Bhitarkanika
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bhitarkanika is located in the Kendrapara District of Orissa in Eastern India, a Hot-spot of Biodiversity. It’s home to largetst population of salt water crocodile in India. Also home to more than 215 species of avifauna including amazing Eight Varieties of Kingfishers. It is the second largest viable Mangrove Eco-System in India Harbours more than 70 species of Mangrove and its associates. The largest nesting site of Olive Ridleys ever recorded is at Gahirmatha (which is the only marine wildlife sanctuary of Orissa) adjacent to Bhitarkanika. It is known to be one of the largest rookery for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles and many more.
BHITARKANIKA NATIONAL PARK
An area of 145 Sq. kms. have been notified as Bhitarkanika National Park by the Forests & Environment Department, Govt. of Orissa. 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
Wildlife Sanctuary 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. The land of lush green mangroves and migrating birds, the three main wildlife attractions of the place are estuarine crocodiles, olive-ridley turtles and a large population of King Cobra, Indian Python and Water Monitor Lizard. Apart from these it is also home to the leopard cat, fishing cat, jungle cat, hyena, wild boar, spotted deer, sambar, porcupine, dolphin, monitor lizards and a large variety of resident and migratory birds.
Over 170 species of resident and migratory birds of different hue enhance the beauty of the wild. Prominent among them are 8 types of King Fisher ( Blak-Capped Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Brown-Wing Kingfisher, Stork-Billed Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, White-Throated Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, Rudy Kingfisher ), Open billed Storks, Sea Eagles, Egrets, Black Ibis, Cormorants, Kites, Sand Pipers, Darters, Whistling Teals, Sea Gulls, etc. The chirping of birds nesting at Baga Gahana Herony, which is an area of approximately 4 hectare within the Bhitarkanika Forest Block near Suajore, is sure to leave an indelible impression in any one’s mind. Watching the wildlife in their natural habitat while cruising through the creeks is a thrilling experience. A trek on the laid out routes will also be equally rewarding.
MANGROVES
A variety of plants are seen putting up luxuriant growth in this inter tidal habitat. These species are endemic to the area and are called mangroves. Some species occurring outside the inter tidal environment are called associates of mangroves. As many as 62 species of mangrove & its associates are found in Bhitarkanika Sanctuary. The mangroves are specialized plants which can tolerate inundation and salinity. Their adaptation to salinity condition is by preventing high concentration of salt, entering roots and secreting salts from their leaves.
SALT WATER CROCODILE PROJECT AT DANGMAL
In Orissa, the estuarine or Salt water crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is restricted to the mangrove swamps of the Brahmani – Baitarani Delta of North – Eastern portion of the State which comes within the Bhitarkanika National Park. The total number of crocodiles stands at 1,610, which is 38 more than last year. Out of 1,610 crocodiles, 1,485 are inside the sanctuary and 125 live on the fringes. Of the total number, 519 are hatchlings, 373 yearlings, 298 juveniles, 150 sub-adults and 270 mature reptiles.The 2009 census, carried out by the divisional forest office of the Rajnagar mangrove wildlife forest division, showed a population of 1,572
APPROACH POINTS
and Gupti are the two main entry points for Bhitarkanika National Park. Visitors should take entry permit from the Forest Check Gate at Khola and Gupti. The only way to travel from one place to another in this dense mangrove forest is through the network of rivers and rivulets for which purpose boats are available both from the Forest Department and from private operators.
Permission to visit Bhitarkanika can be obtained from Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar, or Assistant Conservator of Forests, Chandbali on payment of the scheduled fees. Arrangements for the boat have to be made at these places as the river journey actually begins from here.
Another amazing phenomenon of nature here is the visit of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles to Gahirmatha in lakhs twice every year between January and March to lay eggs en masse.
How to Reach
Season – The best season to visit Bhitarkanika is between October and June.
How to reach – Bhitarkanika can be approached only through water ways. Most convenient entry points are
Chandbali – 50 KM from Bhadrak and 190 KM from Bhubaneswar
Rajnagar – 30 KM from Kendrapara and 130 KM from Bhubaneswar
Gupti – 25 KM from Rajnagar
Motor boats are available on hire. Average time taken for the following distance are
Rajnagar to Dangmal – 3 hrs
Chandbali to Dangmal – 3 hrs
Gupti to Dangmal – 1.5 hrs
Regular Bus Services are available to Chandbali and Rajnagar
Nearest Rail Head
Bhadrak – 50 km from Chandbali
Balasore – 120 km from Chandbali
Cuttack – 110 km from Rajnagar
Bhubaneswar – 190 km from Chandbali and 130 km from Rajnagar
Nearest Airport
Bhubaneswar and Kolkata
Accomodation
Aranyanivas, Chandbali
For reservation, contact :
Tourist Officer, Balasore. Ph : (06782) 262048 or the Manager, Ph: ( 06782) 220397
Forest Lodge at Dangmal, Ekakula, Gupti and Habalikhati
For reservation, contact :
Divisional Forest Officer, Mangrove Forest Division, Rajnagar, Dist: Kendrapada, PIN – 754225, Ph: (06729) 272460.
OTDC Assistance: –
Website : www.orissatourism.gov.in and www.otdc.in
Email : ortour@orissatourism.gov.in
