Explore the Paradise of Migratory Birds and Wildlife at Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha is a sanctuary of bliss with a rare blend of exquisite plant and animal species. Visit the mangrove forest and make a memory to be cherished forever.
Bhitarkanika National Park popularly referred to as ‘Amazon of India’ is the second largest mangrove forest in India after the Sunderbans. Cruising through the snaking rivers with the dense forest in the backdrop is an adventure of the lifetime. It would be an enthralling experience to watch the giant crocodiles basking in the sun. The forest houses a wide variety of flora and fauna. They blend in each other well to offer you with an adventurous yet serene experience for sure. Round the year, the curious bunch of tourists, scholars, scientists, nature-lovers flock at Bhitarkanika to witness its beautiful marvels.
Location of Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha
It is located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha. The mangrove ecosystem is spread over a stretch of 650 square kilometers. It is surrounded by the three rivers, Baitarani, Brahmani and Dhamra. The mangrove forest extends over 115 square kilometers.
Exploring the Wildlife in Bhitakanika
It is an intriguing destination. It boasts a rare combination of about 60-70 mangrove species, giant salt-water Crocodiles, Spotted Deers, Sambars, Rhesus Monkeys, Monitor Lizards, Fishing Cats, Wild Boar, King Cobras and many more. “Dangerously Beautiful” is the only expression to describe this bewitching wetland. From Bhitarkanika you can pay a sojourn to Dangamal Island. The Captive Breeding & Research Centre for estuarine crocodiles is located here. Here you can enjoy the sight of ‘Gori’ – the only female captive Albino crocodile in India.
Bird Watching in Bhitarkanika
Bhitarkanika is also a paradise for an ardent ornithologist. The park hosts innumerable species of migratory and residential birds. You can watch them during monsoon and winter in Bagagahana, and Saribana. There are about 215 species of residential birds you can spot in the park. It is incredible to watch the fleet of Grey Heron, Egrets, Cormorants, Purple Herons, Darters, Asian Open Bills, and many more frequenting the Suajore Creek. It is an overwhelming sight to observe the flocks of rare birds from proximity. You can even see the endangered white-bellied sea eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) in the sanctuary. The park shares its border with the Gahirmatha Beach, which is the largest rookery in Odisha.
How to Reach the Park?
Bhitarkanika is just 55 kilometers away from Bhadrak in Odisha by road. The two main entry points are at Khola and Gupti to enter the sanctuary. They are about 160 kilometers from Bhubaneswar and 140 kilometers from Cuttack respectively. A visitor needs to collect permit at these points to proceed further into the national park.
Best Time to Visit
It is best to visit this captivating destination from October to February. This is the time when you can find the offbeat getaway at its fascinating best. Its beguiling blend of flora and fauna dazzle in beauty then.
Do you want to explore the wild trails and indulge in a thrilling boat ride in a spree to know the unknown? Bhitarkanika will grant enough opportunities to feed your curious mind. You can also enjoy the ecstasy of staying amidst the wilderness. Estuarine Village Resort offers you with the best-in-class accommodation. It will be a rejuvenating stay in the lap of nature. Cherish the memorable opportunity to experience the wild charm. At the same time, you will have all the contemporary facilities ensuring you with a comfortable stay. So, come to Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha and let the lush forest enchant you with its magic!
