Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika National Park is a 145 km large national park in northeast Kendrapara district in Odisha in eastern India.
It was designated on 16 September 1998 and obtained the status of a Ramsar site on 19 August 2002. The area is also been designated as the second Ramsar site of the State after the Chilika Lake. It is surrounded by Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread over 672 km.
Gahirmatha Beach and Marine Sanctuary are to the east, separating the swamp region and mangroves from the Bay of Bengal. The national park and wildlife sanctuary is inundated by the rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and Pathsala. It hosts many mangrove species and is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India.
What to See in Bhitarkanika National Park?
- Bhitarkanika National Park is a unique habitat for many wildlife species, especially the endangered saltwater crocodiles, which are the prime attractions of the park.
- The park has the highest population of saltwater crocodiles in India, with more than 1600 individuals recorded in 2018.
- The park also hosts the largest nesting site of Olive Ridley sea turtles in India, with more than 4 lakh turtles arriving every year to lay eggs on the Gahirmatha beach. The park also has a rich avifauna diversity, with more than 215 species of birds recorded, including eight varieties of kingfishers and many migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia.
- The park also has many reptiles, mammals, and vertebrates which includes the venomous Cobras and Indian Pythons, the endangered water monitor lizards, Chitals, Jungle cats, Wild Pigs, Otter, Rhesus Monkeys, and many more.
Best Visiting Season Bhitarkanika National Park
- Bhitarkanika National Park is one of the most visited national parks in India, attracting lakhs of tourists every year.
- The park offers various activities and facilities for the visitors, such as boat safaris, nature trails, bird watching, camping, accommodation, and interpretation centers.
- The park is open throughout the year, except for the monsoon season (July to September), when it is closed for the safety of the visitors and the animals. The best time to visit the park is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the wildlife is more active.
Opening and Closing Time of Bhitarkanika National Park
The opening and closing time of Bhitarkanika National Park is from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The park is open daily, except for the monsoon season (July to September), when it is closed for the safety of the visitors and the animals.
Entry Fees Bhitarkanika National Park
The entry fee for Bhitarkanika National Park is Rs. 20 for Indian tourists, Rs. 1000 for foreign tourists, Rs. 200 for the camera, and Rs. 3000 for the video camera. The entry fee is added to the accommodation fee for guests who have booked online.
Bhitarkanika National Park is a place of rich and vibrant mangrove ecosystem, lying in the estuarine region of Brahmani – Baitarani in the North-Eastern corner of Kendrapara district of Odisha. It is a place that will enchant you with its beauty, diversity, and hospitality.
