The 1100 sq km vast Chilka Lagoon is a wet land of international importence. There are about 225 species of fish, 156 species of birds and 118 species of mamals. The 'VIP's of Chilka includes Irrawady Dolphins, majestic Flamingos, Spoonbills and Brahminy Ducks. The close by Rushikulya River Delta coast line is the breeding ground of Olive Ridley Turtles. While your stay in Island Eco camp at 'Sana Kuda' island you can go for trips to Breakfast island, Ghantasila hills, Nalban, Birds island and virgin sea beach.

The Lagoon had been facing the problems like – siltation, shrinkage of area, choking of the inlet channel as well as shifting of the mouth connecting the sea. The Lagoon had been facing the problems like – siltation, shrinkage of area, choking of the inlet channel as well as shifting of the mouth connecting the sea.

Considering the sensitive lagoon eco-system, extensive hydrological studies were carried out by commissioning the services of the pioneer institutes of the countries to find out the best options to restore its ecosystem.
The Nalaban Island within the lagoon is notified as a Bird Sanctuary under Wildlife (Protection) Act, the National Wetlands, mangroves and coral reefs Committee of Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, have also identified the lagoon as a priority site for conservation and management.