BHITARKANIKA
The Bhitarkanika sanctuary, covering an area of 650 Sq. Km.
is one of the best sanctuaries in the state as well in the country
so far as the reptilian faunas are concerned. Lying alongside
the Bay of Bengal is an enchanting mangrove forest and a crocodile
sanctuary, protecting the estuarine crocodiles from 1975 and
declared as a National Park in 1998.
While traversing the narrow water creeks of river-Brahmani,
Dhamra & Baitarani by motor boats you command bewitching
views of Nature. A thrilling experience awaits you as you trek
into the mangrove forest. The largest population of estuarine
crocodile and Olive Ridley sea Turtles and other reptilian species
like water Monitor Lizards, Pythons, Wild Pigs are seen. The
Birds Island with spotted deers are other attraction to the
sanctuary.
'Gahir Matha' sea beach, at a distance of 3.3 kms from Dangmal
Forest Rest House is perhaps the Largest Turtle breeding beach
in the World.
Note: -Necessary entry permits required from the forest Department
to visit and stay inside the Sanctuary. Best Time: - Nov.till
March 3rd week.
Tour: - Full Board Package.
ITINERARY - 1
Bhitarkanika & Gahimatha are accessible only by river waterways.
Most convenient points can be reached from Bhubaneswar by good
Motorable Road.
Starting Points: -
a) RAJNAGAR/GUPTI :-
Around 120 kms from Bhubaneswar. Both side to the road you will
find typical Orissan Villages. The scenery is magnificent. (Takes
four hours driving)
b) CHANDBALI:-
Around 190 kms through N.H.5 which 4 ½ hrs from Bhubaneswar
and 50 Kms from Bhadrak where good hotels also available.
DAY-1: After breakfast drive to the starting Points on
the way visit some villages. Lunch on Gupti Forest Bungalow.
Afternoon proceed is Dangmal forest Bungalow by motor launch
approximate one hour & half through tidal channels on river
Dhamara Brahamani, which changed its course taking with it the
fresh water flow converting the rivers of this area into a labyrinth
of tidal channels which changes dramatically with the tides.
Watch the lovely Sunset. Arrive the Forest Bungalow. Dinner
& Overnight.
(Four double bedded attached toilet (Indian style) or a 14-bedded
dormitory will be available, attached with dining hall and kitchen).
For catering we will carry all essential commodities. Space
available to fix tents if the strength increased. Bicycles can
be arranged to visit nearby Dangmal village, if time permits.)
DAY-2:
After breakfast visit captive breeding of Crocodiles in Pools
and feeding. This is the place where you can find albino Crocodile
(Only of its kind in India). You will also find hundreds of
spotted Deers in and around and heard the sounds of different
birds.
Later proceed to Bagabana (Birds Island) with Motor Launch.
The annual congregation of nesting of Birds from July to November.
Birds like open Billed storks, Egrets, Herons, White Ibis,
Lasser Adjutant Storks, Snake Birds, Green Pigeon, Emerald
Pigeon, Indian Robin, Jungle fowl and in Dec/January appear
the Pelican.
The Mud banks bejeweled with hundreds of fascinating Red Fiddler
Crab and their drab neighbor, the amphibious Mud Skipper fish.
Lunch break inside the Bhitarkanika Forest. Walk down 1 Km.
to the ruined Sight of the ancient Siva Temple near the Hunting
tower King. Both side of the forest you can watch activities
of wild animals. Back to the Motor Launch and continue journey
to Dangmal.
Arrive before sunset.
DAY-3: Morning
proceed to Gahirmath through the tidal channels. (Takes nearly
4 hours by Motor Launch)
Brilliant bursts of color flash by seven colorful species
of Kingfishers you can found during your journey. Some of
Estuarine Crocodile lay down in the mud flat, some also disappears
into the brackish depth. The only unique place of it kind
where you will find the big size crocodiles.
In the evening proceed to watch mass nesting of Sea Turtle.
Unique of its kind in the world on Gahirmatha Beach near Bay
of Bengal. (World largest rookery of Olive Ridley)
Best time : Middle of January to 3rd week and Beginning of
2nd week of March.
Overnight.
DAY-4:
Morning relax on the Beach. Later proceed to Gupti by Motor
Launch by 5 hrs. Lunch on Boat. Afternoon proceed to Bhubaneswar.
Itineraries can be extended as per the requirement and interest
of wild life observers.
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