About
A tidal maze of creeks, mudflats and mangrove islands between the Brahmani-Baitarani delta and the Bay of Bengal.
Of Experience
Happy Clients
Bhitarkanika is India’s second largest mangrove ecosystem. The sanctuary has 215 species of birds in which the most important are the eight varieties of kingfisher and the migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia.
The ecosystem
Bhitarkanika is India’s second largest mangrove ecosystem. More than sixty mangrove species grow across its islands, forming one of the most genetically diverse mangrove pockets in the world. The forest is a nursery for prawn and fish stocks and a physical shield for the villages behind it — during cyclones the mangrove belt absorbs the first surge.
The sanctuary records 215 species of birds. Eight varieties of kingfisher live along the creeks, and every winter the Bagagahana heronry fills with open-billed storks, egrets, darters and cormorants alongside migrants from Europe and Central Asia.
In the water, the estuarine crocodile rules. Bhitarkanika holds the largest Indian population of the species, including individuals over twenty feet long, and the rare white crocodile at Dangmal. On the seaward side, Gahirmatha Beach hosts the world’s biggest mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles.
Planning
The park is open from August to April. October to February is the most comfortable window: cool mornings, clear water and peak bird activity. Turtle nesting at Gahirmatha usually runs November to March. The park and all boating close from 1 May to 31 July for crocodile breeding and nesting.
Getting here
By road: Chandbali, Khola or Gupti are the main entry jetties; roughly 3-4 hours from Bhubaneswar and 2 hours from Bhadrak.
By rail: Bhadrak (approx. 60 km) and Cuttack are the nearest convenient railheads.
By air: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, about 160 km away.
Inside the park: All movement is by boat. Forest department entry permits are required and we arrange them for our guests.
State
Odisha, Kendrapara district
Core area
145 sq km national park
Sanctuary
672 sq km wildlife sanctuary
Open season
1 August to 30 April
Explore the breathtaking mangrove forests and wildlife of Bhitarkanika with a memorable boat safari experience.
