Bhitarkanika is a Sanctuary and National Park extending at an area of six hundred square kilometers in Orissa. It is the second largest Mangrove ecosystem in India. More than sixty varieties of Mangrove plants are found here which provide a home to a variety of rare and endangered species. Bhitarkanika is bounded by river in three sides as well as sea at the other. Numerous canals and creeks criss-crossed Bhitarkanika WLS which finally meet at the sea (Bay of Bengal) and form the Estuarine Delta.

This deltaic region comprises a couple of tiny islands formed by the meandering creeks with the Dangmal at the centre. The others are Ekakula, Habalikhati etc. Bhitarkanika is a natural habitat for Crocodiles, King Cobra, Pythons, Wild Pigs, Rhesus Monkey, Spotted Deer etc. There is a Crocodile breeding firm in Dangmal. Another amazing phenomenon of nature here is the visit of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles to Gahirmatha in lakhs twice every year to lay eggs en masses.

Permission to visit Bhitarkanika can be obtained from, Divn. Forest officer, Rajnagar, Orissa, India – 754225, Ph: +91-6729-272460 or Asst. Consv. of Forests, Chandbali, Orissa, India – 756133, Ph: +91-6786-220372. Best Season – October to June.

To Reach
By Air – Bhubaneswar and Kolkata are the two nearest Airports.

By Rail – Nearest Railhead is Bhadrak, which is 60 kms from Chndbali. Other major stations like Balasore and Cuttack both are at a distance of 11 kms from Chandbali & Rajnagar respectively.

By Road – Bhitarkanika can be approached by water ways. Most convenient entry points can be Chandbali (190 km from Bhubaneswar), Rajnagar (130 kms from Bhubaneswar), Gupti (25 kms from Rajnagar)