Bhitarkanika National Park

Beautiful place in the lap of nature. If you love tranquility, go there, if you love rivers, go there, if you love wildlife, go there, if you need some me time, go there, if you are fond of adventure, go there, if jungle fancies you, go there. Go there if you want nature to pamper you. You will be able to see many crocodiles while going by boat through the river. We also saw a lot of deers, some Komodo dragons, lots of birds, few wild boars and jungle hens. The museum there holds a lot of skeletons of crocodiles, dolphins and preserved bodies of snakes, tortoises and small crocodiles. The restaurant inside is very good serving delicious food at reasonable rates. Don’t forget to visit the kings haunting place. It is a 2.5 km walk but it is worth it.

Bhitarakanika National Park is a beautiful place full of nature and wildlife. It has big mangrove forests, rivers, and many animals like saltwater crocodiles, deer, and colorful birds. The boat ride is the best way to see the park and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The place is clean and well-kept, but reaching there can take some time. The best time to visit is from October to March when the weather is nice. A great place for nature lovers and photographers.

If Rudyard Kipling’s "Jungle Book" had a coastal edition, it would be set in the Bhitarkanika National Park — Odisha’s very own mangrove jungle adventure. Home to the largest congregation of saltwater crocodiles in India, this wetland paradise is where nature meets raw, untamed wilderness. A Croc’s Playground (And Maybe Yours Too!) Let’s get one thing straight — Bhitarkanika is Croc Country. With over 1,800 saltwater crocodiles, including some of the world’s biggest, this park is what Steve Irwin would have called “a real beauty, mate!” The park’s legendary giant croc, measuring 23 feet, is one of the largest ever recorded in the world. So, while you’re cruising down the creeks, just remember — you’re being watched (and possibly sized up)! Beyond the Jaws – A Birdwatcher’s Delight Bhitarkanika is not just about crocs — it's also a paradise for bird lovers. The Bagagahana heronry is a buzzing metropolis for migratory birds, with over 200 species making pit stops here, including kingfishers, darters, and the rare Indian skimmer. More Wild Wonders 1. Spotted Deer & Wild Boars – You might just find them chilling near the water, completely unfazed by their croc neighbors. 2. The King Cobra’s Lair – Bhitarkanika boasts one of the highest densities of King Cobras in India. Just another reason to watch where you step! The Best Way to Explore? By Boat! Unlike regular safaris, here, you’ll be floating through narrow creeks, surrounded by towering mangroves, eerie silence, and the occasional splash (was that a croc?!). Bhitarkanika is wild, mysterious, and thrillingly unpredictable — the kind of place where every ripple in the water comes with a story. Just don’t lean too far over the boat!

I really like this place 🥰 Bhitarkanika National Park is a beautiful place full of nature and wildlife. ★ It has big mangrove forests, rivers, and many wild animals like saltwater crocodiles, deer, Kingfisher species and cute beautiful&colorful birds. ★ The best way to get there is through a boat ride. You can see the park and enjoy it peacefully😚 ★The place is clean, beautiful and priceless A great place for 🌱nature lovers and photographers📷. “If you are a natural lover and also photographer,this place is superb for you”😊☺️ ★I will really recommend this place 😉 Because I have recently visited this place in 2024 and I really liked this😍 “If there is any mistakes so I am really sorry 😞”

Overview: Bhitarkanika National Park is one of India’s most unique and biodiverse ecosystems, located in the Kendrapara district of Odisha. It is often referred to as the “Mini Amazon of India” due to its vast mangrove forests, rich wildlife, and intricate network of rivers and creeks. --- 🌿 Natural Beauty & Biodiversity: Spread over 672 sq km, Bhitarkanika is a lush green paradise filled with mangroves, estuaries, mudflats, and wetlands. It is home to India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem, after the Sundarbans. The dense forest and water channels provide a stunning and peaceful atmosphere for nature lovers and photographers. --- 🐊 Wildlife & Attractions: Saltwater Crocodiles: Bhitarkanika is famous for hosting one of the largest populations of saltwater crocodiles in India, including some record-breaking giant specimens. Olive Ridley Turtles: The park plays a crucial role in the nesting of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. Bird Paradise: Over 300 species of birds, including kingfishers, egrets, darters, and migratory species from Central Asia and Europe, can be seen here. Other wildlife: Monitor lizards, pythons, spotted deer, wild boars, jackals, and various fish species thrive in this rich ecosystem. --- 🚤 Boating Experience: One of the best ways to explore Bhitarkanika is via boat rides through the creeks and rivers. The boat safari takes you deep into the mangroves, where you can spot crocodiles basking, birds nesting, and the raw beauty of untamed nature. --- 🛕 Cultural & Historical Sites: Inside the park, you’ll also find ancient temples, hunting towers (havilis) built by former kings, and local tribal villages that offer a glimpse into Odisha’s heritage. --- 🛣️ Accessibility: Nearest town: Chandabali or Rajnagar. Best entry point: From Dangmal or Gupti. Roads are motorable and regular boat services are available during tourist seasons. Best time to visit: November to February – the weather is pleasant and it’s the peak time for bird watching and crocodile sightings. --- ⭐ Final Verdict: Bhitarkanika is a hidden natural treasure in Odisha that every wildlife enthusiast, photographer, and nature lover must explore. It offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, education, and tranquility. Less commercialized than other parks, it gives a raw and authentic wilderness experience unlike any other in India. > “If you want to see where the jungle meets the river and crocodiles rule the waters — Bhitarkanika is your destination.”

A priceless wildlife mangrove sanctuary. A must visit for photography fanatics for the variety of kingfisher species found here. If lucky you might cross paths with saltwater crocodiles as well, 100 metres from where the hotel residences are. Check out the pics for my experiences...... Don't forget to zoom in as all the shots are taken with 55 mm focal length, the max zoom lens I have right now, sorry for the extra effort required😅

The beauty of Bhitarkanika's three protected areas - Bhitarkanika National Park, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary our resort is a heaven of tranquillity. Dive yourself in the serene ambiance, where the symphony of nature replaces the urban cacophony. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary extends over an area of 672 sq kms. An area of 145 sq kms declared as Bhitarkanika National Park in 1998. We ensure a comfortable stay with all essential amenities, making it the perfect getaway from the hustle, traffic, noise, and pollution. Surrounded by Baitarani, Dhamra and Brahmani rivers, it has a unique biodiversity that attracts visitors from all over the globe.Once the hunting ground of the royal Raj Kanika family is now famous for its high concentration of the Mangrove trees. These trees are spread all over the forests and the wetlands and predominates the ecosystem of the region. The 145 sq km area of the National park carved out of the core area of the sanctuary is the land for impeccable biodiversities The sanctuary lies in the estuarial region of Brahmani-Baitrani with Bay of Bengal lying in the East; apart from this the sanctuary has many rivers, streams, creeks, accumulated land, backwater and mud flats making it a land of immense importance for its unique flora and fauna.The sanctuary has 215 species of birds in which the most important are the eight varieties of kingfisher and the migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia. Apart from this the sanctuary is the home for many reptiles, mammals and vertebrates which includes the venomous Cobras and Indian Pythons, the endangered water monitor lizards, Chitals, Jungle cat, Wild Pigs, Otter, Rhesus Monkeys, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boar and the Fishing Cat. The Asian Open Bill, Cormorants, Darters, Black Ibis, Egrets, open billed storks, sand pipers, sea eagles, whistling teals, kites and sea gulls are the frequently noticed avian of the sanctuary.It is the breeding place for the endangered salt water crocodiles which are the prime attractions of the sanctuary. The Gahirmatha Beach which forms the boundary of the sanctuary in the east is the largest colony of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.

Bhitarkanika National Park offers a truly unique and rewarding experience for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Its diverse ecosystem, stunning scenery, and the chance to witness incredible wildlife make it a destination worth exploring. Remember to research and plan your trip carefully to make the most of your adventure in this remarkable corner of India.