Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha

About Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary

Mangorves are salt tolerant, complex and dynamic eco-system that occur in tropical and subtropical inter-tidal regions. Bhitarkanika is one such location of rich, lush green vibrant eco-system lying in the estuarine region of Brahmani- Baitarani in the North-Eastern corner of Kendrapara district of Odisha. The area is intersected by a network of creeks with Bay of Bengal on the East. The alley between the meandering creeks and rivers, houses the second largest viable mangrove eco-system of India. 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 eco-system which form Asia's one of the most spectacular Wildlife area.

Bhitarkanika National Park

An area of 145 Sq.kms. have been notified as Bhitarkanika National Park vide Notification No.19686/F & E dated 16.9.1998 of Forests & Environment Department, Govt. of Odisha. 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 vide notification No.6958/FF AH Dtd. 22.04.1975 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. A large number of water birds visit Bagagahan heronry which is an area of approximately 4 hectare. within the Bhitarkanika Forest Block near Suajore creek from the month of June to October. Most of the Birds are Asian open bill. Egrets. Black Ibis, Cormorants, Darters & etc.

Hotels & Resorts in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary

Icons Summary Restaurant Internet Service Tea/Coffe Machine Business Centre Swimming pool Travel Desk Doctor on Call Baby Sitting Health club Bar Safe Deposit Amphitheatre Library Std/Isd Money Exchange

Village Resort
	Estuarine Village Resort Bhitarkanika is located at Nalitapatia village (just 3 km from Dangmal, the main entrance to the Bhitarkanika National Park) overseeing the confluence point of the rivers Brahmani and Baitarani.

Wildlife in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary

Apart from reptiles, different types of mammals, birds, amphibians and fish are also found here. Out of 58 species of mangroves in India, 55 are available in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Endangered animals like saltwater crocodiles can also be viewed in the sanctuary. Bhitarkanika also offers several rare mammals such as Hyena, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Smooth Coated Otter, Civet, Indian Porcupine, Wild Boar, Spotted Deer and Sambar. The endangered Lesser Adjutant Stork also breeds here.

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary Travel Information

Location : 190 Kms from Bhubaneswar

Area : 650 Sq. Kms.

Established : 1975

State : Odisha

Languages : English, Hindi and Oriya

Time to visit : March-July and September-November.

Climate :

The temperature in the region can go up to 34°C in summer while in winter the temperature can drop to 13°C.

How to Reach:

By Air : Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport to Bhitarkanika and is about 190 kilometers from the sanctuary.

By Rail : The nearest railhead is Bhadrak, which is at the distance of 77 kilometers. You can travel to Chandabali, which is 35 kilometers and well connected by road with other parts of Odisha. You can also take a ferry to Nalitapatia from Chandabali.