An amazing Boating Experience at Chilika Lake & it's gems/crystals, Odisha (India) - Authentic or a Scam?

Chilika lake is one of the popular places to visit in Odisha  and it’s spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam regions of Odisha state. It’s on east coast of India which flows into the Bay of Bengal. It’s largest coastal lagoon in India and second largest lagoon in the world. The largest one is New Caledonian barrier reef. Recently we visited Chilika lake and this Photo Journey shares some of the photographs telling story of our visit.Supposedly Chilika Lake is largest wetland on the Indian sub-continent for Migratory birds in winters. Lot of tourists visit Chilika lake but main ecosystem is around fishery resources. There are thousands of fisher-folks in villages around shoreline and islands around Chilika Lake.How to reach – Most of the folks visit Chilika Lake from Bhubaneshwar or Puri. Taxi is one of the best ways to save time and explore the beauty on your way. Balugaon is nearest railway station and then auto can help you reach near Chilika lake. In the world of Ola and Uber, commute has become easier and convenient. One doesn’t need to negotiate with unreasonable cabbies and auto-walas outside Railway-station or bus-stand. I am sure, buses from main cities would be available but. There are different views of people visiting Chilika. Nature lovers would certainly love the place and if you like following birds, it's certainly a good place for you.As you see lot of these pearls being shown in our photographs. So this is a typical thing in Chilika lake that locals show you pearls and different kinds of stones. And they break shells in front of you. Not sure how real these are but we bought few by paying few thousands. There are lot of stories about the stones sold around Chilika. For a moment, we were also depressed by the thought that stone we bought can be fake. We are not experts and we don't even want to get these tested (for our own peace). But be cautious before taking such decision. They can be fake or real. You have to see if you like any of these stones and willing to pay a price.Boat rides are interesting but they don't give life jackets which was surprising for us. We didn't see dolphins in Chilika lake. It seems that early morning view around Chilika lake is very interesting.Since lake is huge, boating experience of Chilika Lake is different.

Chilika lake is one of the popular places to visit in Odisha and it’s spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam regions of Odisha state. It’s on east coast of India which flows into the Bay of Bengal. It’s largest coastal lagoon in India and second largest lagoon in the world. The largest one is New Caledonian barrier reef. Recently we visited Chilika lake and this Photo Journey shares some of the photographs telling story of our visit.

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Chilika lake is one of the popular places to visit in Odisha  and it’s spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam regions of Odisha state. It’s on east coast of India which flows into the Bay of Bengal. It’s largest coastal lagoon in India and second largest lagoon in the world. The largest one is New Caledonian barrier reef. Recently we visited Chilika lake and this Photo Journey shares some of the photographs telling story of our visit.Supposedly Chilika Lake is largest wetland on the Indian sub-continent for Migratory birds in winters. Lot of tourists visit Chilika lake but main ecosystem is around fishery resources. There are thousands of fisher-folks in villages around shoreline and islands around Chilika Lake.How to reach – Most of the folks visit Chilika Lake from Bhubaneshwar or Puri. Taxi is one of the best ways to save time and explore the beauty on your way. Balugaon is nearest railway station and then auto can help you reach near Chilika lake. In the world of Ola and Uber, commute has become easier and convenient. One doesn’t need to negotiate with unreasonable cabbies and auto-walas outside Railway-station or bus-stand. I am sure, buses from main cities would be available but. There are different views of people visiting Chilika. Nature lovers would certainly love the place and if you like following birds, it's certainly a good place for you.As you see lot of these pearls being shown in our photographs. So this is a typical thing in Chilika lake that locals show you pearls and different kinds of stones. And they break shells in front of you. Not sure how real these are but we bought few by paying few thousands. There are lot of stories about the stones sold around Chilika. For a moment, we were also depressed by the thought that stone we bought can be fake. We are not experts and we don't even want to get these tested (for our own peace). But be cautious before taking such decision. They can be fake or real. You have to see if you like any of these stones and willing to pay a price.Boat rides are interesting but they don't give life jackets which was surprising for us. We didn't see dolphins in Chilika lake. It seems that early morning view around Chilika lake is very interesting.Since lake is huge, boating experience of Chilika Lake is different.

Supposedly Chilika Lake is largest wetland on the Indian sub-continent for Migratory birds in winters. Lot of tourists visit Chilika lake but main ecosystem is around fishery resources. There are thousands of fisher-folks in villages around shoreline and islands around Chilika Lake. 

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Chilika lake is one of the popular places to visit in Odisha  and it’s spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam regions of Odisha state. It’s on east coast of India which flows into the Bay of Bengal. It’s largest coastal lagoon in India and second largest lagoon in the world. The largest one is New Caledonian barrier reef. Recently we visited Chilika lake and this Photo Journey shares some of the photographs telling story of our visit.Supposedly Chilika Lake is largest wetland on the Indian sub-continent for Migratory birds in winters. Lot of tourists visit Chilika lake but main ecosystem is around fishery resources. There are thousands of fisher-folks in villages around shoreline and islands around Chilika Lake.How to reach – Most of the folks visit Chilika Lake from Bhubaneshwar or Puri. Taxi is one of the best ways to save time and explore the beauty on your way. Balugaon is nearest railway station and then auto can help you reach near Chilika lake. In the world of Ola and Uber, commute has become easier and convenient. One doesn’t need to negotiate with unreasonable cabbies and auto-walas outside Railway-station or bus-stand. I am sure, buses from main cities would be available but. There are different views of people visiting Chilika. Nature lovers would certainly love the place and if you like following birds, it's certainly a good place for you.As you see lot of these pearls being shown in our photographs. So this is a typical thing in Chilika lake that locals show you pearls and different kinds of stones. And they break shells in front of you. Not sure how real these are but we bought few by paying few thousands. There are lot of stories about the stones sold around Chilika. For a moment, we were also depressed by the thought that stone we bought can be fake. We are not experts and we don't even want to get these tested (for our own peace). But be cautious before taking such decision. They can be fake or real. You have to see if you like any of these stones and willing to pay a price.Boat rides are interesting but they don't give life jackets which was surprising for us. We didn't see dolphins in Chilika lake. It seems that early morning view around Chilika lake is very interesting.Since lake is huge, boating experience of Chilika Lake is different.

How to reach – Most of the folks visit Chilika Lake from Bhubaneshwar or Puri. Taxi is one of the best ways to save time and explore the beauty on your way. Balugaon is nearest railway station and then auto can help you reach near Chilika lake. In the world of Ola and Uber, commute has become easier and convenient. One doesn’t need to negotiate with unreasonable cabbies and auto-walas outside Railway-station or bus-stand. I am sure, buses from main cities would be available.

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Chilika lake is one of the popular places to visit in Odisha  and it’s spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam regions of Odisha state. It’s on east coast of India which flows into the Bay of Bengal. It’s largest coastal lagoon in India and second largest lagoon in the world. The largest one is New Caledonian barrier reef. Recently we visited Chilika lake and this Photo Journey shares some of the photographs telling story of our visit.Supposedly Chilika Lake is largest wetland on the Indian sub-continent for Migratory birds in winters. Lot of tourists visit Chilika lake but main ecosystem is around fishery resources. There are thousands of fisher-folks in villages around shoreline and islands around Chilika Lake.How to reach – Most of the folks visit Chilika Lake from Bhubaneshwar or Puri. Taxi is one of the best ways to save time and explore the beauty on your way. Balugaon is nearest railway station and then auto can help you reach near Chilika lake. In the world of Ola and Uber, commute has become easier and convenient. One doesn’t need to negotiate with unreasonable cabbies and auto-walas outside Railway-station or bus-stand. I am sure, buses from main cities would be available but. There are different views of people visiting Chilika. Nature lovers would certainly love the place and if you like following birds, it's certainly a good place for you.As you see lot of these pearls being shown in our photographs. So this is a typical thing in Chilika lake that locals show you pearls and different kinds of stones. And they break shells in front of you. Not sure how real these are but we bought few by paying few thousands. There are lot of stories about the stones sold around Chilika. For a moment, we were also depressed by the thought that stone we bought can be fake. We are not experts and we don't even want to get these tested (for our own peace). But be cautious before taking such decision. They can be fake or real. You have to see if you like any of these stones and willing to pay a price.Boat rides are interesting but they don't give life jackets which was surprising for us. We didn't see dolphins in Chilika lake. It seems that early morning view around Chilika lake is very interesting.Since lake is huge, boating experience of Chilika Lake is different.

There are different views of people visiting Chilika. Nature lovers would certainly love the place and if you like following birds, it's certainly a good place for you. 

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Chilika lake is one of the popular places to visit in Odisha  and it’s spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam regions of Odisha state. It’s on east coast of India which flows into the Bay of Bengal. It’s largest coastal lagoon in India and second largest lagoon in the world. The largest one is New Caledonian barrier reef. Recently we visited Chilika lake and this Photo Journey shares some of the photographs telling story of our visit.Supposedly Chilika Lake is largest wetland on the Indian sub-continent for Migratory birds in winters. Lot of tourists visit Chilika lake but main ecosystem is around fishery resources. There are thousands of fisher-folks in villages around shoreline and islands around Chilika Lake.How to reach – Most of the folks visit Chilika Lake from Bhubaneshwar or Puri. Taxi is one of the best ways to save time and explore the beauty on your way. Balugaon is nearest railway station and then auto can help you reach near Chilika lake. In the world of Ola and Uber, commute has become easier and convenient. One doesn’t need to negotiate with unreasonable cabbies and auto-walas outside Railway-station or bus-stand. I am sure, buses from main cities would be available but. There are different views of people visiting Chilika. Nature lovers would certainly love the place and if you like following birds, it's certainly a good place for you.As you see lot of these pearls being shown in our photographs. So this is a typical thing in Chilika lake that locals show you pearls and different kinds of stones. And they break shells in front of you. Not sure how real these are but we bought few by paying few thousands. There are lot of stories about the stones sold around Chilika. For a moment, we were also depressed by the thought that stone we bought can be fake. We are not experts and we don't even want to get these tested (for our own peace). But be cautious before taking such decision. They can be fake or real. You have to see if you like any of these stones and willing to pay a price.Boat rides are interesting but they don't give life jackets which was surprising for us. We didn't see dolphins in Chilika lake. It seems that early morning view around Chilika lake is very interesting.Since lake is huge, boating experience of Chilika Lake is different.

As you see lot of these pearls being shown in our photographs. So this is a typical thing in Chilika lake that locals show you pearls and different kinds of stones. And they break shells in front of you. Not sure how real these are but we bought few by paying few thousands. There are lot of stories about the stones sold around Chilika. For a moment, we were also depressed by the thought that stone we bought can be fake. We are not experts and we don't even want to get these tested (for our own peace). But be cautious before taking such decision. They can be fake or real. You have to see if you like any of these stones and willing to pay a price. 

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It's more like a gamble as well - If they are original you get them at reasonable price as you are buying them at source (depends if you know the real worth :) ) and if they are fake, you loose big time. 

Chilika lake is one of the popular places to visit in Odisha  and it’s spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam regions of Odisha state. It’s on east coast of India which flows into the Bay of Bengal. It’s largest coastal lagoon in India and second largest lagoon in the world. The largest one is New Caledonian barrier reef. Recently we visited Chilika lake and this Photo Journey shares some of the photographs telling story of our visit.Supposedly Chilika Lake is largest wetland on the Indian sub-continent for Migratory birds in winters. Lot of tourists visit Chilika lake but main ecosystem is around fishery resources. There are thousands of fisher-folks in villages around shoreline and islands around Chilika Lake.How to reach – Most of the folks visit Chilika Lake from Bhubaneshwar or Puri. Taxi is one of the best ways to save time and explore the beauty on your way. Balugaon is nearest railway station and then auto can help you reach near Chilika lake. In the world of Ola and Uber, commute has become easier and convenient. One doesn’t need to negotiate with unreasonable cabbies and auto-walas outside Railway-station or bus-stand. I am sure, buses from main cities would be available but. There are different views of people visiting Chilika. Nature lovers would certainly love the place and if you like following birds, it's certainly a good place for you.As you see lot of these pearls being shown in our photographs. So this is a typical thing in Chilika lake that locals show you pearls and different kinds of stones. And they break shells in front of you. Not sure how real these are but we bought few by paying few thousands. There are lot of stories about the stones sold around Chilika. For a moment, we were also depressed by the thought that stone we bought can be fake. We are not experts and we don't even want to get these tested (for our own peace). But be cautious before taking such decision. They can be fake or real. You have to see if you like any of these stones and willing to pay a price.Boat rides are interesting but they don't give life jackets which was surprising for us. We didn't see dolphins in Chilika lake. It seems that early morning view around Chilika lake is very interesting.Since lake is huge, boating experience of Chilika Lake is different.

Boat rides are interesting but they don't give life jackets which was surprising for us. We didn't see dolphins in Chilika lake. It seems that early morning view around Chilika lake is very interesting. 

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Chilika lake is one of the popular places to visit in Odisha  and it’s spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam regions of Odisha state. It’s on east coast of India which flows into the Bay of Bengal. It’s largest coastal lagoon in India and second largest lagoon in the world. The largest one is New Caledonian barrier reef. Recently we visited Chilika lake and this Photo Journey shares some of the photographs telling story of our visit.Supposedly Chilika Lake is largest wetland on the Indian sub-continent for Migratory birds in winters. Lot of tourists visit Chilika lake but main ecosystem is around fishery resources. There are thousands of fisher-folks in villages around shoreline and islands around Chilika Lake.How to reach – Most of the folks visit Chilika Lake from Bhubaneshwar or Puri. Taxi is one of the best ways to save time and explore the beauty on your way. Balugaon is nearest railway station and then auto can help you reach near Chilika lake. In the world of Ola and Uber, commute has become easier and convenient. One doesn’t need to negotiate with unreasonable cabbies and auto-walas outside Railway-station or bus-stand. I am sure, buses from main cities would be available but. There are different views of people visiting Chilika. Nature lovers would certainly love the place and if you like following birds, it's certainly a good place for you.As you see lot of these pearls being shown in our photographs. So this is a typical thing in Chilika lake that locals show you pearls and different kinds of stones. And they break shells in front of you. Not sure how real these are but we bought few by paying few thousands. There are lot of stories about the stones sold around Chilika. For a moment, we were also depressed by the thought that stone we bought can be fake. We are not experts and we don't even want to get these tested (for our own peace). But be cautious before taking such decision. They can be fake or real. You have to see if you like any of these stones and willing to pay a price.Boat rides are interesting but they don't give life jackets which was surprising for us. We didn't see dolphins in Chilika lake. It seems that early morning view around Chilika lake is very interesting.Since lake is huge, boating experience of Chilika Lake is different.

Since lake is huge, boating experience of Chilika Lake is different. 

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Chilika lake is one of the popular places to visit in Odisha  and it’s spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam regions of Odisha state. It’s on east coast of India which flows into the Bay of Bengal. It’s largest coastal lagoon in India and second largest lagoon in the world. The largest one is New Caledonian barrier reef. Recently we visited Chilika lake and this Photo Journey shares some of the photographs telling story of our visit.Supposedly Chilika Lake is largest wetland on the Indian sub-continent for Migratory birds in winters. Lot of tourists visit Chilika lake but main ecosystem is around fishery resources. There are thousands of fisher-folks in villages around shoreline and islands around Chilika Lake.How to reach – Most of the folks visit Chilika Lake from Bhubaneshwar or Puri. Taxi is one of the best ways to save time and explore the beauty on your way. Balugaon is nearest railway station and then auto can help you reach near Chilika lake. In the world of Ola and Uber, commute has become easier and convenient. One doesn’t need to negotiate with unreasonable cabbies and auto-walas outside Railway-station or bus-stand. I am sure, buses from main cities would be available but. There are different views of people visiting Chilika. Nature lovers would certainly love the place and if you like following birds, it's certainly a good place for you.As you see lot of these pearls being shown in our photographs. So this is a typical thing in Chilika lake that locals show you pearls and different kinds of stones. And they break shells in front of you. Not sure how real these are but we bought few by paying few thousands. There are lot of stories about the stones sold around Chilika. For a moment, we were also depressed by the thought that stone we bought can be fake. We are not experts and we don't even want to get these tested (for our own peace). But be cautious before taking such decision. They can be fake or real. You have to see if you like any of these stones and willing to pay a price.Boat rides are interesting but they don't give life jackets which was surprising for us. We didn't see dolphins in Chilika lake. It seems that early morning view around Chilika lake is very interesting.Since lake is huge, boating experience of Chilika Lake is different.

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If you liked this post and found it helpful, I would request you to follow these things when traveling -

- Manage your waste well and don’t litter
- Use dustbins. Tell us if you went to a place and found it hard to locate a dustbin.
- Avoid bottle waters in hills. Usually you get clean water in hills and water bottles create lot of mess in our ecosystem.
- Say big no to plastic and avoid those unhealthy snacks packed in plastic bags. Rather buy fruits.
- Don't play loud blaring music in forests of jungle camps. You are a guest in that ecosystem and disturbing the locals (humans and animals) is not polite 

Comments

Thanks Mahesh Ji !

Credit goes to my 9 years old nephew Nishant and his parents to compile such a beautiful Photo Journey.
Anonymous said…
Amazing pictures and the story along.
Swati Batra said…
I have been to Odisha many times but never visited Chilka Lake.
Thanks for sharing this post.
Thaks Swati and LittleStepstoNirvana :)

Kunjal said…
I have been to the lake and bought those pearls also.ì didn't got them checked cos I am scared they have more chances of being fake.when they showed us the pearls we thought they r genuine but later on when they started showing us gems that we get from mines we realised our mistake.ýou didn't mention anything about food they took us someplace within the lake and we had very tasty seafood and coconut water as well
Chilika lake is basically a Lagoon and lagoons are typically shallow. You could perhaps be boating just 2-3 feet above ground level. That's why no need for a life jacket.
Unknown said…
I am a trained gemologist. I visited the place where locals sell gemstones. Pearls were cultured and other stones were synthetic....Please do not waste money.

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