Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika National Park is a world-renowned Ramsar site and a unique biodiversity hotspot located in the deltaic region of the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers. Spanning 672 Square Kilometers, it boasts the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India. The park is a maze of tidal creeks, mudflats, an d dense greenery, providing a habitat for the endangered Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Historically, this region was the hunting reserve of the Kanika Kings, which helped preserve its wild character before it was declared a sanctuary in 1975. It is home to over 215 species of birds, including eight varieties of kingfishers and numerous migratory species that arrive from Siberia and Central Asia during winter. The park is also famous for its White Crocodiles, which are a rare genetic variation. The interaction between the land and the sea here creates a dynamic ecosystem where mangroves like Hental and Sundari thrive. Visitors experience the park primarily via boat safaris, drifting through narrow channels where crocodiles can be seen basking on the banks. The silence of the forest is only broken by the calls of birds and the rhythmic movement of water. It is a critical protector of the Odisha coastline against tsunamis and cyclones, acting as a natural buffer.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 DaysPlace Type:
National Park / Wildlife SanctuaryEntry Fees:
Indians: 20 per person.
Foreigners: 1000 per person.
Boat Charges: Private boats range from 2000 to 5000 depending on the duration and route. ...Indians: 20 per person.
Foreigners: 1000 per person.
Boat Charges: Private boats range from 2000 to 5000 depending on the duration and route.Special Events:
Makar Mela: Celebrated in nearby villages with traditional festivities.
Crocodile Census: A significant annual event in January where researchers and forest officials count the reptiles. ...Makar Mela: Celebrated in nearby villages with traditional festivities.
Crocodile Census: A significant annual event in January where researchers and forest officials count the reptiles.Best Photo Spots:
Dangamal Creek: Best for capturing crocodiles at eye level from the boat.
The Canopy Walk: Offers a green perspective of the dense mangrove forest.
Sunset at Khola: The reflection of the sun on the tidal wa...Dangamal Creek: Best for capturing crocodiles at eye level from the boat.
The Canopy Walk: Offers a green perspective of the dense mangrove forest.
Sunset at Khola: The reflection of the sun on the tidal water with mangrove silhouettes.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Boat Safari: Take a motorized boat from Khola or Gupti to explore the winding creeks.
Crocodile Spotting: Witness massive reptiles basking in the sun along the muddy banks.
Visit the Crocodile Breeding Centre: See hatchlings and the famous "Gauri" white crocodile at Dangamal.
Nature Trails: Walk the 3 Km trekking path through the forest to see spotted deer and wild boars.
Birdwatching: Use binoculars to spot kingfishers, egrets, and migratory waterfowl.
Photography: Capture the rare flora and reptilian giants in their natural habitat.
Visit the Museum: Learn about the mangrove lifecycle and conservation history.
Stay in Eco-Cottages...Boat Safari: Take a motorized boat from Khola or Gupti to explore the winding creeks.
Crocodile Spotting: Witness massive reptiles basking in the sun along the muddy banks.
Visit the Crocodile Breeding Centre: See hatchlings and the famous "Gauri" white crocodile at Dangamal.
Nature Trails: Walk the 3 Km trekking path through the forest to see spotted deer and wild boars.
Birdwatching: Use binoculars to spot kingfishers, egrets, and migratory waterfowl.
Photography: Capture the rare flora and reptilian giants in their natural habitat.
Visit the Museum: Learn about the mangrove lifecycle and conservation history.
Stay in Eco-Cottages: Experience a night in the wilderness at the Dangamal Nature Camp.
Star Gazing: Enjoy the unpolluted night sky from the forest rest houses.
Visit Hukitola: Take an extended boat trip to the historic colonial storehouse on a nearby island.
Information
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Why Famous:
Crocodile Capital: It holds the Guinness World Record for the largest living crocodile and has a massive population of Estuarine Crocodiles.
Nesting Ground: Nearby Gahirmatha is the world's largest rookery for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. ...Crocodile Capital: It holds the Guinness World Record for the largest living crocodile and has a massive population of Estuarine Crocodiles.
Nesting Ground: Nearby Gahirmatha is the world's largest rookery for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. -
Architecture:
Nature's Design: The architecture here is biological—the Pneumatophores (breathing roots) of mangroves create an intricate underwater latticework.
The Interpretation Centre: At Dangamal, a modern museum and interpretation center provides ...Nature's Design: The architecture here is biological—the Pneumatophores (breathing roots) of mangroves create an intricate underwater latticework.
The Interpretation Centre: At Dangamal, a modern museum and interpretation center provides ecological data.
Watchtowers: Several wooden and concrete watchtowers are strategically placed at Khola and Dangamal, standing about 30 Feet high to provide canopy views. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Bhubaneswar Airport is 160 Kms away.
By Train: Bhadrak Railway Station is the closest at 60 Kms.
By Road: Frequent buses and taxis from Kendrapada to Rajnagar.
By Local...By Air: Bhubaneswar Airport is 160 Kms away.
By Train: Bhadrak Railway Station is the closest at 60 Kms.
By Road: Frequent buses and taxis from Kendrapada to Rajnagar.
By Local Transport: Motorboats are the only way to navigate the core areas from Gupti or Khola. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Peak Winter: December and January for the best weather and bird sightings.
Monsoon: August to September for lush greenery and nesting herons (check for closures). ...Peak Winter: December and January for the best weather and bird sightings.
Monsoon: August to September for lush greenery and nesting herons (check for closures). -
Near Tourist Places:
1. Gahirmatha Beach (15 Kms), 2. Dangamal Jetty (0 Kms), 3. Aul Palace (35 Kms), 4. Pentha Beach (20 Kms), 5. Hukitola (40 Kms), 6. Batighar (60 Kms), 7. Chandabali (50 Kms), 8. Baladevjew Temple (65 Kms), 9. Suta Hat (10 Kms), 10. Rajnagar (25 Kms).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Never put hands or feet in the water; crocodiles are apex predators.
Packing: Wear earthy-colored clothes; bring hats, sunscreen, and binoculars.
Accommodation: Book OTDC Aranya Niwas or ...Health & Safety: Never put hands or feet in the water; crocodiles are apex predators.
Packing: Wear earthy-colored clothes; bring hats, sunscreen, and binoculars.
Accommodation: Book OTDC Aranya Niwas or Nature Camps in advance.
Cash & Connectivity: Keep Cash ready; mobile data is extremely weak inside the forest.
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