If you’re a nature lover and an adventure enthusiast, Bhitarkanika National Park should be on your travel list. Located in Odisha, this mesmerizing ecosystem is home to lush mangroves, diverse wildlife, and serene backwaters. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a week-long nature retreat, this Bhitarkanika tour plan will help you make the most of your trip.
How to Reach Bhitarkanika
Bhitarkanika is well-connected by road, rail, and air:
• By Air: The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar (approx. 160 km away). From there, you can hire a cab to reach Khola/Dangmal, the main entrance to Bhitarkanika Forest.
• By Train: The closest railway station is Bhadrak, a little more than 55 km from Chandbali. You can take a taxi or a local bus from Bhadrak to reach Chandbali. From the outskirts of Chandbali town, take an auto to reach Kasturi kana Ghat and take a 15-minute boat ride to cross the river to reach Bhitarkanika area.
• By Road: The park is accessible via road from major cities like Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Paradeep, Jajpur, and Cuttack.
• By Air: The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar (approx. 160 km away). From there, you can hire a cab to reach Khola/Dangmal, the main entrance to Bhitarkanika Forest.
• By Train: The closest railway station is Bhadrak, a little more than 55 km from Chandbali. You can take a taxi or a local bus from Bhadrak to reach Chandbali. From the outskirts of Chandbali town, take an auto to reach Kasturi kana Ghat and take a 15-minute boat ride to cross the river to reach Bhitarkanika area.
• By Road: The park is accessible via road from major cities like Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Paradeep, Jajpur, and Cuttack.
Best Time to Visit Bhitarkanika
The ideal time to explore Bhitarkanika is from November to March when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent. Bhitarkanika gets closed officially from 1st of May till end of July. August and September are main seasons to enjoy birdwatching, as a lot of migratory birds come over to Bhitarkanika during monsoon season.
Day-wise Bhitarkanika Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival & Exploration
• Arrive at Bhitarkanika and check in to a comfortable stay option. If you’re traveling from Kolkata, stay at a Village Resort near Kolkata for exploring Bhitarkanika.
• Visit Bhitarkanika. Enjoy a boat ride through the mangrove forests.
• Enjoy a late afternoon nature walk and birdwatching near the estuaries.
• Arrive at Bhitarkanika and check in to a comfortable stay option. If you’re traveling from Kolkata, stay at a Village Resort near Kolkata for exploring Bhitarkanika.
• Visit Bhitarkanika. Enjoy a boat ride through the mangrove forests.
• Enjoy a late afternoon nature walk and birdwatching near the estuaries.
Day 2: Wildlife & Adventure
• Start your day with an early morning boat safari to spot migratory birds, spotted deer, and water monitors.
• Explore the Dangamal Crocodile Sanctuary, home to the famous saltwater crocodiles.
• Experience the thrill of trekking through the mangrove forest on the laid down trek.
• Explore the Dangamal Crocodile Sanctuary, home to the famous saltwater crocodiles.
• Experience the thrill of trekking through the mangrove forest on the laid down trek.
Day 3: Beach & Departure
• Head to Pentha, a part of Gahirmatha Beach, famous for the nesting of Olive Ridley turtles.
• Enjoy the scenic beauty and take some memorable pictures.
• Start your return journey, carrying back unforgettable memories.
• Enjoy the scenic beauty and take some memorable pictures.
• Start your return journey, carrying back unforgettable memories.
Where to Stay?
There are multiple eco-resorts and nature camps available in and around Bhitarkanika. If you’re traveling from Kolkata, a Village Resort near Kolkata can be a great place to stay to explore the wilderness.
Things to Carry for Your Bhitarkanika Trip:
• Light cotton clothes and comfortable footwear.
• Binoculars and a good camera for wildlife spotting.
• Sunscreen.
• Waterproof bags to keep essentials dry during boat rides.
• Mosquito repellents, which all the resorts will have in the rooms.
• Binoculars and a good camera for wildlife spotting.
• Sunscreen.
• Waterproof bags to keep essentials dry during boat rides.
• Mosquito repellents, which all the resorts will have in the rooms.
Final Thoughts:
A trip to Bhitarkanika is a dream come true for nature lovers, wildlife photographers, and adventure seekers. With proper planning, your tour will be a seamless and exciting experience. So, pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey!
For a relaxing stay near Kolkata before your trip, check in at the Village Resort for the best accommodation experience.
For a relaxing stay near Kolkata before your trip, check in at the Village Resort for the best accommodation experience.