The park houses the endangered species of Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylusporosus),Indian python, white crocodile,  King Cobra, darters, black ibis and various other species of wildlife.

The park has a splendid biodiversity which comprise of the beautiful terrains and the ecosystem of the Bhitarkanika Wild Life Sanctuary is dominated by mangrove. It is one of the most astonishing wild life sanctuaries located in India with spectacular vegetation, wild life, birds etc. The sanctuary is spotted in the estuarine region of Brahmani- Baitrani in the Orissa state. Numerous tourists are attracted to this sanctuary all the year round. The park also has a great ecological, geomorphologic and biological significance. It is due to the presence of crisscrossing creeks,estuaries,rivers, backwaters, accumulated lands, mud flats etc. It is ideal spot for camping, trekking and picnics. The Gahirmatha Beach which is a world heritage site is located on the coast of Bay of Bengal. It is a thirty five kilometers long beach which is a home to Olive Ridley Sea - Turtles.

General Information

History

In September, 1998, the Bhitarkanika National Park was created from the core region of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary was created in the year 1975 and it comprise of the second largest mangrove ecosystem of India. The biodiversity of Bhitarkanika has a great significance. This place is the nesting ground of giant salt water crocodile having their maximum population in India. There are around 215 avifauna species found here that includes around eight varieties of kingfisher. There are around seventy mangrove species found in this region making it second largest Mangrove  Eco-System in India.The Gahirmatha Beach which is a world heritage site is located on the coast of Bay of Bengal. It is a thirty five kilometers long beach which is a home to Olive Ridley Sea - Turtles.

Distance from - National Park

Bhubaneswar - Khola / Gupti (160 kms)

Cuttack - Khola / Gupti (140 kms)

Bhadrak - Chandbali (55 kms)

Bhadrak – Jayangar (70 kms)

How To Get There

This place can be reached by air water and railways. The nearest airports to Bhitarkanika are Kolkata and Bhubaneshwar airports. The closest railheads are Bhadrak,Bhubaneshwar, Balasore  andCuttack. FinallBhitarkanika can be reached by waterways as it is an island.

The route Howrah - Bhadrak - Chandbali - Kanikarange - Dangmal - Ekakula (Bhitarkanika) is considered to be the best route.

1.) The first route could be :

Howrah to Bhadrakthrough rail (270 kilometers, 4:30 hrs) – Trains are available daily on this route.

Bhadrak to Chandbali by road (60 kilometers) – on this route public transportis also available and there are also options of hiring tempos or cabs if the tourists are in large groups.

Then from Chandbali to Kanikarange by road the distance to be travelled is 4 kilometers. From Chandbali motor boats are available and a journey of three hours to Dangmal is completed via motor boat. From Dangmal to Ekakula(Bhitarkanika), distance of 30 kilometers is covered by motorboats.

2.) The second route could be:

From Kolkata to Chandbali by road fourteen hours journey is completed by buses which are available regularly from Kolkata to Chandbali. The tourists can halt here for a night and start again the next day for Bhitarkanika.

3.) The third route could be:

Cuttack is the nearest railway station and from Cuttack one can reach Rajnagar by road. From Rajnagar the journey to Bhitarnaka is completed in a motorboat.

4.) The fourth route could be:

One can reach Rajnagar from Bhubaneshwar airport which is the nearest airport by road. From Rajnagar motorboat is available for Bhitarnaka.

Location Map

Things To Do In

There are many beaches, islands, brooks, canals and rivers in the Bhitaranaka Wildlife Sanctuary. The park also has a great ecological, geomorphologic and biological significance. It is due to the presence of crisscrossing creeks, estuaries, rivers, backwaters, accumulated lands, mud flats etc. It is ideal spot for camping, trekking and picnics. The Gahirmatha Beach which is a world heritage site is located on the coast of Bay of Bengal. It is a 35 kilometers long beach which is a home to Olive Ridley Sea - Turtles. The tourists are welcomed by the wildlife and the mangroves. Tourists can also enjoy the serene environment of the place and have an adventurous time here.

Garhimata National Park/Beach

It is one of the ideal romantic spots in the world. The beach is very beautiful and is the perfect destination for the honeymooners. The place becomes very exciting from the month of January and March because during this time the Olive Ridley turtles come here to lay eggs. This beach is visited by these turtles since ages.

Shiva Temple: - It is an ancient temple located at the islands. Now the temple has been renovated and seems more attractive to the tourists. Many pilgrims come here to visit the holy shrine.

Kanika King Palace :-  This palace belonged to the earlier rulers of Bhitarkanika. It is one of the famous site that is mostly visited by the tourists.

Silted Lotus Pond :-  This silted pond has many lotuses blossoming in variant colors. This lotus garden is one of its kinds and attracts many tourists. The beautiful lotus flowers offer a spectacular view that mesmerizes the visitors.

Shooting Tower :-  The zamindars belonging to the Raj Kanika family used this place as a hunting ground. From this point the wild animals can be spotted easily.

Meadow Tower :- From this tower the villagers used to keep an eye on the grazing cattle in the meadows so that they can be saved from the predators attack.

Accommodation

The Bhitarkanika Sanctuary gives excellent lodging facilities to the visitors. The forest department is looking after the development and maintenance of these lodges. These are available at economical rates. The nearest lodges to Bhitarnaka are FRHs at EkakulaDangmal andGupti. The lodges have all the modern day amenities. One can get here the luxury and comforts of a city life mingled with adventures of the wildlife. The staffs provide 24*7 services. These FRHs are connected to all the islands at Bhitarnaka via motorboats. The lodges are located nearby the Sanctuary and one can remain in the close proximity with nature while staying here. The lodges have fabulous architect and elaborated with lush green lawns and gardens.

The coconut trees found surrounding the Dangmal FRH are the memories that people love to bring back from Bhitarkanika.  The FHRs are booked in advance from the wild life warden’s office located at Rajnagar in the district of Kendrapara. The facilities which are provided in these lodges make the trip very convenient and exciting.

Sand Pebbels Bhitarkanika Jungle Resorts

These resorts also offer great accommodation facilities. One can experience modest amenities for overnight stay. The types of accommodations offered here are: 

12 Swiss Tents with Single bed, Double bed, Triple bed and four sharing tents

Best accommodation in Swiss Tents on CP, AP and MAP basis.

Special packages are offered at Sand Pebbles Jungle Resort which is designed especially from the tourists visiting the place from different parts of India. Staying in these tents is an adventurous experience within itself. One can enjoy the natural surroundings with all the modern amenities.

Weather

The weather of the Bhitarkanika National Park is usually wet and humid as it is located close to the east-coast of the Bay of Bengal. The temperature of the place ranges between 14 degree C in winter season to 40 degree C in summer season.

Photo Gallery