Bhitarkanika National Park National Park

Address: Bhitarkanika National Park, Kendrapara District, Odisha, India

Website: https://forest.odisha.gov.in/

Hours: Park areas typically open from dawn to dusk; boat safaris run early morning and late afternoon (seasonal)

Admission: Entry and boat fees vary; approximate park entry and croc-boat fees apply (check Odisha Forest Department for current rates)

Bhitarkanika National Park is a mangrove-dominated protected area on the north-eastern coast of Odisha, India, protecting estuarine wetlands and tidal creeks. It is internationally important for its mangrove forests and for sizeable populations of estuarine wildlife, particularly saltwater crocodiles.

The park’s highlights are its maze of mangrove creeks navigable by small boat and its large bird populations, including resident and migratory species. Visitors commonly take guided boat safaris to view crocodiles, herons, egrets and other waterbirds, and the park is also associated with nearby marine turtle nesting sites on the coast.

Bhitarkanika was designated and managed as a protected area to conserve its mangrove habitats and wildlife; protection measures expanded in the late 20th century to improve conservation and control of human impacts. The area is managed for biodiversity conservation and regulated visitor access.

The park lies in the estuarine delta of the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers in Kendrapara district on Odisha’s northeast coast, with access from nearby coastal towns and villages.

• Mangroves and crocodiles: The park conserves one of India’s largest contiguous mangrove ecosystems and is particularly noted for its substantial population of saltwater (estuarine) crocodiles.
• Best wildlife viewing: Wildlife is best observed by boat through the creeks, and winter months are preferred for migratory birdwatching while crocodile sightings are most frequent from shore and on early-morning boat trips.

What to See#

• Mangrove creeks: Interlocking tidal creeks and dense mangrove forest that form the principal wetland habitats of the park and are navigated by small boats for wildlife viewing.
• Mudflats and tidal channels: Areas of mudflats and tidal channels that support large numbers of resident and migratory waterbirds and provide feeding grounds for estuarine wildlife.
• Bhitarkanika protected area: The broader protected landscape encompassing mangroves and adjacent estuarine areas that is managed for wildlife conservation, notably saltwater crocodiles and bird colonies.

Bhitarkanika is in Kendrapara District, Odisha. The nearest railhead is Bhadrak or Cuttack (about 100-150 km); road transfers from Bhubaneswar or Cuttack to the park entrance at Chandbali or Dhamra are common. Local boat safaris depart from designated forest department jetties; arrange permits in advance through the Odisha Forest Department.

• Book a government-licensed boat for the mangrove creeks - private boats are not recommended for conservation and safety reasons.
• Arrive at dawn to hear gharials, monitor lizards and the first bird flights; light is best for photography then.
• Carry insect repellent and waterproof shoes-the mangrove paths and boat landings are wet and mosquito-prone.