Barkul is a convenient place to stay to visit Asia’s largest saltwater lake, Chilika. This lake is dotted with islands and is noted for the many migratory birds, which flock here in winter to the nesting sanctuary. The shallow lake is about 70km long and averages about 15km in width. It is separated from the sea only by a narrow sand bar.

You can take an early morning boat ride to Nalbana Island in Chilka Lake which is host to sea eagles, ospreys, golden plovers, sandpipers, flamingo, pelicans and gulls.The Kalijai Temple stands on one of the tiny rocky islands.