Start your day early with breakfast at your hotel in Puri. Depart from Puri and head towards Satapada, which is about 50 km away. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours by car and goes through picturesque countryside.
Arrive at Satapada and find several piers where you can hire a motorboat for your lake excursion. Board your boat for a cruise on Chilika Lake. This is the main part of your tour. The boat ride will take you through the vast lagoon.
The primary attraction is the chance to spot the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins. The boat captain will take you to designated areas where they are known to surface.
Most tours include a visit to an island. Kalijai Island is a popular choice, famous for the Goddess Kalijai Temple. Other islands like Rajhans Island, located where the lake meets the Bay of Bengal, offer a chance to walk on a narrow strip of sand between the lake and the sea.
If you are visiting between November and February, Chilika Lake is a haven for migratory birds. You can see a variety of species, especially around the Nalabana Bird Sanctuary.
After your boat trip, have lunch at one of the local lakeside eateries or “dhabas” on the islands. They are known for serving fresh seafood, including local crab and fish.
Drive back to Puri. The return journey allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery. Arrive back in Puri and spend the rest of the evening at your leisure, perhaps visiting Puri Beach or the local markets.
