Nalabana Bird Sanctuary

Nalabana Bird Sanctuary is a protected island sanctuary covering about 15.53 sq km within Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, in Odisha, India. Declared a bird sanctuary in 1987, it forms the core area of Chilika Lake, a Ramsar Wetland. The sanctuary is renowned for its vast winter congregation of migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans and waders, and its undisturbed wetland ecosystem accessible only by boat.

Visitors can expect a boat journey from mainland jetties such as Barkul, Rambha or Satapada to reach the low-lying, marshy island in the middle of Chilika Lake. The island is flat with grasslands, mudflats and shallow waters, with no permanent habitation or built structures. Visitors observe large flocks of resident and migratory birds from boats or designated watch points, with panoramic views of the lake and opportunities for photography and nature observation in a quiet, undisturbed wetland setting.

Declared as a Bird Sanctuary in 1987 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Nalabana Island was notified as the core area of Chilika Lake. Chilika Lake was designated as India's first Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1981, with Nalabana forming its most ecologically protected zone due to its importance for migratory birds.

The sanctuary is part of Chilika Lake, which sustains traditional fishing communities and is culturally associated with nearby Kalijai Temple on an island in the lake, a revered local shrine visited by lake visitors.