Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika National Park is a prime habitat of leopard cat, fishing cat, jungle cat, hyena, wild boar, spotted deer, sambar, porcupine, dolphin, saltwater crocodile including partially white crocodile, python, king cobra, water monitor lizards, terrapin, marine turtle, kingfisher, woodpecker, hornbill, bar-headed geese, brahmany duck, pintail, white-bellied sea eagle, tern, seagull, waders and a large variety of resident and migratory birds.
The land of lush green mangroves, migrating birds and turtles, the menacing estuarine crocodiles, meandering watercourses, tranquil surroundings intercepted by the chirping of birds and the ever embracing nature, entrails visitors from near and far off places to flock to these unique places of tourist importance.
Scientists, Scholars, Nature Lovers, and Tourists have abundant food for thought and exploration. Bhitarkanika represents one of the finest creations ever. The wetland is represented by as many as 3 protected Areas, namely “The Bhitarkanika National Park”, “The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary” and “The Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary”.
Bhitarkanika is a unique habitat of Mangrove Forests crisscrossed with numerous creeks and mudflats located in the Kendrapara district of Orissa. One of the largest Mangrove Ecosystems in India, Bhitarkanika is home to diverse flora and fauna. Bhitarkanika located between 86’-45” To 87’17” East longitude and 20’-17” to 20’-47” North latitude in the estuary of Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra & Mahanadi river systems, has unique attraction and a boast of nature’s most picturesque sites. The unique bio-diversity attracts visitors to nature’s lap.
How to reach Bhitarkanika?
Bhitarkanika is connected to the world through air, water, and rail. Bhubaneshwar and Kolkata are the nearest airports to Bhitarkanika. Balasore, Bhadrak, Cuttack and Bhubaneshwar are the nearest railway stations. But Bhitarkanika being an island can be approached only through the waterways.
The best route could be Howrah – Bhadrak – Chandbali – Kanikarange – Dangmal – Ekakula (Bhitarkanika)
1) Howrah to Bhadrak via rail (270 km, 4:30 hrs) – Daily trains are available on this route
Bhadrak to Chandbali by road (60 km) – Public transport is available between Bhadrak to Chandbali but the tourists in large groups can also opt for hiring a cab or tempo traveler.
Chandbali to Kanikarange by road (4 kms)
Chandbali to Dangmal by motor boats (3 hrs)
Dangmal to Ekakula (Bhitarkanika) (30 kms) by motorboats
2)Kolkata to Chandbali by road (14 hrs) – Buses are available between Kolkata to Chandbali daily. The tourists can take a rest and spend their nights at Chandbali and then can start the onwards journey from Chandbali to Bhitarkanika the following day.
3)The nearest railway station is Cuttack and from Cuttack to Rajnagar by road and then by motorboat to Bhitarkanika from Rajnagar.
4) Nearest airports are Bhubaneshwar and Kolkata – From Bhubaneshwar airport to Rajnagar by road and then by motorboat to Bhitarkanika from Rajnagar.
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