Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
Bhitarkanika National Park is a unique and biodiverse sanctuary located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha, India. Bhitarkanika is renowned for its extensive mangrove forests, which are among the largest in India. These mangroves play a crucial role in the ecosystem, serving as nurseries for fish and providing habitat for a variety of wildlife.
The park is home to diverse flora and fauna. It is famous for its population of saltwater crocodiles, which thrive in the brackish waters of the mangrove creeks. Other wildlife includes spotted deer, wild boar, water monitor lizards, and various species of birds. Bhitarkanika is a haven for birdwatchers with over 300 species of resident and migratory birds. The park hosts large congregations of migratory birds during the winter months, including species like herons, egrets, kingfishers, and white ibises.
Visitors can explore Bhitarkanika through boat rides along the creeks and rivers, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and experience the serene beauty of the mangrove forests up close. The park authorities organize boat safaris for tourists.
The nearest airports being Bhubaneshwar and Kolkata, the waterways are paved through Chandabali, Ragnagar and Gupti while Bhadrak, Balsore, Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar connect it through the rails. Distance between Bhubaneswar to Bhitarkanika 4 hr 23 min (166.0 km) via Cuttack – Chandabali Rd.
Bhitarkanika National Park is famous for its mangrove forests. These mangrove forests are one of the largest in India and are home to saltwater crocodiles. also Gahirmatha sanctuary located within the close vicinity of the Bhitarkanika National Park is Odisha’s only Turtle Sanctuary. It is very famous for its nesting beach for Olive Ridley Turtles.
The wintertime October – February in this region is best suited to visit Bhitarkanika and explore the diverse flora and fauna of the park while enjoying all the local attractions in the vicinity in pleasantly cool weather.
