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NALBANA BIRD SANCTUARY
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is situated in the centre of Chilka Lake, in the state of Odisha. Nalbana in
Oriya dialect means “forest of reeds”, as the entire forest is covered with fresh water reeds.
Notifications: Protected area: 1987; Bird sanctuary: 1973 (under Wildlife Protection Act)
Flora
Aquatic macrophytes species: Potamogeton pectinatus, Ruppia maritima, Phragmites karka, Najas faveolata, etc.
Avian Fauna
Rare and endangered bird species: Asiatic Dowitchers, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Goliath Heron, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, etc.
Other species: Grey herons, Brahminy Ducks, Pintails, Gadwall, common raptors, Marsh harriers, Pochards, Teals, Kingfishers, Rollers and many more.
During the winter months different species of migratory birds visit the sanctuary from Siberia, Iraq, Iran, Himalayas and Afghanistan. Numerous flamingos from the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and Iran also visit the sanctuary.
The 2002 bird survey report of the BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society) revealed that there are about 540 nests of the Indian River Tern in the sanctuary, which is accounted to be the largest nesting colony in South-east Asia.
Getting there
Biju Patnaik airport in Bhubaneswar (about 78km) is the closest airport to Nalbana Bird Sanctuary. The nearest bus terminal and railway station are located at Balugaon. Chilka Lake can be easily approached by road from Cuttack, Puri and Bhubaneswar. From Chilka Lake one has to hire the ferry to explore the sanctuary.
Accommodation can be availed at the tourist bungalow, OTDC (Orissa Tourism Development Corporation) hotel and other private hotels, lodges and rest houses located along the banks of Chilka Lake.
Barkul is the closest access point to the sanctuary. Visitors can hire boats or launches from the Odisha tourism department for exploring the sanctuary. Tourists are not allowed to get ashore on the island. Avoid visiting this bird reserve during the monsoon season as the entire island sanctuary remains submerged under water during this period.
Additional Information
Location: Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, Chilka Lake, Odisha
Area: approximately 15.53 sq km; Elevation: about 7 ft above sea level
Best time to visit: October to March
© Arked
Flora
Aquatic macrophytes species: Potamogeton pectinatus, Ruppia maritima, Phragmites karka, Najas faveolata, etc.
Avian Fauna
Rare and endangered bird species: Asiatic Dowitchers, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Goliath Heron, Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, etc.
Other species: Grey herons, Brahminy Ducks, Pintails, Gadwall, common raptors, Marsh harriers, Pochards, Teals, Kingfishers, Rollers and many more.
During the winter months different species of migratory birds visit the sanctuary from Siberia, Iraq, Iran, Himalayas and Afghanistan. Numerous flamingos from the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and Iran also visit the sanctuary.
The 2002 bird survey report of the BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society) revealed that there are about 540 nests of the Indian River Tern in the sanctuary, which is accounted to be the largest nesting colony in South-east Asia.
Getting there
Biju Patnaik airport in Bhubaneswar (about 78km) is the closest airport to Nalbana Bird Sanctuary. The nearest bus terminal and railway station are located at Balugaon. Chilka Lake can be easily approached by road from Cuttack, Puri and Bhubaneswar. From Chilka Lake one has to hire the ferry to explore the sanctuary.
Accommodation can be availed at the tourist bungalow, OTDC (Orissa Tourism Development Corporation) hotel and other private hotels, lodges and rest houses located along the banks of Chilka Lake.
Barkul is the closest access point to the sanctuary. Visitors can hire boats or launches from the Odisha tourism department for exploring the sanctuary. Tourists are not allowed to get ashore on the island. Avoid visiting this bird reserve during the monsoon season as the entire island sanctuary remains submerged under water during this period.
Additional Information
Location: Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, Chilka Lake, Odisha
Area: approximately 15.53 sq km; Elevation: about 7 ft above sea level
Best time to visit: October to March
© Arked
