Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is a prized possession to Orissa, located in the district of Kendrapada, this wildlife sanctuary preserves rich and unique biodiversity. The three rivers Brahmani, Baitarani and Dhamara meet at the place and forms a tidal maze of muddy creeks and mangroves. Bhitarkanika is one of the few sanctuaries in India, which is the place for conservation of crocodiles and turtles. The wildlife sanctuary is spread an area of 650 sq km and a protected zone for estuarine crocodiles.



Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary was declared as a national wildlife sanctuary in 1975. The sanctuary is surrounded by mangrove forests winding by three rivers, criss-crossed tidal inundated creeks provide shelter to endangered estuarine crocodile. Not only crocodiles but the sanctuary also home to rich avi fauna, mammalian and reptile population. The place is a habitat of king cobra, Indian python and water monitor lizard. There are number of birds also visit the place time to time.

Sights And Activities

Birdwatching
The wildlife sanctuary is bird watcher's paradise. The place is embellished with 190 species of birds. Here only you can find eight species of brilliantly colored kingfishers. There are other birds like open billed storks, sea eagles, kites, sand pipers, darters, whistling teals, sea gulls etc. cruising through the creeks is a thrilling plus rewarding experience.

Dangmar Island
You need to check your permit at Khola jetty before venturing into to Dangmar Island. The Dangmar Island is a crocodile conservative place and an Interpretive Centre where you can get education about the crocodile conservation. Don't forget to armed with binoculars to scan trees for birds, mud banks for crocodile and monitor lizards, also you can see other reptiles such as snakes and lizards.

Bagagaham Island
The island is home to large number of herons that arrive in early June and nest until November. You can climb to the lighthouse to observe a horde of herons and storks nesting in the treetops.

Old Jagannath Temple
Way back to Khola, just 2km walk leads you to a 18th century Jagannath temple. The temple is small but decorated with carved passionate erotica in Kalinga style. Also little further walk you will reach Orissa villages.