Chilika Lake Bird Photography Workshop | Abhisek Bagaria

Chilika Lake: India's Flamingo Paradise
Located on the eastern coast of Odisha, Chilika Lake is Asia's largest brackish water lagoon and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Spread across over 1,100 square kilometers, it's a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife photographers, especially during the winter months when migratory birds arrive in massive numbers.

I traveled to Chilika in late January, when the migratory season was at its peak. Mangalajodi, at the northern edge of the lake, has become a haven for bird photographers, and for good reason.

We set out at dawn in a small wooden boat, drifting silently through the marshes. As the mist lifted slowly, it revealed an incredible sight: thousands of birds covering the water. Whiskered terns, brown-headed gulls, and flamingos created a living tapestry against the soft morning light. The stillness of the lake, broken only by wing beats and distant calls, made every frame feel like a meditation.

🛠 Workshops Offered: Yes, seasonal private and small-group wildlife photography workshops