A Ramsar Wetland Site, Bhitarkanika, 672sq km in area, is located on the coast, in the deltas of the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers. The Gahirmatha Marine (Wildlife) Sanctuary, one of the world’s largest rookeries for the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, is a part of this national park.
The river systems of the sanctuary are the habitats of giant saltwater crocodiles – the largest amongst all species of crocodiles – and mangrove forests. The sanctuary was formed for their protection. The name Bhitarkanika means the interiors of the Kanika Kingdom, which was located close to the Dhamara Port of yore, an important trading post.
Things to See & Do
Bhitarkanika is exploreable by motorboat. Dangmal, amidst mangrove forests and creeks, your main destination, is said to have the highest animal concentration. It is approached from two entry points – Gupti and Khola. Entry permits are issued at these two points and also at Chandbali and Rajnagar.
Motorboats (5–20 people) can be hired from Chandbali, Gupti, Khola and Dhamara. The government-run boats are about ₹ 1,800 plus fuel for smaller boats and ₹ 2,500 plus fuel for 20-seaters. Private boats cost ₹ 2,500–5,000.
◆ Entry fee Indians ₹ 20; Foreigners ₹ 1,000 Vehicle fee Indians ₹ 20; Foreigners ₹ 50 Boat parking fee (overnight) ₹ 100 per day Photo-graphy Indians ₹ 25; Foreigners ₹ 50 Videography Indians ₹ 500; Foreigners ₹ 1,000 Guide fee ₹ 100
Factor in at least a two nights’ stay. Ekakula is an island, with the river on one side and the sea on the other. Plan a stop at Habalikhati, an hour away by boat.
Dangmal has the most animals, such as crocodiles and deer, and an Interpretation Centre. In the Bhitarkanika Forest Block, walk the 4-km-long path winding its way via thick forests, meadows, creeks and lotus ponds. Take a look at the ruins of a hunting tower and an old Shiva temple. The watchtower offers panoramic views. Bagagahana island is the heronry of Bhitarkanika, a nesting site for about 30,000 birds. Kalibhanjadia is the largest island here. A cruise on Khola Creek takes you to the confluence of Baitarani and Brahmani rivers.
Where to Stay & Eat
Within the sanctuary, there are some modest Forest Rest Houses, such as Dangmal (Tariff: ₹ 950–1,800), Gupti (Tariff: ₹ 1,200) and Habalikhati (Tariff: ₹ 500–1,400). For reservations, contact DFO, Mangrove Forest Divi-sion, Rajnagar (Tel: 06729-242460. Alternatively book online at ecotourodisha.com)
Estuarine Village Resort (Cell: 09439365707, 09163580464; Tariff: ₹ 3,000–4,500, with meals) in Nalitapatia village near Dangmal is the only private place to stay while you are here. The riverside property offers clean and comfortable cottages and swiss tents with good food.
Fast Fact
When to go November–February.
The park is closed from May–July, and in the second week of January (for crocodile census)
Wildlife/ Forest Dept offices
Divisional Forest Officer
Mangrove Forest Division
Rajnagar PO, Kendrapara District
Tel: 06729-242460
bhitarkanika.org
Divisional Forest Officer
Chandbali, Bhadrak District
Tel: 06786-220472
ACF, Cell: 09437550247
Chief Wildlife Warden, Orissa Prakruti Bhawan, BDA Apartment
5th Floor, Nilakantha Nagar
Nayapally, Bhubaneswar
Tel: 0674-2564587/ 5019
wildlifeorissa.in
STD codes Rajnagar 06729, Chandbali 06786, Bhubaneswar 0674
Getting There
Air Nearest airport: Bhubaneswar (130km/ 4hrs to Rajnagar; 185km/ 4hrs to Chandbali), connected to all metros and many cities. Taxi to Rajnagar ₹ 8 per km; to Gupti (155km) ₹ 2,400
Rail Nearest railheads: Cuttack (100km/ 3hrs to Rajnagar), connected to Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai and more. Taxi ₹ 2,500. Bhadrak (55km/ 3hrs to Chandbali); taxi ₹ 2,000–2,600
Road From Bhubaneswar, take NH5 to Chandikhol, then go via Kendrapara and Pattamundai to Rajnaga
Tip Bhitarkanika is explored by motorboat and can be approached from two entry points – Gupti and Khola. Gupti is 25km from Rajnagar by road. Khola is 30km from Rajnagar by road; or, a 2.5-hr boat journey on River Baitarani from Chandbali