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Bhitarkanika National Park

Bhitarkanika National Park

wildlife park · Odisha

Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha protects one of India's largest mangrove ecosystems, a maze of tidal creeks and forests fed by several rivers.

State
Odisha
Type
Wildlife Park

Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha protects one of India's largest mangrove ecosystems, a maze of tidal creeks and forests fed by several rivers. It is famed for its huge saltwater crocodiles, along with king cobras, water monitors and vast numbers of birds; nearby Gahirmatha beach is a major nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles.

When to go

October to February is good for birds and comfortable weather; the mass Olive Ridley turtle nesting at Gahirmatha typically occurs in the winter months.

Why visit

Boat only, through mangrove creeks, and the saltwater crocodiles here reach sizes that make the boatman careful. Gahirmatha next door is where olive ridleys come ashore in the hundreds of thousands, the largest nesting anywhere, around February and March.

Cultural notes

Bhitarkanika is one of India's most important mangrove and estuarine ecosystems and, with Gahirmatha, a globally significant refuge for saltwater crocodiles and Olive Ridley turtles.

How to reach

By Road: Bhitarkanika is reached via Rajnagar and the Khola or Gupti jetties, from where boats enter the park. By Air and Train: Bhubaneswar has the nearest airport and major railway station, roughly 150 km away.

Bhitarkanika National Park guide & itineraries

Shopping

Coastal Odisha is where to buy ikat handloom and palm-leaf work, and the nearby towns do good seafood.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bhitarkanika famous for?
A vast mangrove ecosystem, huge saltwater crocodiles and rich birdlife, with the nearby Gahirmatha coast a major Olive Ridley turtle nesting site.
How do you explore Bhitarkanika?
Mainly by boat through the tidal creeks, entering via jetties like Khola or Gupti after reaching Rajnagar.

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