Nalabana got the status of a sanctuary in 1987. It is situated in the heart of Chilika. it is a prime refuge point for thousands of resident and migratory birds and specially acts as a treat for the bird-watchers during winter season. One can look out for birds like Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, White Bellied Sea Eagle and get delighted by watching them playing in the water. The ideal time to visit the sanctuary is during winter when the sanctuary mostly gets submerged under water and most of the birds are available during that period. The birds can be watched from the boundary pillars installed demarking the sanctuary area by Chilika wild life department, Govt. of Odisha. Scientists/researchers and government officers can venture in to the island for public service purpose with due permission from DFO, Wild life Chilika, Odisha.