The 6th National Chilika Bird Festival will be held at Chilika Lake, Odisha, India, from 6th to 8th January 2026. Organised by the Department of Tourism, Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change and the Chilika Development Authority, the festival celebrates the spectacular annual winter migration of thousands of birds while promoting sustainable eco-tourism initiatives in the region.

6th National Chilika Bird Festival 2026

This will be the sixth edition of the National Chilika Bird Festival. First held in 2018, the event has grown into one of India’s major birding and nature festivals. It is expected to attract bird enthusiasts, travel professionals, conservationists, and wildlife photographers from across the country. This year’s edition is also anticipated to welcome international visitors.

The festival program features a wide range of activities, including:

• Guided birdwatching excursions

• Nature walks and boating experiences

• Wildlife and nature photography sessions

Beyond birding, visitors can enjoy local cuisine, explore traditional crafts, and experience the vibrant culture of the surrounding communities. Special attractions include a boat race and water sports events held on the lagoon.

Mangalajodi Wetlands and Nalabana Bird Sanctuary

The festival takes place at Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and one of India’s most important wetlands. Designated as a Ramsar Site, Chilika Lake is part of the Central Asian Flyway, serving as a crucial stopover for migratory birds travelling from the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Festival activities are concentrated in the north-eastern part of the lake.

Two key birding destinations highlighted during the festival are:

Mangalajodi Wetlands

Often referred to as the “Birds’ Paradise of Asia,” Mangalajodi is a globally acclaimed birdwatching destination. Its community-led conservation model is widely recognized as a success story of sustainable eco-tourism. Local initiatives have replaced bird poaching with conservation-driven livelihoods, resulting in thriving bird populations. Today, thousands of migratory waterbirds can be observed here, making it a major highlight of the festival.

Nalabana Bird Sanctuary

Located on an island within Chilika Lake, Nalabana Bird Sanctuary is another vital bird habitat. The island remains completely submerged during the monsoon season and gradually emerges during winter, providing essential feeding and roosting grounds for migratory waterbirds. Normally restricted to visitors, Nalabana is accessible during the festival, offering a rare birdwatching experience.

Both Mangalajodi Wetlands and Nalabana Bird Sanctuary are designated Important Bird Areas (IBA) in India.

How to Participate in the Chilika Bird Festival 2026

Participants can register for the festival through the official Odisha Tourism website, where tickets and detailed program information will be available. In addition, you can scan the QR code displayed in the flyer below, released by the organisers.

The festival package includes:

• Local transportation (Bhubaneswar – Chilika – Bhubaneswar)

• Twin-sharing accommodation

• All meals during the festival

• Guided boating charges for birdwatching

• Entry fees and complete logistical support

Visitors may also choose to arrange their own travel and accommodation.

Chilika Bird Festival 2026 Program

Day 1 (6 Jan 2026)

• Inauguration of the photo exhibition
• Opening session and thematic panel discussions
• Expert presentations and participant briefing
• Transfer to Barkul
• Evening debriefing, state destination presentation and dinner

Day 2 (7 Jan 2026)

• Birdwatching experiences at Mangalajodi
• Bird race activities
• Technical sessions and local awareness programs
• Evening cultural engagements

Day 3 (8 Jan 2026)

• Continued birding and boating activities
• Youth and community-focused conservation programs
• Concluding cultural events and the award ceremony

Getting to the Venue

• By Air: Fly to Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar. If direct flights are unavailable, connecting flights are available via New Delhi, Mumbai, and other major Indian cities.

• By Road: From Bhubaneswar, travel to Barkul or Mangalajodi Wetlands, both key festival locations. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours by car. Private taxis and buses are readily available.

• By Train: The nearest railway stations are Khurda Road Junction and Balugaon Railway Station, both about 30 km from the venue. Private taxis can be hired from either station.

The main birdwatching sessions around Mangalajodi will take place on 7 January 2026. Numerous accommodation options are available in and around Mangalajodi Village and Barkul.

Conclusion

For the latest updates, schedules, and registration details, visit the official Odisha Tourism website. If you are interested in birdwatching events and nature festivals around the world, stay tuned for updates on our website.