About Bhitarkanika
Bhitarkanika, located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha, is renowned as the ‘Mini Amazon of India’ as it is home to one of the country’s largest mangrove forests and supports an extraordinary range of wildlife. The Bhitarkanika National Park is an area within the larger Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, situated near the estuarine region of the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers, with the Bay of Bengal to the East.
The name ‘Bhitarkanika’ means interior beauty. The national park is surrounded by the rivers Brahmani, Baitarni, Dhamra, Pathsala, and others. This combination of streams, rivers, accumulated land, backwaters, and mudflats makes Bhitarkanika a land of immense importance for its unique flora and fauna.
Bhitarkanika, which was once the hunting ground for the royal Raj Kanika family, is now the breeding ground for the endangered saltwater crocodiles—the prime attraction of the sanctuary, making it a must-visit for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Why Visit Bhitarkanika?
This is the country’s second-largest mangrove forest region and home to 215 species of birds, including the eight varieties of Kingfisher and migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia. Besides this, the sanctuary is home to a diverse range of reptiles, vertebrates and mammals, including venomous cobras and Indian pythons, endangered water monitor lizards, wild pigs, chitals, otters, sambar, spotted deer, rhesus monkeys, wild boars, and fishing cats.
In 1975, the Union Ministry of Forest and Environment collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme to initiate a crocodile breeding and rearing project in Dangamalla, situated within the national park. The Bhitarkanika National Park has three species of crocodiles: the gharial, saltwater crocodile, and mugger crocodile, all of which inhabit the river systems.
Bhitarkanika mangroves tourism offers boat tours through the dense mangroves and lush green canopy, providing opportunities to spot saltwater crocodiles, as well as the chance to spot Olive Ridley turtles at the breathtaking Gahirmatha beach. Apart from boat tours, your Bhitarkanika National Park tour includes spectacular bird-watching, wildlife viewing, nature walks, turtle nesting, and enjoying nature camps.
At Deshduniya, our Bhitarkanika tour package includes everything from pickup and drop-off to accommodation in AC hotels, breakfast, all sightseeing in an exclusive vehicle, all permit charges and driver expenses, and all taxes, ensuring your Bhitarkanika tour plan in Orissa is enjoyable, refreshing, and memorable.
Experience the Bhitarkanika eco-tourism if you’re someone who craves to explore unknown territory instead of publicized tourism. The Bhitarkanika tour will pique your interest in the region’s history, and its stories of zamindars and temples found within the forest region only adds to its beauty and charm.
Key Attractions
Several fascinating tourist places in and near Bhitarkanika enhance your journey.
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Bhitarkanika Mangroves
Bhitarkanika is renowned for its expansive mangrove forests, characterized by tall and thick trees that form a dense and rich blanket of green. Visitors are welcome to discover the unique mangrove ecosystems of Bhitarkanika through boat rides along the waterways and creeks, providing a closer look at the national park’s flora and fauna habitats. This mangrove is also home to saltwater crocodiles, as well as various animal and bird species.
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Gahirmatha Beach
Located adjacent to Bhitarkanika, the Gahirmatha beach is world-renowned and a prime spot for wildlife enthusiasts, particularly for its Olive Ridley sea turtles. Every year, thousands of these turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, creating a spectacular natural event. Visitors can time their Bhitarkanika tour during this period to witness the beautiful phenomenon.
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Dangmal Crocodile Sanctuary
The Dangmal Crocodile Sanctuary serves as the administrative headquarters of the park and is also a popular spot for spotting crocodiles. This location showcases the breeding centre and the conservation efforts for saltwater crocodiles. Also, it allows visitors to witness these animals up close as they soak up the sun on riverbanks or hide in shady creeks during boat tours.
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Hukitola Island
Hukitola Island, situated near Bhitarkanika, is a historical site featuring a 19th-century British-era warehouse. The island is formed with silt deposits north of the Mahanadi River delta, offering a peaceful escape with isolated beaches and serene surroundings. The Hukitola Island is also known for its stunning architectural features, including a rainwater harvesting system.
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Habalikhati Beach
Habalikhati is situated within Bhitarkanika and offers nature-based activities such as boating and bird-watching. It offers a scenic view of the Bay of Bengal and is a popular destination for nature lovers in Bhitarkanika. The Habalikhati beach is an untouched paradise where you can relax and unwind on the white sandy shores, witnessing playful dolphins and promising an unforgettable journey into Bhitarkanika eco-tourism.
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Baggahan Bird Sanctuary
Situated within the Bhitarkanika bird sanctuary, the Baggahan bird sanctuary is renowned for its diverse bird population, including Egrets, Black Ibis, Darters, and Cormorants, as well as eight unique species of Kingfisher. Hundreds of birds migrate across colder areas of Central Asia and Europe during the winter, providing bird-watching enthusiasts with the ideal opportunity to witness this remarkable phenomenon of large flocks of exotic birds congregating in one spot.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to plan your Bhitarkanika trip is during the winter months, specifically from November to February. This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring the wildlife and the park. It’s also a great time to see the migratory birds that flock to the area during these months.
Avoid the summer months (March to June) and the Monsoon season (July to October) due to the unfavourable temperature conditions. Please note that the park is closed for a crocodile census during the second week of January.
