Introduction
 About one-third of Odisha is covered by forest which boasts of 18 sanctuaries and 2 national parks, some of which are detailed below
Bhitarkanika National Park The world of nature is full of wonders sometimes tender, sometimes awe inspiring but all the time exciting. Some of them defy description and transcend perception. Such a land of rare and unmatched beauty is Bhitarkanika - a wonder in the wild.

Widely acclaimed for its biodiversity in flora and fauna, it is the second largest compact mangrove ecosystem in India. It is also a Sanctuary and National Park. Extending over more than six hundred square kilometers, it is one of the very few evergreen repositories of most luxuriant mangrove vegetation in the world. More than sixty varieties of mangrove plants are found here which provide home to a variety of rare and endangered species. The pneumatophores, better known as breathing roots, stand like sentries of the land.

Bounded by rivers on the three sides and the sea on the fourth, Bhitarkanika is criss- crossed by numerous creeks and canals which finally meet the sea and make the estuarine delta, the playground of the Bay of Bengal. When the tide enters, the forest floats and the water kisses the foliage. As it recedes, the multi layer mud flats on the banks of the creeks expose their bosom with fiddler crabs, mud skipper fish, little reptiles and the like. It's a sight to behold.

This deltaic region comprises a couple of tiny islands formed by the meandering creeks. With Dangmal at the centre stage (the others being Ekakula, Habalikhati etc), Bhitarakanika is a natural habitat of a lot of wild creatures like Crocodiles, King Cobra, Pythons, Wild Pigs, Rhesus Monkey, Sambars, Spotted Deer etc. There is a Crocodile Breeding Farm at Dangmal. The pride possession of this Farm is the White Crocodile Sankhua, a rare species in the World.

Over 170 species of resident and migratory birds of different hue enhance the beauty of the wild. Prominent among them are King Fisher, Open billed Storks, Sea Eagles, Kites, Sand Pipers, Darters, Whistling Teals, Sea Gulls, etc. The chirping of birds nesting at Baga Gahana is sure to leave an indelible impression in any one¿s mind. Watching the wildlife in their natural habitat while cruising through the creeks is a thrilling experience. A trek on the laid out routes will also be equally rewarding.

Another amazing phenomenon of nature here is the visit of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles to Gahirmatha in lakhs twice every year between January and March to lay eggs en masse.

An unexpected additional attraction is the remains of the 9th century monument - a temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and the other, a Shakti Shrine at Dangmal.

Away from the blinding lights and deafening sound, Bhitarakanika is a different world altogether, a real retreat in the lap of nature. Once in here, the world outside will virtually disappear. Back in work place, the memory will haunt like a fairy tale.

Best time to visit Bhitarkanika National Park - October to June.

The world of nature is full of wonders sometimes tender, sometimes awe inspiring but all the time exciting. Some of them defy description and transcend perception. Such a land of rare and unmatched beauty is Bhitarkanika - a wonder in the wild.

Widely acclaimed for its biodiversity in flora and fauna, it is the second largest compact mangrove ecosystem in India. It is also a Sanctuary and National Park. Extending over more than six hundred square kilometers, it is one of the very few evergreen repositories of most luxuriant mangrove vegetation in the world. More than sixty varieties of mangrove plants are found here which provide home to a variety of rare and endangered species. The pneumatophores, better known as breathing roots, stand like sentries of the land.

Bounded by rivers on the three sides and the sea on the fourth, Bhitarkanika is criss- crossed by numerous creeks and canals which finally meet the sea and make the estuarine delta, the playground of the Bay of Bengal. When the tide enters, the forest floats and the water kisses the foliage. As it recedes, the multi layer mud flats on the banks of the creeks expose their bosom with fiddler crabs, mud skipper fish, little reptiles and the like. It's a sight to behold.

This deltaic region comprises a couple of tiny islands formed by the meandering creeks. With Dangmal at the centre stage (the others being Ekakula, Habalikhati etc), Bhitarakanika is a natural habitat of a lot of wild creatures like Crocodiles, King Cobra, Pythons, Wild Pigs, Rhesus Monkey, Sambars, Spotted Deer etc. There is a Crocodile Breeding Farm at Dangmal. The pride possession of this Farm is the White Crocodile Sankhua, a rare species in the World.

Over 170 species of resident and migratory birds of different hue enhance the beauty of the wild. Prominent among them are King Fisher, Open billed Storks, Sea Eagles, Kites, Sand Pipers, Darters, Whistling Teals, Sea Gulls, etc. The chirping of birds nesting at Baga Gahana is sure to leave an indelible impression in any one¿s mind. Watching the wildlife in their natural habitat while cruising through the creeks is a thrilling experience. A trek on the laid out routes will also be equally rewarding.

Another amazing phenomenon of nature here is the visit of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles to Gahirmatha in lakhs twice every year between January and March to lay eggs en masse.

An unexpected additional attraction is the remains of the 9th century monument - a temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and the other, a Shakti Shrine at Dangmal.

Away from the blinding lights and deafening sound, Bhitarakanika is a different world altogether, a real retreat in the lap of nature. Once in here, the world outside will virtually disappear. Back in work place, the memory will haunt like a fairy tale.

Best time to visit Bhitarkanika National Park - October to June.

How to Reach -

Permission to visit Bhitarakanika can be obtained from Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar, PIN: 754225, Ph: (06729) 272460 or Assistant Conservator of Forests, Chandbali, Pin. 756133, Ph: (06786) 220372 on payment of prescribed fees.

Bhitarakanika can be approached only through water ways. Most convenient entry points being -

Chandbali - (60 km from Bhadrak and 190 km from Bhubaneswar) Rajnagar - (30 km from Kendrapara and 130 km from Bhubaneswar) Gupti - (25 km from Rajnagar)

Motor boats are available on hire - Rajnagar to Dangmal - 3 hrs Chandbali to Dangmal - 2.5 hrs Gupti to Dangmal - 1.5 hrs Regular bus services are available to Chandbali and Rajnagar.

Nearest Rail head - Bhadrak (60 km from Chandbali) Balasore (110 km from Chandbali) Cuttack (110 km from Rajnagar) Bhubaneswar (190 km from Chandbali and 130 km from Rajnagar) Nearest Airport - Bhubaneswar.

Where to Stay -

Tourist can avail the following economical and comfortable accommodation within the Sanctuary. For reservation contact at Mangrive Forest Division(WL), Rajnagar, FAX/Phone: (06729) 272460(O), 272464(R) and Asst. Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Chandabali, Phone: (06786) 220072

Hotel's Name & Address Hotel's Name & Address Community Hall, Dangmal Annexee, Dangmal Forest Rest House, Ekakula Forest Rest House, Habelikothi Forest Rest House, Dangmal Dormitory, Dangmal.Ph.-272464/06729 Forest Rest House, Gupti. Aranya Nivas, Chandbali Forest Rest House, Chandbali

Tourist can also stay at Kendrapara (STD code-06727) -45 kms from Raj Nagar and 70 kms from Gupti. Economical and comfortable accommodation also available here.

Hotel's Name & Address Hotel's Name & Address Krishna Lodge, At/PO-Kesharapur, Kendrapara, Ph.-232571 Tulasi Lodge, At/Po-Iswarpur, Kendrapara, Ph.- 233775 Santosh Lodge, Kendrapara. Aram Lodge, Kendrapara, Ph.- 232319 Hotel Ananta Balia, New Bus stand, Kendrapara. Ph.- 221114 Hotel Golden Palace, New Bus Stand, Kendrapara, Ph.- 220512

Comming soon...........

Excursions -

Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary - Close to the Bhitar Kanika Sanctuary is another of Orissa's special sanctuaries - the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. This stretch of beach is the breeding ground for the giant Olive Ridley Turtles, who travel all the way from the Pacific Ocean to mate and lay their eggs here. Every year, thousands of these wondrous creatures come to lay eggs here. In order to protect the turtles, special arrangements have been made by the Government of Orissa.

Other Activities -

Coming soon...............