Kalijai Temple, Chilika: History, How to go, Timing, Entry Fee!

Located on an island in the scenic Chilika Lake, the Kalijai Temple is one of Odisha’s most revered shrines, dedicated to Goddess Kalijai. Built in the early 18th century, this temple is not only a spiritual center but also a landmark that reflects the region’s rich cultural and mythological heritage.

According to local legend, the goddess is believed to protect fishermen and travelers on the lake, adding a layer of mystical charm to the site. Surrounded by the tranquil waters and lush natural beauty of Chilika, the temple offers visitors a serene escape along with panoramic views, making it a popular destination for both devotees and tourists.

About Kalijai Temple

Kalijai Temple is a sacred shrine dedicated to Goddess Kalijai, who is believed to be an incarnation of Kali. The temple is located on an island in the Chilika Lake, the largest brackish water lake in Asia. The temple attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists every year, especially during the Makar Sankranti festival in January.

Temple can be reached by boat from various points around the lake. The island offers a scenic view of the lake and its rich biodiversity. Kalijai Temple is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the culture, nature, and spirituality of Odisha.

Kalijai Temple History

The legend, a young girl named Jai was going to meet her husband on another island in the lake, along with her father and a boatman. A severe storm hit them and their boat capsized. Jai drowned in the lake, while her father and the boatman survived. Jai’s spirit then became the Goddess Kalijai, who protects the people living near the lake and fulfills their wishes.

Temple was built by King Jagannath Mansingh of Bankad (now Banapur) in 1717, as mentioned by Dr. Radha Charan Panda in The History of Parikud (1930).

Temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years and has become a major pilgrimage center for devotees of Goddess Kali. It also hosts a grand fair during the Makar Sankranti festival in January, when lakhs of people visit the island to worship the Goddess.

How to go to Kalijai Temple, Chilika

There are different ways to reach the Chilika Lake and Kalijai Temple from various parts of Odisha.

Some of the options:

By Road:

• You can take a bus or a taxi from Bhubaneswar, Puri, or Berhampur to reach Chilika. The distance from Bhubaneswar to Chilika is about 105 km, from Puri to Chilika is about 50 km, and from Berhampur to Chilika is about 70 km.

• There are several entry points to the lake, such as Barkul, Balugaon, Rambha, Satapada, etc. You can choose any of these points depending on your convenience and the availability of boats.

Train:

• Can take a train from Bhubaneswar, Puri, or Berhampur to reach Balugaon railway station, which is the nearest railway station to Chilika.

• Distance from Balugaon railway station to Chilika is about 5 km. You can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from the station to reach the lake. From there, you can take a boat to reach the Kalijai Temple.

By Air:

• Can take a flight from any major city in India to Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is the nearest airport to Chilika.

• Distance from Bhubaneswar Airport to Chilika is about 109 km. You can hire a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach the lake. From there, you can take a boat to reach the Kalijai Temple.

The boat ride from any point around the lake to the Kalijai Temple takes about 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the speed and type of boat. The boat fare varies from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per boat, depending on the number of passengers and the season.

Kalijai Temple Opening & Closing Timing, Entry Fee!

• Temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 7:00 PM every day. It is open on all public holidays as well.

• There is no entry fee for visiting the temple. You will have to pay for the boat ride from the lake to the island. The boat fare varies from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 per boat, depending on the number of passengers and the season.
  
• The boat ride takes about 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the speed and type of boat. You can choose from different entry points to the lake, such as Barkul, Balugaon, Rambha, Satapada, etc.

• Nearest airport to Chilika Lake is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is about 109 km away. Nearest railway station is Balugaon railway station, which is about 5 km away from the lake. You can also take a bus or a taxi from Bhubaneswar, Puri, or Berhampur to reach Chilika Lake.
  
• Temple has a rich history and legend associated with it, which you can learn more about from the local guides or priests. You can also enjoy the beauty and culture of Chilika Lake by watching the migratory birds, dolphins, and other wildlife.

How to Reach Kalijai Temple from Puri

Want to visit the Kalijai Temple, the sacred shrine of Goddess Kali on an island in Chilika Lake? Here are two easy ways to get there from Puri:

By Road:

Hop on a bus or a taxi to Chilika Lake, only 50 km away. It will take you an hour and cost you around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000. Choose any entry point to the lake, like Barkul, Balugaon, Rambha, or Satapada. Then take a boat to the temple island. Enjoy the scenic ride for 30 minutes to an hour. Pay Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 per boat, depending on how many people and what season.

By Train:

Catch a train from Puri to Balugaon railway station, the closest station to Chilika Lake. It will take you two hours and cost you around Rs. 100 to Rs. 200. From Balugaon station, hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to the lake, only 5 km away. Then take a boat to the temple island.

If you want to plan your trip to the Kalijai Temple and enjoy the spiritual and natural beauty of Chilika Lake, you should visit the Mypuritour website. This is on of the best Puri Tour and Travel agency that offers various puri holiday packages and puri sightseeing tours. They have a website where you can find more information about their services and reviews from their customers.

Mypuritour.com can help you book your hotels, transportation, and guides for your trip to the Kalijai Temple and Chilika Lake. They have some of the best prices and offers for puri tourism and tour packages. You can also customize your own itinerary and get personalized assistance from their experts.