Bhitarkanika is an unique location of rich, lush green vibrant eco-system lying in the estuarine region of river Brahmani- Baitarani in the North-Eastern corner of Kendrapara district of Orissa. Here Mangroves are salt tolerant, complex and dynamic eco-system that occur both in tropical and subtropical inter-tidal regions. Its 672 sq.kms. of mangrove forest & wetland, provides home to well over 215 species of birds including winter migrants from central-Asia and Europe.
Giant salt water crocodiles and variety of other Wildlife inhabitate in this unique eco-system which form Asia's one of the most spectacular Wildlife area. Over 170 species of resident and migratory birds of different hue enhance the beauty of this wild sanctuary . Prominent among them are King Fisher, Sea Eagles, Kites, Sand Pipers, Darters, Whistling Teals, Sea Gulls, etc.
Bhitarkanika National Park....
An area of 145 Sq.kms. have been notified as Bhitarkanika National Park . It has much significance with regard to ecological, geomorphological and biological background which includes mangrove forests, rivers, creeks, estuaries, back water, accreted land and mud flats. Bhitarkanika National Park is the core area of Bhitarkanika Sanctuary.
Bhitarkanika Sanctuary....
Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary was declared over an area of 672 square kilometers. The Sanctuary comprising Mangrove Forests meandering rivers, innumerable criss-crossed tidal inundated creeks provide last refuge to the already endangered salt water Crocodile (Crocodile Porosus). Besides estuarine Crocodile, the Sanctuary is rich in avifauna, mammalian and reptilian population. Theses Mangrove forests are good habitat for King Cobra, Indian Python and Water Monitor Lizard
Entry Points:
Permission to visit Bhitarakanika is barely needed and for this one have to obtained permission from Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar or Assistant Conservator of Forests, Chandbali on payment of prescribed fees.
Approach To Bhitarakanika....
only through water ways Bhitarakanika can be approached for a visitors .
Most convenient entry points are ........
...Chandbali ( about 60 km from Bhadrak and 190 km from state capital Bhubaneswar)
...Rajnagar ( about 30 km from Kendrapara and 130 km from state capital Bhubaneswar)
...Gupti ( about 25 km from Rajnagar)
Motor boats in ample form are available on hire. Have patience and keep visit. Because this visit takes atleast
...Rajnagar to Dangamal - 3 hrs
...Chandbali to Dangamal - 3 hrs
...Gupti to Dangamal - about 2 hrs
Regular bus service are available to Chandbali and Rajnagar.
Nearest Rail head
... Bhadrak (60 km from Chandbali)
... Balasore (110 km from Chandbali)
... Cuttack (110 km from Rajnagar)
... Bhubaneswar (190 km from Chandbali and 130 km from Rajnagar)
... Nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar Biju patnaik airport and Kolkata airport.
Accomodation ....
Well accomodation is available here . One can avail Tourism department providing accomodation or can opt for private. Excursion ....
A trip to Bhitrakanika is a complete package. But you can visit a few more places around it.
Named as Buddhist traingle Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri-Udayagiri is within 100 kms from state capital Bhubaneswar.You can find a very famous temple of Balabhadra (Elder brother of lord Jagannath) named Baladebjew temple. One can move here to the unique beach at Chandipur where the sea vanishes twice a day . It is about 16 km from Balasore town.
An area of 145 Sq.kms. have been notified as Bhitarkanika National Park . It has much significance with regard to ecological, geomorphological and biological background which includes mangrove forests, rivers, creeks, estuaries, back water, accreted land and mud flats. Bhitarkanika National Park is the core area of Bhitarkanika Sanctuary.