Info Of Bhitarkanika National Park Nature Camps Odisha Tourism

Info Of Bhitarkanika National Park - Nature Camps - Odisha Tourism

Info Of Bhitarkanika National Park Nature Camps Odisha Tourism

Bhitarkanika National Park is formed from two Odia words ‘Bhitar’ meaning interior and ‘Kanika’ meaning that which is extraordinarily beautiful.

The Bhitarkanika National Park is considered one of the most impressive national parks in India. The park is home to more than 215 species of birds and is inhabited by Giant salt-water Crocodiles and various other species like Water Monitor Lizard, King Cobra, and Indian Python.

Bhitarkanika is one of the few places in India to have all three types of crocodiles, Saltwater crocodiles, Freshwater crocodiles, and Alligators.

Info Of Bhitarkanika National Park - Nature Camps - Odisha Tourism

Spread over a vast area of ​​672 km, Bhitarkanika National Park is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India. The proximity to the Bay of Bengal makes the region’s soils rich in saline, vegetation, and species of the sanctuary that are found mainly in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions.

It is the breeding ground of the endangered saltwater crocodiles which are the major attractions of the sanctuary. The Gahirmatha beach which borders the sanctuary to the east is home to the largest colony of Olive Ridley sea turtles.

The Bhitarkanika Mangrove is a mangrove wetland covering an area of 650 Km (400 miles) in the Brahmani and Baitarni river deltas.  Baitrani and Brahmani rivers are the biggest rivers in this area and Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is at the intersection of these rivers with saline water from the Bay of Bengal.

READ MORE: Bagda Backpacker’s Camp

BEST TIME TO VISIT BHITARKANIKA

Tourists from all over the world invoke Bhitarkanika around the clock, inspired by the beauty and diversity of this place. Mainly three main seasons are observed in the Bhitarkanika National Park area summer, rain, and winter.

The Summer Season lasts from March to June. During this period, the days are warm which limits the presence of the Fauna in the Morning and Evening.

The Rainy Season starting from month of June till October gives a tough time for travelers. Since the waterway is the only way to reach Bhitarkanika, rain frequently flows through canals and brooks blocking the way to reach the lodge.

The Winter Season which falls from the months of October to March is a pleasant time to witness the ultimate beauty of the national park. The real joy for bird lovers comes with the arrival of migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia. Olive Ridley turtles come out on the beach to lay their eggs and go back and the young come out.

  • January to May: Open all days from 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
  • September to December: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm

So pay a visit in the Summer and Winter seasons when the Bhitarkanika National Park is at its apex of beauty. Though the Rainy season can give a hold to your visit, the summers and winters will cater to your desires.

Bhitarkanika National Park (EntryPoint)

Prior permission is required to enter the park, which can be obtained from the entry gates of Khola or Gupti. Khola and Gupti are the main entry points to the park, which are accessible from all major cities of Odisha.

Any kind of movement within the park is either via boats or through walks in the dense forests. Visitors can also choose to reach the river ports Chandbali or Jayanagar first via road and then take boats from either port to reach Bhitarkanika National Park. 

Boating Charges of Bhitarkanika National Park:

  • House Boat (Capacity 20 persons) – Rs.1000+Fuel-5 liters /hour
  • M.V. Kashyap (Capacity 40 persons) – Rs.1500+Fuel-11 liters /hour
  • Skimmer (Capacity 40 persons) – Rs.1000+Fuel-4.5 liters /hour

Info Of Bhitarkanika National Park - Nature Camps - Odisha Tourism

Accommodation

There are fully furnished tents for accommodation in the national park. The forest rest houses and jungle lodges at Ekakula, Dangmal, and Gupti are available for accommodations.

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