Bhitarkanika Sanctuary Total area 672 sq km; Protected area 145 sq km; District Kendrapara; Best to visit mid Oct-mid April; Entry Point C...
Bhitarkanika Sanctuary
Total area 672 sq km; Protected area 145 sq km; District Kendrapara; Best to visit mid Oct-mid April; Entry Point Chandbali- 50 km from bhadrak and rajnagar -30 km from Kendrapara; information Divisional Forest Office, Rajnagar 06729-272460, DFO Chandbali 08786-220472 Tourist Office, Balasore ph 06782-262048
North of Paradip Coast, the swamps of Bhitarkanika around the delta of the Brahmani rivers has the largest tracts of mangrove forests in the country after the Sunder bans of West Bengal. more than 60 of the 72 known species of mangrove plants are found here. Proclaimed a sanctuary in 1975 and a national park in 1998, it is famous for the visit of the most endangered species of Olive Ridley marine turtles in lakh from December to March, across the Pacific and Indian Ocean to lay eggs. The Bhitarkanika Sanctuary on Gahirmatha Beach harbours the turtles during their stay. Lakh of these wonderful creatures crawling onto the sand, digging holes to lay eggs is an extraordinary spectacle . this region encompassing a couple of offshore islands, long sandy beaches, numerous rivulets and meandering creeks is a natural habitat for a lot of reptiles including largest number of estuarine crocodiles in the country, king cobra, lizards and pythons. the Dangmal Crocodiles Centre is at the cetre stage and the others are Ekakula, Habali, and Khati. Bhitarkanika is also home to other wildlife comprising of wild pigs, monkes, sumber, spotted deer etc. and also harbours a variety of bird life. The pride of Dangmal Crocodile Centre is Sankhua- the rare white crocodile. The estuarine crocodile of Bhitarkanika find mention in Guinness Book of World Records as the largest spices of its kind, some measuring over 7 m.
The 9th century temples of Shiva and Shakti at Dangmal are also the most visited sites inside the sanctuary.
The Bagagahana and Saribana are the most enchanting spots to view the resident and migratory birds including storks, egrets, ibis, seagulls, sand pipers ans darters- over 170 specises of which the migratory ones start arriving in early June and nesting concludes in November.
The two most convenient entry points are Chandbali-50 km from Bhadrak and 190 km from Bhubaneswar and Rajanagar, 30 km from Kendrapara and 130 km from Bhubaneswar.Gupti, 25 km from Rajnagar is yet another getway. There are daily buses from Cuttack to Rajnagar and Chandbali. Bhadrak is the nearest rail head about 50 km Chandbali along the line between Kolkata and Chennai.
OTDC office and some private operators organise tours and entry permits for Bhitarkanika. Permission to visit and accommodation booking can be obtained from D.F.O., Rajnagar ph-09729-272460 or D.F.O.,Chandbali ph-06786-220472. Its advisable to carry necessary food and water as the sanctuary is well off the beaten track.
Most of the attractions and staying facilities are accessible only by motor boats, available on hire from Chandbali to Dangmal (3 hr one way. Rs.2200 return, 16 sector boat). From the Nalita Patia jetty within the sanctuary, Dangmal is a 4 km walk.
Chandbali ph- 06786-220397
7 rooms and dormitory, Rs. 500-1000 and Rs.150 per bed in dormitory.
Forest Rest House at Dangmal, Chandbali, Ekakula, Gupti and Habalikhati offer double rooms for Rs. 424 and dormitory facility is also available. Reservation with D.F.O. Rajnagar ph-06729-272460 or 9937388772.
The 9th century temples of Shiva and Shakti at Dangmal are also the most visited sites inside the sanctuary.
The Bagagahana and Saribana are the most enchanting spots to view the resident and migratory birds including storks, egrets, ibis, seagulls, sand pipers ans darters- over 170 specises of which the migratory ones start arriving in early June and nesting concludes in November.
The two most convenient entry points are Chandbali-50 km from Bhadrak and 190 km from Bhubaneswar and Rajanagar, 30 km from Kendrapara and 130 km from Bhubaneswar.Gupti, 25 km from Rajnagar is yet another getway. There are daily buses from Cuttack to Rajnagar and Chandbali. Bhadrak is the nearest rail head about 50 km Chandbali along the line between Kolkata and Chennai.
OTDC office and some private operators organise tours and entry permits for Bhitarkanika. Permission to visit and accommodation booking can be obtained from D.F.O., Rajnagar ph-09729-272460 or D.F.O.,Chandbali ph-06786-220472. Its advisable to carry necessary food and water as the sanctuary is well off the beaten track.
Most of the attractions and staying facilities are accessible only by motor boats, available on hire from Chandbali to Dangmal (3 hr one way. Rs.2200 return, 16 sector boat). From the Nalita Patia jetty within the sanctuary, Dangmal is a 4 km walk.
Places to stay and eat
OTDC- ARANYANIVASChandbali ph- 06786-220397
7 rooms and dormitory, Rs. 500-1000 and Rs.150 per bed in dormitory.
Forest Rest House at Dangmal, Chandbali, Ekakula, Gupti and Habalikhati offer double rooms for Rs. 424 and dormitory facility is also available. Reservation with D.F.O. Rajnagar ph-06729-272460 or 9937388772.
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