Destination Inbound

Pristinely Orissa

Of isolated beaches, exotic birds, giant turtles and fearsome crocodiles, these group of islands in the unfrequented coastal area of Orissa have some of the most fabulous beaches in the country that still haven't been invaded by tourists

The Guinness Book of World Records figures Bhitarkanika as the abode of rare species of white crocodiles of the lengthiest dimension. Gori, acclaimed as the country's lone captive white crocodile, used to hog the spotlight for its typical behavioural instinct. Living in isolation since its birth in the sanctuary since 1975, the animal had shunned mating habits despite several attempts made by forest personnel.

The sea turtle Arribada, on a clear moonlit winter night, big turtles crawling out of deep sea in hundred and thousands, puffing and labouring, selecting a site, digging a hole in the sand with hind flippers, laying nearly 200 eggs, covering and compacting by their own body weight, sweeping out all traces and crawling back to sea, all within 45 minutes, is an event to be seen to be believed.

Bhitarkanika is a place off the beaten track, for sea, sand and adventure. The Bhitarkanika group of islands in north-eastern Orissa offers not just great beaches but exciting trekking trails through forests teeming with wildlife and some thrilling boat rides.

Location

Bhitarkanika is a hot-spot of biodiversity and in the estuarial region of the rivers Brahmani and Baitarani, in the north-eastern tip of Kendrapara district of Orissa. The area of the sanctuary is criss-crossed by numerous, brooks, creeks and creeklets, tidal rivers, and rivulets. The meandering passage between them houses the second largest viable mangrove eco-system of India. The terrain is influenced by tidal action which is dependent on the lunar cycle.

The virgin beaches, lush green mangroves, migrating birds and turtles, the menacing estuarine crocodiles, meandering water courses, tranquil surroundings intercepted by the chirping of birds and the ever-embracing nature, enthrals visitors from near and far off places to flock to these unique places of tourist importance. Scientists, scholars, nature lovers and tourists have abundant food for thought and exploration. The scope of expanding the tourism is galore but it is to be harnessed.

The enormous potential is to be tapped to bring the areas into the tourism map of Incredible India. Avenues for waster sport, cottages, marine voyages, nature's trail, hotels, etc are yet to be utilised to its potential. The Bhitarkanika National Park, the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary boast of the most picturesque sites.

Bhitarkanika

Bhitarkanika is located in the second largest mangrove forest in the country, and is a home to over 215 species of birds, including winter migratory birds from places like Europe and central Asia. The ecosystem of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is inhabited by the giant salt water crocodiles and numerous varieties of other animal species.

Besides the estuarine giant salt water crocodiles, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is also rich in avifauna, reptilian and mammalian population. The mangrove forests in the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary are a suitable habitat for the king cobra, water monitor lizard and Indian python. Inside the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is an area of approximately four hectares, which is visited by a large number of water birds, from the month of June to October every year.

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary in Orissa is considered as one of the most impressive wildlife sanctuaries of Asia which has crocodiles and turtles as its prized attractions. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 650 sq km and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975. The sanctuary is a protected zone for estuarine crocodiles. The sanctuary is also home to a number of birds and every year a large number of migratory birds come to nest into the mangrove area.

While traversing the narrow water creeks of rivers Brahmani, Dhamra and Baitarani by motor boats, travellers command bewitching views of nature. A thrilling experience awaits them as they trek into the mangrove forest. The largest population of estuarine crocodile and Olive Ridley sea turtles and other reptilian species like water monitor lizards, pythons, wild pigs are seen. The Birds Island with spotted deers is another attraction to the sanctuary.

Bhitarkanika is the growing tip of the ever increasing delta formed by the alluvial deposits of Brahmani, Baitarani and Dhamra. The deltaic region is surrounded by the rivers Bramhani and Baitarani, and sea. The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 672 square kilometres of mangrove forests and wetland. A vast area of 145 square kilometres has been officially been declared as the Bhitarkanika National Park. The national park in Orissa has enormous significance, considering the ecological, biological and geomorphologic backgrounds. The national park includes mangrove forests, creeks, estuaries, rivers, accumulated land, backwater and mud flats.