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Location
: Rajnagar Tehsil, Kendrapa District, Orissa
Main Attraction : Estuarine Crocodile & Pacific Ridley Sea
Turtles
Must Visit : Gahirmatha
Best Time To Visit : Mid-October To Mid-March
Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, situated on the delta of
Brahmani-Baitarani river systems is located in Rajnagar Tehsil of
Kendrapara district. It is the second largest viable stretch of mangrove
forest in the Indian mainland.
The area is intersected by a network of tidal creeks and rivulets, with
varieties of wildlife, particularly crocodiles in water, herds of deer on
the bank and migratory birds in the sky, making the place a nature's
wonderland. Covering an area of 170-sq-kms, Bhitarkanika has been declared
as a wildlife sanctuary since 1975.
FLORA
Out of seventy-two species of Mangroves identified in the world,
sixty-three species are found in Bhitarkanika. Some of the species are
Avicinia, Exocaeria, Rhizophora, Soneratia, Heriteria and Phoenix, etc.
FAUNA
Reptiles are the dominant species here. The area is equally rich in mamals,
birds, amphibians and fishes besides insects and other micro fauna. This
has the largest concentration of estuarine crocodiles with as large as
22feet. The Gahirmatha beach in this sanctuary is also the largest rookery
of "Olive Ridley" turtles in the world.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Temple Of Nahak Babu
Interestingly here one finds temples, sculptures, mud forts and pattery
datable to the 10th-11th century A.D. The temple of "Nahak Babu"
is a renovated 'Khakara' temple and enshrines Durga, 'Uma Maheswar' and
other sculptures. Another small but compact and beautiful temple built in
sand stones of rich hue is found closely.
Gahirmatha
Situated slightly further away is the coastal area of Gahirmatha, where
the giant Pacific Ridley Sea Turtles, travelling annually from as far away
as South America nest by the millions. Special arrangements were made to
ensure their protection as the turtles were preyed upon by the local folk
many years ago.
WHERE TO STAY
Accomodation can be availed by obtaining prior reservation from the
Divisional Officer, Rajnagar for the following places.
Forest Rest Houses & Tourist Cottages
Forest Rest House at Dangmal
Forest Rest House at Ekakula
Forest Rest Shed at Gupti
Dormitory at Dangmal
Tourist Cottage at Ekakula
Log Cabin on sea at Habalakhati
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