Visit Beautiful Bhitarkanika As Weekend Tour From Kolkata
Visit Beautiful Bhitarkanika As Weekend Tour From Kolkata
Salt water crocodile as seen at Bhitarkanika
If you’re seeking a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha is going to prove as an ideal weekend tour from Kolkata.
This is a hidden gem, somewhat similar to the Sundarbans as it is also a mangrove forest. Bhitarkanika is known for its rich biodiversity, and it offers an enchanting blend of lush greenery, diverse wildlife, and serene waterways.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip to Bhitarkanika, one of the recognized RAMSAR sites in India.
Why Bhitarkanika?
(Bhitarkanika As Weekend Tour From Kolkata)
Spotted deer as seen at Bhitarkanika Forest
Bhitarkanika is one of the lesser-known yet incredibly beautiful national parks in India. It is home to the second largest mangrove ecosystem in the country, after the Sundarbans. The park is a sanctuary for a myriad of wildlife.
This includes the endangered saltwater crocodiles, Indian python, king cobra, spotted deer, fish cats, leopard cats, hyenas, black ibis, and many more. The dense mangrove forests, tranquil rivers, and rich flora and fauna make Bhitarkanika a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Getting There
(Bhitarkanika As Weekend Tour From Kolkata)
By Road: Bhitarkanika is approximately 350 kilometers from Kolkata, making it a feasible road trip destination. You can drive or hire a cab, which should take around 8-9 hours.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Bhadrak, about 70 kilometers from Bhitarkanika. Several trains run from Kolkata to Bhadrak. From Bhadrak, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach a river jetty called Kasturikona. From there Bhitarkanika is a 20 minutes boat ride. You can also use Cuttack railway station to reach Bhitarkanika. It is just around 3-hour drive from Cuttack railway station.
By Air: The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, around 160 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach Bhitarkanika.
What to Do in Bhitarkanika?
(Bhitarkanika As Weekend Tour From Kolkata)
Wildlife Safari:
Brown winged kingfisher as seen in Bhitarkanika
The primary attraction in Bhitarkanika is its wildlife safari. This is done in boats which are authorized by the Forest Department. Observe the saltwater crocodiles basking on the banks, as well as various species of birds and other wildlife.
Bird Watching:
Bhitarkanika is a haven for bird watchers, especially during the monsoon months when migratory birds flock to the park. Wide variety of bird species in Bhitarkanika can be seen in two broad types – one, the birds which are native to Bhitarkanika; and the second, the birds which are migratory.
Migratory birds are seen during monsoon months and they migrate out around the middle of November. Keep your binoculars handy to spot species like kingfishers, egrets, and herons.
Visit the Crocodile Breeding Center:
Crocodile Babies as seen in the Breeding Center
The Dangmal Crocodile Breeding Center is a must-visit. Here, you can learn about the conservation efforts taken to protect the saltwater crocodile population and see hatchlings in various stages of growth. This breeding center also serves as the base for research on crocodiles.
Explore the Mangroves:
Take a walk through the mangrove forests to experience the unique ecosystem up close. The trails offer a chance to see various plant species and smaller wildlife.
Historical Sites:
Bhitarkanika is also home to ancient temples and ruins that add a historical dimension to your visit. The 9th-century Bhitarkanika temple is a notable site.
Beach Visit:
Tourists having fun on Pentha Beach
Bhitarkanika is also home to some pristine beaches which are yet to be explored properly. Spend some wonderful time at Pentha sea beach.
Sea-Mouth Visit:
Bhitarkanika is an area close to sea. Brahmani River meets sea in Bhitarkanika only. You can visit and see sea mouth on a boat. You can also go and visit Udabali, an uninhabited island beyond sea mouth situated just opposite Adani-owned Dhamra Sea Port.
Where to Stay in Bhitarkanika?
(Bhitarkanika As Weekend Tour From Kolkata)
An Executive Cottage at Estuarine Village Resort Bhitarakanika
Bhitarkanika offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. But you should always keep in mind that Bhitarkanika has just begun to come on the tourist map. You should, therefore, not expect a luxurious resort in Bhitarkanika so far. The best place to stay in Bhitarkanika is Estuarine Village Resort, situated on the outskirts of Nalitapatia Village just on the banks of River Brahmani.
There are other accommodation options available in Bhitarkanika. This includes forest rest houses, homestays and government tourism hotel. These accommodations are basic but comfortable, providing an immersive experience amidst nature.
Best Time to Visit Bhitarkanika
(Bhitarkanika As Weekend Tour From Kolkata)
The best time to visit Bhitarkanika is between mid-October and March when the weather is pleasant. Chances of spotting wildlife are higher during these months. If your interest is mainly to see birds, you should visit Bhitarkanika between August and October. The park remains closed from 1st of May to 31st of July every year.
Conclusion
(Bhitarkanika As Weekend Tour From Kolkata)
There cannot be a better option than Bhitarkanika as a weekend tour from Kolkata. Bhitarkanika offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a bird watcher, or someone looking to unwind in the laps of nature, Bhitarkanika has something to offer for everyone. So pack your bags, leave the city behind, and embark on an unforgettable journey into the wild!
Ready to Explore Bhitarkanika with the best tour packages from Estuarine Village Resort Bhitarkanika?
Treat yourself to customized tour packages to different parts of Odisha, rest of India and countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Bali, Malaysia, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, and others with Excursion2India, our Tour & Travel Division!
Please feel free to write to us at [email protected] or [email protected]
Please call us at +91-9163580464. You can also reach us over WhatsApp at +91- 9875310291.
Please join our WhatsApp Group. Those in our WhatsApp group will get to know about our foreign and domestic tours in advance and may avail possible early bird discounts!
