Nestled on the picturesque Chilika Lake – the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is one of Odisha’s best-kept secrets for nature and birding enthusiasts. Located around 55 km from the state capital Bhubaneswar in the Khordha district, Nalbana Island was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1987 to protect the incredible congregation of migratory birds that flock here every winter.
As Odisha steadily cements its place on India’s tourism map for its exquisite temples and rich cultural heritage, Nalbana offers the perfect foil with its sprawling wetlands, varied biodiversity, and picture-postcard sunsets. Birders have recorded over 160 species of resident and migratory birds that descend here each year from the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea, and remote parts of Russia, Mongolia, and Siberia. The still lagoon waters coupled with bare mudflats and stands of reeds make for a haven that supports flocks of local and migratory species alike. During November through February, one can spot rarities like Eurasian wigeon, Gadwall, pintail, and shoveler as well as Pallas’s fish eagle, white-bellied sea eagle, and grey-headed lapwing among numerous other birds.
The sanctuary covers a core area of over 15 sq km. on Nalbana Island but the larger buffer area includes nearly 64 sq. km. that falls within the protected wetland system of Chilika Lake. Early morning boat rides transport one through multiple ecological zones that sustain this feathered diversity. The lake itself is separated from the Bay of Bengal by large sand spits and shelters aquatic life like dolphins, fish, and crustacean species. Nalbana thus makes for a fascinating one-day tour that combines boating, nature observation, and walking trails across its undulating hillscape punctuated by Casuarina groves. Visitors also get to savor stunning sunrises and sunsets from vantage points across the island.
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary
With air and rail access to Bhubaneswar or Puri, Nalbana lies a route to Odisha’s famed temple circuit encompassing Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Puri as well as Chilika Lake itself. It diversifies the state’s tourism offerings beyond temples, art, and architecture by showcasing its natural landscapes. Local communities are also involved in alternate livelihood generation through tourism homestays and guided tours. As with all sensitive ecological sanctuaries, tourists must follow guidelines around minimum environmental footprint and respecting local biodiversity.
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary is a jewel in Odisha’s tourism crown that promises soul-stirring scenery, magical migratory bird sightings, and offbeat adventure – making it the perfect stopover for nature lovers and birding enthusiasts alike while touring the state or region. It signs off a memorable rendezvous that awakens one to precious sites like Nalbana across India’s diverse landscapes that need conservation for sustainable tourism to thrive.
Destination Attractions, Destination Facilities, Transportation, Accessibility, How to Reach
Temple Open Timings
Nalbana Bird Sanctuary Opening Time is Everyday Morning from 6 am to Evening 6 pm
Best Time to visit
The best time to visit Nalabana Bird Sanctuary is all time of the year and Durgapuja
Nearest Bus Stop
The nearest Bus stop is Balugaon, which is located around 4 KM distance from Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
Nearest Railway Station
The Nearest Railway Station is Balugaon, which is located around 6 KM distance from Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
Nearest Airport
The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, which is located around 105 KM distance from Nalabana Bird Sanctuary
