Short answer
Chilika is Asia's largest brackish-water lagoon, and its two main experiences are Irrawaddy dolphin-spotting boat rides from Satapada and migratory bird watching at Mangalajodi wetland, best between November and February.
Satapada and the dolphins
Boat rides from Satapada head into the lagoon's outer channel where Irrawaddy dolphins are regularly sighted, though sightings are never guaranteed since these are wild animals; mornings tend to offer calmer water and better visibility.
Mangalajodi and birdwatching
Mangalajodi, on the lake's northern edge, hosts large flocks of migratory waterbirds between November and February, with local boatmen — many former poachers turned conservation guides — running quiet, birder-friendly boat trips.
Rest of the lake
Beyond Satapada and Mangalajodi, Chilika includes Nalabana Bird Sanctuary and several islands; the lagoon supports a significant local fishing economy that shapes both the ecology and the villages around its shore.
Practical tips
Life jackets should always be worn on boat rides, early morning departures give the best wildlife visibility, and boat trips are best pre-arranged through registered operators rather than informal touts.