Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary - India's Biggest Salt Water Crocodile Habitats.
Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary hosts many mangrove species, and is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India. It was declared as a National Park because of its ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological and zoological association and importance and for the purpose of protection in 1998. The national park is home to Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Indian python, king cobra, black ibis, darters, birds and numerous varieties of other animals.
It is located in the estuarial region of Bramhani-Baitarani, in the north-eastern place of Kendrapara district of Odisha, the sanctuary covers an area of 672 square kilometers of Mangrove Forests and Wetland. Three rivers flow out to sea at Bhitarkanika forming a tidal maze of muddy creeks and mangroves. It is the only major mangrove patch of the State of Odisha which is legally and administratively well protected and has a long term role in protecting the life and property of the people of the hinterland from cyclones, and other natural calamities.
Salient features of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bhitarkanika Mangrove Ecosystem is richest from bio-diversity point of view. The floral diversity in Bhitarkanika is 2nd largest after Papua New Guinea.
- Gigantic high hills, thick and green dense forests with wildlife, stunning waterfalls are the identity of this gorgeous tourist destination with extensive grassy lands are suitable for growth of birds and animals.
- The Sanctuary is home to the largest number of Estuarine Crocodiles in the Indian sub-continent. With a population of more than 1600 crocodiles.
- The Protected Area encompasses variety of habitats and microhabitats. Mangroves serve as nesting, feeding and breeding grounds for wide range of invertebrates and vertebrates.
- Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary provides nesting space to a large number of resident water birds during rainy season where as the wetlands spreading throughout the sanctuary serve as feeding grounds for a number of migratory birds during winter.
- Bhitarkanika is famous of world’s largest nesting and breeding congregation of Olive Ridley Sea turtles.
Best time to visit Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
Winter and early summer months October to April is the best time to visit Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary.
How to reach Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
The area is accessible by road is via Rajnagar & Chandbali. The nearest Railway Stations are Cuttack and Bhadrak, which are 110 Km away from Rajnagar and 50 Km away from Chandbali respectively. And the nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, which is 130 Kms. awayfrom Rajnagar & 180 Kms away from Chandbali.
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