Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary

Visit Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the estuarine region of Brahmani-Baitarani, is one of the most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries in the continent of Asia. The Mangroves, salt-tolerant tree species, are a wonder of the place, sprawling an area of nearly 672 square kilometre. Criss-crossed by numerous water-sketches, the sanctuary is a proud refuge to a plethora of birds, animals and amphibians. 

The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the estuarine region of Brahmani-Baitarani, is one of the most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries in the continent of Asia. The Mangroves, salt-tolerant tree species, are a wonder of the place, sprawling an area of nearly 672 square kilometre. Criss-crossed by numerous water-sketches, the sanctuary is a proud refuge to a plethora of birds, animals and amphibians. The region has been established as a 'Salt-water Crocodile Breeding Centre' for housing the largest population of giant, salt-water crocodiles in the country.

To the east of the Sanctuary lies the Gahirmatha Beach which is the nesting ground for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. The sanctuary is visited for its rich and varied assortment of biodiversity like Kingfisher, Heron, King Cobras, Storks, Spotted Deer, Chital, Seagulls, Fishing Cat, Wild Pigs and Jungle Cat along with numerous resident and migratory species. To explore the unknown and admire nature at its wildest best, one should definitely take a trip to the Bhitarnika Wildlife Sanctuary to experience a thrilling and adrenaline-rush soaked adventurous vacation.

Few important and interesting facts about the place:

• it is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India.
• Winter months are the best time to visit the place.
• It is around 130km from the state-capital, Bhubaneshwar.
• The sanctuary is easily accessible by:

Air- Bhubaneshwar and Kolkata
Water- Chandabali, Ragnagar and Gupti
Rail- Bhadrak, Balasor, Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar

• Bhitarnika Wetland consists of:

Bhitarnika National Park
Bhitarnika Wildlife Sanctuary
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary