Chilika, the largest brackish water wetland (1000 sq. km aprox.) in the country is situated in the east coast of the state in the district of Puri, Ganjam and Khurda. A vast and picturesque lagoon/lake is famous for rich bio-diversity including the migratory birds and has been acknowledged as a "Ramsar site".

This vast lagoon studded with small fascinating islands and sandy beaches interspersed with casuarina grooves along the Bay of Bengal. Over 167 species of resident and migratory (94 species) birds including flamingo, white bellied sea eagle, brahminy kite, spotbilled pelican, barheaded goose, openbilled stork, spoonbill, brahimny duck, wigeon, pintail, shoveller, ibis, stilt, heron, egret,avocet, gull, tern, king fisher etc. find their winter abode in this wetland.

Besides this wetland provides home for endangered Irrawady dolphin but their population is under much pressure. The sunrise and sunset in Chilika are unforgettable scenes.