National Chilika Bird Festival
Every winter, the skies above Chilika come alive with constant chirping and flapping of wings. From distant Arctic landscapes and Central Asian wetlands, thousands of migratory birds arrive at Odisha’s great lagoon, transforming its waters into one of the most spectacular birding landscapes in Asia. The National Chilika Bird Festival celebrates this extraordinary annual migration and positions Odisha as one of India’s premier birdwatching destinations.
Held at Mangalajodi on the northern fringes of Chilika Lake and Nalabana – the marine bird sanctuary within the lagoon, the festival brings together birders, photographers, conservationists, researchers, nature enthusiasts, and travellers from across India and beyond. It is an invitation to experience the wonder of migration, the richness of wetland biodiversity, and the remarkable conservation story of Chilika.
About the Festival
Organised annually by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, the National Chilika Bird Festival showcases the unparalleled avian diversity of Chilika Lake — Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
Every year during winter, nearly one million migratory birds representing over 200 species arrive at Chilika along the Central Asian Flyway. The festival offers visitors an immersive experience amid vast wetlands filled with calls, whistles, quacks, and wingbeats a living orchestra of migration and survival.
At the heart of the festival lies Mangalajodi, globally recognised as one of India’s finest community-led conservation success stories. Once known for poaching, the village has transformed into a thriving eco-tourism and bird conservation destination, where local communities now serve as protectors and guides to the wetland ecosystem.
The festival aims to promote Odisha as a leading birding and eco-tourism destination while encouraging awareness about wetland conservation, sustainable tourism, and biodiversity protection.
Festival Information
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Festival Dates
Winter Season (November to February) -
Main Venue
Mangalajodi & Nalabana, Chilika Lake -
Organised By
Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha
Why Chilika Is Special
Visitors can witness:
- Massive congregations of ducks, teals, gulls, and waders
- Graceful Greater Flamingos, locally known as Hira Pakhi
- Black Tailed Godwits, Sandpipers, Avocets, and Ducks
- Raptors hunting across open wetlands
- Rare and near-threatened species including Grey-headed Lapwing and Greater Painted Snipe
- Thousands of Eurasian Wigeons and Northern Shovellers moving in synchronized flocks across the lagoon
Festival Highlights
Exclusive Visit to Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
One of the festival’s most anticipated experiences is the guided visit to Nalabana Bird Sanctuary — a protected island habitat within Chilika that remains inaccessible to general visitors during most of the year. During the festival, participants can witness nesting colonies, migratory congregations, flamingo gatherings, and pristine wetland habitats rarely accessible to the public.
Guided Birding & Boat Safaris
Expert-led boating experiences through the wetlands offer unparalleled opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and interpretation of migratory behaviour and wetland ecology.
Expert Sessions & Conservation Dialogues
Curated evening interactions bring together ornithologists, conservation practitioners, wildlife photographers, researchers, and birding enthusiasts for engaging discussions on migration, conservation, citizen science, and eco-tourism.
Chilika Boat Festival
Adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the event, the Chilika Boat Festival celebrates the region’s enduring relationship with the lagoon through local traditions, community participation, and lake-based experiences.
Glimpses of Chilika Bird Festival
Where Nature Leads, Discovery Follows
While visiting the National Chilika Bird Festival, explore some of the remarkable destinations around Chilika and coastal Odisha.
Satapada
Famous for Irrawaddy dolphin sightings and scenic boating experiences across the lagoon.
Kalijai Island
A revered island shrine located within Chilika Lake, blending spirituality with stunning natural surroundings.
Barkul & Rambha
Picturesque lakefront destinations ideal for sunrise views, boating, and experiencing the tranquil beauty of Chilika.
Mangalajodi
The heart of the festival and one of India’s most celebrated community-based bird conservation destinations.
Things to Do
- Bird Watching
- Guided Boat Safaris
- Visit Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
- Wildlife & Bird Photography
- Nature Walks & Wetland Interpretation
- Interactions with Experts & Conservationists
- Community-led Eco-tourism Experiences
What to Try
The Chilika region offers a unique blend of coastal Odia cuisine and traditional hospitality.
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Fresh Chilika Seafood
Especially prawns, crabs, and fish preparations
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Dalma
Odisha’s signature lentil and vegetable dish
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Pakhala Bhata
Traditional fermented rice preparation ideal for the coastal climate
When & How to Visit
Dates & Logistics
Best Time to Visit: November to February, when migratory bird activity at Chilika is at its peak.
Connectivity
Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar.
Nearest Railway Stations: Balugaon, Khordha Road, Bhubaneswar, and Puri.
Traveler Tips
Travel Tip: Early morning boat safaris at Mangalajodi offer the best opportunities for bird sightings and photography. Carry binoculars, neutral-coloured clothing, and appropriate camera equipment for the best experience.
Festival Experience Includes
Transportation
Local transportation during the festival period
Accommodation
Accommodation on twin-sharing basis
Meals
Meals during festival activities
Boating & Birding
Guided boating and birding sessions
Logistics
Entry permissions and logistical support
The National Chilika Bird Festival is more than a birdwatching event — it is a celebration of migration, wetlands, conservation, and Odisha’s enduring relationship with nature