The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is covered with coasts, creeks, islands, rivers, and canals, making it the finest destination for summer holidays. Here travelers see the amazing avifauna, reptiles, and mammal folk of the sanctuary, there are the Mangroves prepared to guide them to be compatible. Spanning an extensive area of 672 square kilometers, the Bhitarkanika National Park in Orissa holds the distinction of being India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem.
Positioned near the Bay of Bengal, the soil benefits from salt infusion, fostering a diverse array of vegetation and species commonly associated with tropical and subtropical intertidal zones. This sanctuary is most popular for endangered saltwater crocodiles, it is a notable part of the region’s charm. Yet the eastern border is devised by Gahirmatha Beach, which is known as the vast territory of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
History of Bhitarkanika National Park
Historically, this area has served as the hunting site for the royal Raj Kanika family, but nowadays it is conceded for its rich absorption of Mangrove trees. Overspread both forests and marshlands, these trees describe the region’s ecosystem. Bhitarkanika National Park, a 145 square kilometer section within the sanctuary, delivers a striking atmosphere for several biodiversities. Established in the aqueduct region of Brahmani-Baitarani and adjacent to the Bay of Bengal, the sanctuary also confines a vast web of rivers, creeks, backwaters, and mud flats, creating it an important site for acute flora and fauna.
Fauna And Flora in Bhitarkanika National Park Safari
In Bhitarkanika National Park, you see 215 bird species, eight kingfisher varieties, and migratory birds from Europe and Central Asia, this place is best for bird lovers. This sanctuary is residence to a vast variety of reptiles, mammals, and vertebrates. Along with this, here you see Venomous cobras, endangered water monitor lizards, Indian pythons, Chitals, jungle cats, otters, wild pigs, Rhesus monkeys, spotted deer, Sambar, Wild boar, and fishing cats.
In this national park, you spot birds like Asian Open Bill, Black Ibis, cormorants, sandpipers, Whistling teals, sea eagles, and seagulls. To deliver an unforgettable background, Bhitarkanika National ParkOrissa tours are settled for travelers. Facilities are available at forest houses in Dangmal and Gupti.
Best Places To Visit in Bhitarkanika
1. Shiva Temple- Near Bhitarkanika, the ancient Shiva Temple is the prime attraction for many travelers. Now it is renovated which has boosted the peach of these antique monuments.
2. Kanika King Palace- This is a beautiful palace, situated in Bhitarkanika. Kanika King Palace is a famous tourist place.
3. Shooting Tower- In ancient times, Bhitarkanika was the hunting ground for the Zamindar family of Raj Kanika. The tower previously served as the filming location for family hunters.
4. Simlipal National Park- Simlipal National Park is a home of many tigers and it is a vital part of the Project Tiger campaign. In this national park, you see crocodiles, sloth bears, wild bears, elephants, wolves, and leopards. You see many Sal trees and a minimum of twelve rivers in Simlipal National Park.
5. Pushpagiri- Pushpagiri is situated near the Bhitarkanika. This is an awing place to explore, here you see many Buddhist remains. The stupas and monuments show the Buddhist culture and natural beauty will hold your breadth. So must visit Pushpagiri during your Bhitarkanika trip.
6. Puri- Puri is situated near the Bhitarkanika, this place is the home of the famous Lord Jagannath Temple. Puri is one of the four prime holy centers in India. Situated on the Bay of Bengal, the city is also the site of several famous temples like Gundicha Ghar Temple, Sakshigopal Temple, and Loknath Temple. The remarkable Rath-Yatra in Puri will fulfill your trip to observe a visit to the Chilika Lake.
7. Bhubaneswar- Bhubaneswar is an old city with an old history and this is also a prime attraction for tourists all over the year. Your Odisha trip is not complete without visiting Bhubaneswar. There are many prime attractions in this city like Mukteswar Temple, Khandangiri-Udayagiri caves, Dhauligiri, Nandan Kanan Zoo, and many others.
8. Chilika Lake- The Chilika Lake is the biggest seaside lagoon in the country. The lake is most famous for its type of threatened and periodic species. This lake is home to several migratory birds that come from all over the world. One of the popular attractions named Nalaban Island is situated in the Lagoon, which disappears during monsoon due to flood. This lake is quite famous for fishing and angling, Chilika Lake stands as an exquisite destination for nature enthusiasts, offering a captivating experience amidst its natural wonders.
Best Time To Visit
Winter (October-February)- Make a Bhitarkanika National Park tour plan in winter, the finest time to explore the wildlife sanctuary. In winter, temperature go below 16 C, the climate remains cool and pleasant. In winter, most animals come out into the open, making it a perfect time to capture rare species here. Along with this, in winter you see Migratory birds that travel from Europe and Central Asia.
Summer (March-September)- The start of the summer is also the most pleasant time to visit Bhitarkanika National Park. But in May, the temperature begins to increase and becomes too hot for any kind of outdoor activity around the sanctuary. The park closes from 14th May to 31st July.