Gahiramatha (Marine)
The Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary is the largest breeding place of the turtles. Situated in the Kendrapara District of Orissa, nicely cushioned by Bhitarkanika, the second largest mangroove forest region of India. It is also the home of the world famous Olive Ridley sea turtles. Gahirmatha is also a world heritage site that you ought to visit especially during October – February season on your tour to Gahirmatha, Orissa. Spread over an area of 1435 sq km, Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary has been a preferred place for the Olive Ridley sea turtles that travel across oceans from as far as the south pacific to breed on the sautéed sands of Gahirmatha. Though there are two other rookeries in Odisha have been located on the mouth of rivers Rushikulya and Devi, the rare phenomenon of mass mating and nesting Olive Ridley sea turtles seen as in Gahirmatha is hardly seen anywhere else.
Since Gahirmatha coast serves as the natal nesting beach for millions of turtles, it has immense importance on turtle conservation. In huge numbers , Olive Ridley sea turtles migrate every year from the beginning of November for mating and nesting along the coast of Orissa. Large numbers of turtles are drawn here directly from the sea and then drag to the coasts. They dig up the sand to lay their eggs, before skillfully covering them. Afterwars with the incoming tidal waves they return to their sea abodes.
Gahirmatha coast has the annual nesting figure between one hundred to five hundred thousand . Olive Ridley sea turtles feed on marine snails, smaller forms of fish, fish eggs, crustaceans and jellyfish. Algal material is also used as food by the Ridleys. turtles are attracted to these waters for the abundant food availability both for the adults and their hatchlings. Coupled with this, the virgin sandy beaches and the adjoining coastal waters make it truly a “turtle paradise”
It has been observed that Olive Ridley sea turtles migrate from the coastal water of Srilanka in the Indian ocean to the coastal water of Gahirmatha in the north. The sea turtles migrate thousands of kilometres to meet both the ends. Immediately after the arrival of ridley sea turtles in the coastal water of Gahirmatha, they indulge in matting activities. Males mount over the females and are often seen floating on the surface with the intermittent movement of flippers.
Gahirmatha turtle sanctuary hosts a variety of flora and fauna. One will find flaura like Bels, terminenalia, Zizphus Bija, Salaia Sal, Babul, Teak, Bamboo and many other varieties in the sanctuary. Although the sanctuary is famous for the giant olive Ridleys which travel from as far as the Pacific ocean to nest her.
A huge range of fish species is to be found in the waters together with the largest reptile of India, the rare Estuarine Crocodile. Water Monitor, numerous snakes, and mammals such as Wild Boar, Sambar and Fishing Cat are also found here. Mammals like Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Leopard-cat, Gangetic Dolphin, Striped Hyena, Smooch Indian Otter, Small Indian Civet, Jackal and Indian Porcupine are found in abundance. Numerous reptiles, namely, Leatherback Sea Turtle, Olive Ridley Turtle, Green Sea Turtle, Hawksbill Sea Turtle, Estuarine Crocodile, Water Monitor, King Cobra can be seen near the water bodies.
One can also see the presence of some hunting birds. Among them, white -bellied sea Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Osprey, Short-toed Eagle, Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Pied Harrier, Steppe Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle are worth to note.
On a clear moonlit night, during the nesting season, you will see thousands of turtles crawling out of the sea, puffing and laboring as they drag themselves towards the beach. They usually select a suitable site, dig a hole in the sand with their flippers, lay nearly 120 eggs each, cover and compact the holes with their own body, sweep out all traces of their visit and crawl back to the sea – all within 45 minutes. Environmentalists are of the view that this is indeed one of the nature’s miracles.
Nearby Attractions
While on a trip to the Gahirmatha sanctuary, you can also visit some interesting spots nearby. The temple of Lord Shiva built in the early 9th century in Dangmol is worth visiting. The sandstone temple of Nahakbabu is also a prime attraction. Some other spots at Lalitgiri, Ratnagiri and Udaygiri Buddhist complex are worth visiting. One can also embark on a trip to Chandipur beach from here.
Bhitarkanika wild life sanctuary and national park near the Gahirmatha sanctuary is a major attraction. It sis recognized as the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India covering an area of 672 sq km. The forest offers shelter to more than 2145 species of birds. It is also recognized s a “Crocodile Sanctuary” and is home to the biggest population of salt water crocodiles in the country.
APPROACH TO GAHIRAMATHA
One can access to Gahirmatha turtle sanctuary by road only. It is about 125 km from state capital Bhubaneswar and about 100 km form cuttack. Regular private busses which are plying to Kendrapara town will be the best option for a visitor to Gahirmatha.From Kendrapara town this marine sanctruary is about 45 km by road. Busess in regualr interval and private higreen vehicles is plently available for the visitors to reach to the spots.
