisha.
Expect questions on the type of lake (lagoon, freshwater, saline), its state and any Ramsar status.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Chilika Lake yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Lake / lagoon · Ramsar site
- State / UT
- Odisha
- Coordinates
- 19.717°N, 85.317°E
19.717°N, 85.317°E
2 markers on the map
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.