अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न (FAQs)
Q1: What makes Nalabana Bird Sanctuary unique within Chilika Lake?
Nalabana is a low-lying submerged island covering 15.5 sq km that floods completely during monsoons and emerges every winter as nutrient-rich intertidal mudflats, hosting up to a million migratory waterfowl.
Q2: Are visitors permitted to walk on Nalabana Island?
No, stepping onto the island core is strictly prohibited to safeguard roosting and nesting birds; all bird observation is conducted from registered eco-boats navigating authorized perimeter water channels.
Q3: Can Irrawaddy dolphins be spotted near Nalabana?
While Nalabana is primarily a shallow waterfowl mudflat, Irrawaddy dolphins are frequently spotted in the deeper feeder channels and around Satapada, where the lagoon connects towards the Bay of Bengal mouth.
Q4: How far is Nalabana Bird Sanctuary from Bhubaneswar?
The primary boat launch point at Barkul (Chilika) is approximately 105 km southwest of Bhubaneswar along NH-16, taking around 2 to 2.5 hours by road.
Q5: What is the best time of year to visit Nalabana Bird Sanctuary?
The best time is from November through February, when migratory bird numbers peak, temperatures are mild (18°C to 28°C), and water levels expose extensive feeding shoals.