Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary

Introducing Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary

Three rivers flow out to sea at Bhitarkanika forming a tidal maze of muddy creeks and mangroves. Most of this 672-sq-km delta forms Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary (272460; permit Indian/foreigner per day Rs 20/1000). A significant ecosystem, it contains 63 of the world’s 75 mangrove varieties. Hundreds of estuarine crocodiles, some 6m-plus monsters, bask on mud flats waiting for the next meal to swim by. Dangmar Island contains a successful breeding and conservation programme for these crocodiles. Less dangerous creatures are pythons, water monitors, wild boar and timid deer. The best time to visit is from December to February.

Bird-watchers will find eight species of brilliantly coloured kingfishers, plus 190 other bird species. A large heronry on Bagagaham Island is home for herons that arrive in early June and nest until November. Raucous open-billed storks have set up a permanent rookery here.

The sanctuary also protects the Gahirmatha nesting beach of the endangered olive ridley turtles. Gahirmatha is out of bounds due to a missile-testing site on one of the nearby Wheeler Islands. Rushikulya is a more accessible nesting beach.

Last updated: Mar 2, 2009