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Bhitarkanika National Park 

bhitarkanika national park
Salt water crocodile basking in sun on the banks of river in Bhitarkanika

Where is Bhitarkanika National Park?

Bhitarkanika National Park, lying in the estuarine region of Brahmani-Baitarani rivers in Kendrapara district of Odisha, is the second largest viable mangrove eco-system of India. One of the best destinations in India to enjoy wildlife and nature, Bhitarkanika mangrove forests and wetland is intersected by a network of creeks with Bay of Bengal on the East. Bhitarkanika National Park and Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary together is also one of the wetlands of international importance and is in the list of RAMSAR sites.

What to see in Bhitarkanika National Park?

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is spread in an area of 672 square km. Of this, some 145 square km, which constitutes the core area of the Sanctuary, has been declared as Bhitarkanika National Park.

It houses some 215 species of birds, including wetland migrants from central-Asia and Europe, menacing salt water or estuarine crocodiles, and a lot of other fauna species like spotted deer, hyenas, fish cats, leopard cats, and big monitor lizards.

bhitarkanika national park
Bhitarkanika Interpretation Center

Other activities in and around Bhitarkanika National Park?

Activities around Bhitarkanika is not just limited to crisscrossing river channels on a boat safari. There are beautiful forest trails you can walk on to get more in sync with the nature. The more you explore the more you will feel Bhitarkanika is one of the best places for nature photography.

Bhitarkanika forest area has several villages lying along its periphery. A walk along some nearby villages can also be a wonderful experience, particularly if you have never ever lived and known rural areas.

In Pentha Beach, some 35km from Estuarine Village Resort, is a spectacular place to spend some time quality. The beach, technically a part of the Gahirmatha Sanctuary,  has a hatchery for the Olive Ridley turtle eggs for their better conservation. Plans are afoot to involve children from schools in Odisha and also local population to spread awareness about conservation of Olive Ridley turtles.

Flat bed and pollution free environment with casuarina trees, visible from a distance, make this beach a lovely place for beach lovers. Swimming in the morning sunrise with sun coming out on the horizon is an experience in itself. This is also perhaps a potential lovely place for foreigners who want to tan!!