Destination Inbound

Birds, bees and heavenly beaches

This is the second part of the article on Bhitarkanika in Orissa that has much more to offer than just rich cultural heritage. For those in search of a wilderness experience or simply wanting to explore the depths of nature, there are quite a few places that can satisfy your yearnings

Dangmal

The serenity of the atmosphere at Dangmal makes it one of the most sought after places for tourists. Another attraction at Dangmal is the Captive breeding & Research Centre for estuarine crocodiles.

How to reach: It can be approached by road from Rajnagar, which is 30 kms away via Khola Check gate. Dangmal can also be approached from Gupti by boat through Patsala river and then Bhitarkanika nala in that order. Travelling by boat is advisable as it entails a thrilling experience.

Where to stay: suites, annexe rooms, a dormitory and two community halls are available at Dangmal for accommodation.

Ekakula

With Gahirmatha on one side and Maipura river on the other, Ekakula, with the F.R.H amidst the Casuarina plantation is a lovely place to stay. Jackals, Hyena, Red jungle fowl, Chittals, Wild Boar abound the area. It is also a paradise for bird watchers. Coconut island, Wheeler island, Nasi-I island, Nasi - II island and Babubali island can be sighted from the place. It also has pristine sea beaches and if you are lucky, river dolphins may greet you on the river coast.

Where to stay: suites are available at Ekakula for accommodation.

Habalikhati

Thirty minutes away from Ekakula, the 2.54 kms trail from the jetty across Baunsagarh nala to the tourist's cottage is a thrilling experience. Red jungle fowl, fishing cat, chital, wild boar, monitor lizard are the fauna to look out for. The exclusivity of the area, the lonely sea beaches makes it one of the finest places in Bhitarkanika.

Where to stay: suites and a log cabin are available at Habalikahti for accommodation.

Kalibhanjadia

It is a beautiful island surrounded by the Sapua river on one side, Dhamra river on another side and the Bay of Bengal on the other side. The cottage is situated about half a kilometre away from the jetty with a huge meadow in front. One can see lots of rhesus monkeys, chittals, wild boar, python and king cobras who inhabitate this island.

Hukitola

One has to go via boat from Atharbanki nala jetty at Paradeep to the backwaters of Jamboo to reach this picturesque island. An old and historic palace existing in broken form is the attraction.

Krishnapriyapur

Those who want to have the feel of mangrove forest, creeks and nalas, without actually entering into one, this is the right place to visit. About 20 kms from Rajnagar by road is an excellent awareness center with almost 30 mangrove species. The Baunsagarh nallah, the beautiful phoenix forest sighted from the rooftop of the rest shed is a sight to remember forever.

Batighar

Batighar or False Point is approachable from Paradeep, which is a one and a half hour boat journey from Atharabanki. The confluence point of river Mahanadi was used as a port in the British period. The devastating impact of cyclones has shifted the confluence point to the south i.e. near Paradeep. The lighthouse, which is 120' high, is still functioning. This highly skilled engineering monument, built in the year 1838 for navigational purpose is being maintained by the Directorate of Lighthouses and Light Ships, Kolkata.

Rajnagar

This is the nerve point for management of Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. The Tahasil and Block divisional headquarters are located here.

Barunei Pentha

This is a potential site for developing turtle tourism. Pentha beach is known for regular nesting of ridleys. Plans are afoot to involve children and others in relocation of eggs from the beach to hatchery as a means of education. The easy approachability of Barunei/Pentha beach is sure to attract foreign visitors for an enthralling encounter with ridleys in a serene atmosphere.

Chandbali

Chandbali is the ancient port city of Bhitarkanika, which once used to be an independent state. One has to hire a powerboat from here before starting the long water cruise. Prior to taking the journey to the interiors, one has to acquire an entry permit from Chandbali.

Islands

Bagagahan island is the nesting site of wetland birds in the Bhitarkanika forest block. There is colonial nesting of large numbers of local migrants and resident water birds, who congregate in large numbers with the onset of monsoons, utilising the mangrove trees for nesting.

Mangroves

Mangroves are salt tolerant, complex and dynamic eco-systems that occur in tropical and subtropical inter-tidal regions. Bhitarkanika is one such example of a rich, lush green, vibrant eco-system lying in the estuarine region of Brahmani- Baitarani in the north-eastern corner of Kendrapara district of Orissa, which is the second-largest in India.