Bhitarkanika National Park : Bhitarkanika National Park is located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha state, which is counted among the major national parks of India. Spread over an area of 672 sq km, Bhitarkanika National Park is a complete package of nature and wildlife. Home to some rare species of both flora and fauna, the sanctuary is mainly known for the species of reptiles, especially crocodiles. Another attraction of this area are the huge mangrove trees which make it the second largest mangrove forest in India. There are two entrances, the most popular of which is Khola. This entrance allows you to pass through dense forests and provides an experience of the rich ecosystem.
If you are searching for a place away from the hustle and bustle of the city to hang out with your family or friends, a place full of calm and natural beauty, then you can visit Bhitarkanika National Park, through this article we will tell you about Bhitarkanika National Park. Are going to travel to, that’s why must read this article completely –
History of Bhitarkanika National Park
Talking about the history of Bhitarkanika National Park, it was known for hunting in ancient times for the rulers who ruled the Kanika region. But considering its beauty and wildlife popularity, it was notified as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and was given the status of a national park in 1998 with an area of 672 sq km, after which it came to be known as Bhitarkanika National Park.
What is special in Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika National Park is very special in many ways, this place is like a paradise for wildlife and nature lovers where many rare wildlife and tree plants can be seen. Please tell that this National Park is the only park from which crocodiles are protected, which is the main attraction of this park. The park is also the second largest mangrove forest in India.
Apart from these if tourists want to experience the serene nature of the night time, then tourists can stay in the Forest Guest House which makes it very special for the tourists.
Wildlife and flora of Bhitarkanika National Park
Wildlife
Bhitarkanika National Park serves as a shelter to many other species including crocodiles, Indian python, black ibis, rhesus monkey, cobra, chital darter, monitor lizard, wild boar and turtle, fishing cat, spotted deer. According to the 2014 survey, 1872 spotted deer, 1522 jackals, 305 common langurs, 1213 wild boars, 17 sambar, 10 foxes, 12 hyenas, and 7 wolves were present in Bhitarkanika.
Along with wildlife, kingfishers, hornbills, woodpeckers, brahminy seagulls, terns, white-bellied sea eagles, bar-headed, and waders are some of the feathered creatures that you can spot in Bhitarkanika National Park.
Plants
Spread over a vast area of 672 sq km, the Bhitarkanika National Park is made up of dense mangrove forest, which extends across the region.
Activities in Bhitarkanika National Park
If you are coming on a trip to Bhitarkanika National Park with your friends or family and are searching for activities to do in Bhitarkanika National Park, then let us tell you that in this park you can trek through the lush green mangrove forests. During which you can see various wildlife and birds closely. Along with this, you can also know about the flora found here. Apart from this, you can also enjoy boating here.
Tips For Traveling To Bhitarkanika National Park
If you are going to visit Bhitarkanika National Park, then to avoid any accident and trouble, follow these tips given below during your trip –
- Make sure to book a room well in advance of visiting Bhitarkanika National Park, as booking guest houses in the park is a bit difficult during peak season, which can affect your trip.
- Do not wear bright colored clothes on your trip as it may attract dangerous animals.
- Do not attempt to enter any restricted areas of the park.
- Be sure to carry cameras, binoculars and other essential things with you while traveling to Bhitarkanika National Park.
- Do not attempt to feed or approach any of the animals in the park.
Bhitarkanika National Park – Facilities at Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary
- There is a small restaurant inside the premises of the sanctuary.
- There is also a guest house managed by the Forest Department which tourists can plan their stay at. However, bookings must be made in advance as seats are limited.
- The park is easily accessible in boats that are provided by the management.
Timing of Bhitarkanika National Park
- 8.00 am to 5.00 pm
Entry fees of Bhitarkanika National Park
- For Indian tourists: Rs 20
- For foreign tourists: Rs 100
- For Camera: Rs 200
- Whereas for video camera: 1000 rupees is the fee.
Places to visit around Bhitarkanika National Park
If you are going on a trip to Bhitarkanika National Park, then note that there are some good places to visit around Bhitarkanika National Park which you can visit during your trip.
- barbati fort
- Stone Revetment
- dhabaleshwar
- Pradeep Beach
Best time to visit Bhitarkanika National Park
The winter season (October to February) is the best time to visit Bhitarkanika National Park. During these months, the region receives a moderate temperature which is conducive for tourism and as a result a large number of tourists plan their visit to Bhitarkanika National Park in winters.
Hotels to stay in Bhitarkanika National Park
If you are searching for hotels or other options to stay in Bhitarkanika National Park, then let us tell you that there is a guesthouse inside Bhitarkanika National Park where you can stay in your journey and spend a night here. . If you want to stay outside Bhitarkanika National Park, then for that you can check in at any good hotel in Cuttack. In Cuttack also you will find all budget hotels and homestay facilities.
How to reach Bhitarkanika National Park
Tell the tourists visiting Bhitarkanika National Park that you can reach Bhitarkanika National Park odisha by traveling by any of the flight, train or roadway.
So let us know in detail below, how can we reach Bhitarkanika National Park by flight, train or road
How to reach Bhitarkanika National Park by flight
If you have selected the option of traveling by flight for your trip to Bhitarkanika National Park, then let us tell you that the nearest airport to Bhitarkanika Tiger Reserve is in Bhubaneswar, which is located at a distance of about 140 kilometers from the park. This airport is connected by air to many major cities of India including Delhi, Agra. After traveling by flight and reaching Bhubaneswar airport, you can book a taxi to reach Bhitarkanika National Park.
How to reach Bhitarkanika National Park by train
The nearest railway station to the park is the Cuttack Railway Station, located at a distance of about 110 km from Bhitarkanika National Park. If you are planning to go to Bhitarkanika Tiger Reserve by train, then you will have to take a train to Cuttack Railway Station. After deboarding at the railway station, you can easily reach Bhitarkanika National Park with the help of local vehicles.
How to reach Bhitarkanika National Park by road
Traveling to Bhitarkanika National Park by bus or road is also a best option, which is also very much liked by the tourists. If you come by bus, then first you have to come to Cuttack, from there you can book a taxi or other four wheeler vehicle and reach Bhitarkanika National Park. Apart from this, you can also go to visit Bhitarkanika Tiger Reserve by your car.
Frequently asked question about Bhitarkanika National Park
What is special in Bhitarkanika?
Bhitarkanika has one of the largest populations of endangered saltwater crocodile in India and is globally unique in that, 10% of the adults exceed 6 m length. Nearly 1671 saltwater crocodiles inhabit the rivers and creeks.
What is the best time to visit Bhitarkanika?
The winter season, starting from the month of October and extending to March. It is a pleasant time to witness the great beauty of the region. It is during this time that migratory birds from Central Asia and Europe come here.
Which rare species is found in Bhitarkanika?
At Bhitarkanika, one can spot endangered species such as White-backed Vultures, Indian Skimmers, Grey Pelicans, Lesser Adjutants and Greater Spotted Eagles.
Which animal is conserved in Bhitarkanika?
The saltwater crocodile is primarily conserved at the Bhitarkanika National Park.
Which two rivers meet at Bhitarkanika?
The Bhitarkanika Mangroves are a mangrove wetland in India’s Orissa state. The Bhitarkanika Mangroves cover an area of 650 km² in the river delta of the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers.
Is Bhitarkanika a World Heritage Site?
Kendrapara: Bhitarkanika with the status of a national park and RAMSAR site status awarded by UNESCO, was denied prestigious World Heritage Site status.
Is bhitarkanika a Ramsar?
The Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, which bounds the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary to the east, was created in September 1997, and encompasses Gahirmatha Beach and an adjacent portion of the Bay of Bengal. Bhitarkanika Mangroves were designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2002.
Is bhitarkanika a biosphere reserve?
The proposed Bhitarkanika Biosphere Reserve covers erstwhile Kanika and Kujang Zamindari area. It includes at present three protected areas namely Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park and the Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary.
Why is Bhitarkanika famous?
It is a world famous place for natural crocodile breeding. Located in the estuarial region of Brahmani-Baitarani , in the north eastern place of Kendrapara districts, the national park covers an area of 672 sq km of mangrove forests and wetland.
Is bhitarkanika a declared tiger reserve?
Bandipur, Manas and Sunderban are declared Tiger reserve, but Bhittarkanika is not included.
Which crocodile is in Bhitarkanika?
A record 3,700 baby saltwater crocodiles were born in Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park from 122 nests this season — 50 per cent more than last year, forest officials claimed.
All the three species of crocodiles, namely, Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) and Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), in the river systems of Odisha were on the verge of extinction by the seventies.
Where is India’s largest crocodile?
The largest specimen was found in Odisha, and reached 7.0 m (23.0 ft). Its population numbers about 300. Saltwater crocodiles live in the mangroves of Bhittarkanika and Sunderbans, Mahanadi Delta, and in the swamplands in Odisha and West Bengal (including rivers).
Who is the biggest crocodile in India?
Largest of all crocodilian species, the saltwater crocodile is also the largest reptile in the world. The species inhabits a few coastal regions in India including Odisha, West Bengal, and the Indian Islands.