Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary And National Park

India / Orissa / Chandbali /
 endangered species habitat, wetland, nature conservation park / area
FAMOUS FOR NESTING OF OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES ON GAHIRMATHA BEACH, MANGROVES,MARSH CROCODILES AND OTHER TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE .
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhitarkanika
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   20°38'13"N   86°55'56"E

Comments

  • we are proud of our ecological surounding.
  • it is a wounderful place,everybody should go once.
  • it was a wonderful tourist place. the place is not developed properly because negeliance our state govt.
  • Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary (BKWS) was created in 1975 to preserve the rich biodiversity and the pristine beauty of nature in the Brahmani-Baitarani (Dhamra) deltaic region of coastal Orissa.The core area of the Sanctuary was later designated as Bhitarkanika National Park (BKNP) in 1988. Bhitarkanika has been designated a Ramsar site (Wetland of international importance), the 2nd in the state, in 2002.The area has been proposed to be declared as a Biosphere Reserve. Located in Kendrapara District, the Sanctuary and National Park offer numerous opportunities to celebrate and conserve nature. Main Visitor Attractions Water Monitor-the Largest Indian Wizard A 3.5 Kilometers long trek in Bhitarkanika Forest Block that passes through the ruins of an ancient village of old mariners is exciting as well as enjoyable. The sight of tilted Shiva temple, lotus pond, an old shooting tower and collapsed structure of the palace covered under rank growth as well as Kanika paface bring alive the glorious past of this area. Landscape feature The deltaic region is surrounded by the rivers Bramhani and Baitarani, and sea. The area is criss-crossed by numerous creeks and creeklets and tidal rivers, and rivulets. The dominant vegetation type is mangrove.The terrain is influenced by tidal action which is dependent on the lunar cycle. Wild animals to be seen Basking Saltwater Crocodile Leopard cat, fishing cat, jungle cat, hyena, wild boar, spotted deer, sambar, po rcupine, dolphin, saltwater crocodile including partially white (sankhua)crocodile, python, king cobra, water monitor lizard,terrapin,marine turtle, kingfisher, wood pecker,hornbill, bar headed geese, Brahminy duck, pintail,white bellied sea eagle, tern, sea gull, waders and a large variety of resident and migratory birds. Climate The climate of the sanctuary is moderate. The best time to visitis from September to March. With the onset of monsoonic winds from mid-March, rivers become turbulent, particularly at the confluence of two rivers and river mouth areas. Thunderstorms,squally winds occur during late forenoons and afternoon hours from mid-march to mid-June. During this period boat ride in these rivers is risky except during morning hours. It is advisable to plan a trip to Bhitarkanika taking into consideration the weather forecast report and the warning signals given at the Paradip and Chandbali ports. The visitors should be mentally prepared for sudden change in weather conditions in course of a visit to the Park.
  • How to reach there By Air Shiva Temple in Bhitarkanika Forest Block The starting point for any visit to BKNP from outside the state is the State capital Bhubaneswar (Biju Pattanaik Airport). Direct flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkatta to Bhubaneswar. By Rail By rail, tourists from Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai may come to Bhubaneswar, while tourists from Kolkatta find it convenient to get down to Bhadrak Railway Station. By road Approximately 300 kms by road (7 hours trip) from Kolkatta to Bhadrak on NH-5. The drive continues through the towns of Baripada, Balesore, etc. From Bhadrak a link road goes to Chandbali (55 kms) located on the bank of river Brahmani. From Kolkatta, both private and state run buses to the region can also be availed. Entry Points Bhitarkanika can be approached by registered boat from several entry points like Rajnagar, Chandbali, Gupti or Dhamara... Kanika Palace Rajnagar is the hqrs of the Division administering the sanctuary and is approximately 130 Km. from the State Capital, Bhubaneswar. The road passes via Cuttack, Kendrapara and Pattamundai. Chandbali is 174 km. from Bhubaneswar, and 55 kms from Bhadrak on the Kolkata-Chennai Railway line. Gupti, 25 Km. by road from Rajnagar is also a convenient base for visiting the sanctuary. Dhamara (a fishing harbour) is approximately 50 Km. from Basudevpur which is 60 kms from Balesore and 35 kms from Bhadrak, both districts hqrs. Suitable period of visit A Herd of Spotted Deer Winter and early summer (October to mid April) Contacts Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar, Dist-Kendrapara, (Orissa) Pin: 754225, Phone: 06729-272460 Fax: 06729-272464 Assistant Conservator of Forests, Chandbali Pin: 756133, Phone: 06786-220072
  • Accommodation facilities at entry points Chandbali PWD IB (2 suites) OTDC Aranya Nivas (6 double bedded Room-And one Dormitory (12 beds) Private lodges are also available Rajnagar PWD IB (2 suites) Irrigation IB (to be made functional) Dhamara Port IB (2 suites) Gupti Irrigation IB (2 suites) FD Rest shed (One Room with 4 beds) OTDC Pantha Nivas (4 suites, 8 beds) Entry permit FRH at Dangamal Rajnagar/Chandbali/Dangmal Permits for visiting the sanctuary are issued from the office of Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar and by the Forester, Chandbali, whose office is at the visitors hall. Persons visiting from Dhamara side can avail entry permits from Dangmal. Prior reservation of accommodation inside Bhitarkanika can be made from the office of the Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar through postal correspondence. Travel routes within the sanctuary Raj nag a r-Kho I a-Dang ma I by river route (3 hrs.by boat) Rajnagar-Gupti-Dangmal by land/river route (1 hour, by road 3 hour by boat) Rajnagar-Gupti-Ekakula by land / river route (1 hour by land and 4 hours by boat) Rajnagar-Gupti-Habalikhati by land / river route (41/z hrs by boat and 1 hour by land) FRH at Ekakula Rajnagar-Khola-Dhamra by river route (4 hrs) Rajnagar-Khola-Talch.ua by river route (4 hours) Rajnagar-Khola-Kalibhanjadia {4 hrs byboat) Dangmal-Gupti-Ekakula (4 hrs by boat) Dangmal-Gupti-Habalikhati(4 hrs by boat) Dangmal-Khola-Dhamra (3 hrs by boat) Dangmal-Khola-Kalibhanjadia (3 hrs by boat) Chandbali-Khola- Dangmal-Habalikhati-Ekakula (8 hrs by boat) Chandbali-Talchua-Ekakula-Habalikhati (8 hrs by boat) Dhamra-Kalibhanjadia-Talchua (1 1/2 hrs. by boat) Dhamra-Khola-Dangmal (31/2 hrs by boat) Dhamra-Habalikhati-Ekakula (4 hrs by boat) Dhamra-Rajnagar-Barunei- Hukitola (8 hrs by boat) Jetty at Dangmal The travel times mentioned above are only inidicative. These are influenced to a great extent by prevailing wind, tides, water current and type of boat. Private vendors ply mechanised boats on many of these routes to cater to the visitors. The following river routes are inhabited by Crocodiles. (Khola creek, Suajora creek, Thanapati creek, Mahisamada creek, Pathsala river, Bhitarkanika river, Dhamra river, Mantei river, Baunsagarh river and Hansina creek.) Boat facilities Road Leading to Saltwater Corocodile Research Center Dangmal Chandbali OTDC boats 2 Nos (capacity: 30 persons, each) IWT boats 2 Nos (capacity: 30 persons, each) Private boats (capacity: upto 20 persons, each) Service Motor launches of Inland Water Transport (IWT) are available from Chandbali to Rajnagar via Nalitapatia daily which starts from Chandbali at 6.00AM. From Nalitapatia one can go to Dangmal either by walk or trolley rickshaw. Rajnagar Private boats - capacity upto 20 persons, each. Service motor launches of Inland Water Transport (IWT) are available from Rajnagar to Chandbali via Nalitapatia daily which starts from Rajnagar at 2.00 pm. From Nalitapatia one can go to Dangmal either by walk or trolley rickshaw. Gupti Private boats- capacity upto 20 each Dhamara Private boats -capacity upto 20 each • Fishing trawlers are also available on hire. # Besides the above, Forest Department patrol boats, if available, can be hired at the following rates: Saltwater Crocodile Rearing Center Dangmal (a) ML Baula: Capacity-30; @ Rs.1500/- per day excluding fuel. (b) MV Kashyap: Capacity-30; @ Rs.1500/- per day excluding fuel. (c) House Boat: Capacity-15; @ Rs.1000/- per day excluding fuel. (d) MB No. Ill: Capacity- 5; @ Rs. 700/- per day excluding fuel. ACCOMMODATION INSIDE THE SANCTUARY DANGAMAL • FRH with a common kitchen space (4 suites: 8 beds): Rs. 150/- per suite per day. • Community hall (2 rooms: 8 beds): Rs.200/- per room per day. • Annexe (2 rooms: 4 beds): Rs. 100/- per room per day. • Dormitory (1 room:16 beds): Rs. 40/- per bed per day. GUPTI • Rest shed (3 rooms: 6 beds): Rs.150/- per room per day. HABALIKHATI • Tourist cottage (2 rooms: 8 beds): Rs200/- per cottage per day. • Log cabin (1 room: 8 beds): Rs.40/- per bed per day. KALIBHANJADIA ISLAND • Rest shed (1 room: 8 beds): Rs.4O/- per bed per day. *FOOD Canteen facility at Dangmal There is a private canteen at Dangmal near the Interpretation Centre which is about 1 km. from Dangmal jetty and about 4 km. from Naliatapatia Jetty. A villager from Dangmal runs the canteen and provides very simple and frugal meals to visitors. Vegetarian meal (consisting of rice, dal, sabji and bhaji) may cost around Rs.20/- per meal. Non-vegetarian meal (consisting of rice, dal, fish curry and sabji) may cost around Rs. 30/- per meal. (On request special curry and special items may be prepared).
  • SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS Bagagahan (nesting site of wetland birds) One of the significant features of the avifauna of Bhitarkanika is the colonial nesting of large numbers of local migrants and resident water birds in an island forest block known as Bhitarkanika forest block. These birds congregate in large numbers with the onset of monsoons and utilise the mangrove trees for nesting. Hypocotyls of Mangroves It is about V2 hr journey from Dangmal jetty. Getting down from boat one has to walk on a specially designed wooden path to reach the watch tower for observing the birds. It is an area inside Bhitarkanika Forest Block where 11 species of resident as well as local migratory birds nest over mangrove tree canopy. Varieties of migratory birds from nearby and far off countries migrate to the feeding and wintering habitats in the sanctuary every year during winter and early summer. The intertidal zone, mudflats, forested wetlands as well as newly emerging islands provide ideal habitats to a number species of migratory birds. These winter migrants include waterfowl like Ducks, Geese, Grebes, Sea Gulls, Terns, Plovers, Sandpipers and Godwits. Expected sightings at Dangmal (a) Basking crocodiles on the mud flat, spotted deer and Monitor lizard. (b) Varieties of King fishers on rivers and creeks. (c) Pristine mangroves with pneumatophores and stilt roots. (d) Blooming Pani Amba, a unique mangrove species. (e) Waders on the creek banks. (f) Mud skippers. (g) Varieties of crabs. (h) Fire flies on mangrove trees during night. CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ANTIQUITY The area has a rich cultural and historical antiquity which a visitor can appreciate if he moves about the Kanika Palace, temple of lord Jagannath at Righagarh, Pentha, Keradagarh, temple of goddess Durga at Dangmal, Panchubarahi temple at Satabhaya, temple of lord Shiva at Aradi. Tracks and Trails TRAILS IN KANIKA RANGE (across the river from Dangmal) Over 3.5 km. trail within the forest block of Kanika Range leads to the following places: > Renovated ancient Shiva Temple. > Silted lotus pond. > Erstwhile shooting tower of Kanika Raj. > Watch tower overlooking the meadows of Bhitarkanika. TRAILS IN RAJNAGAR RANGE There is a 12 km long kacha road from Gupti to Satabhaya. > Sea beach (from Ekakula - Satabhaya to Chinchiri). > Sea beach (from Chinchiri to Barunei). TREK PREPARATION Trekking expeditions can be a part of mangrove-trekking through Bhitarkanika or beach-trekking in Gahirmatha coast. The trekkers are advised to chalk out the programme after taking into consideration the weather condition. Visitors should wear appropriate dress for each season. Along with rain gear, sun screen and clothing items like insulated vest / Jacket, rain proof parka one should also have adjustable walking stick, water bottle, high-grade water filter, multi-blade knife, etc. Overnight stay may have additional requirement of portable folding tents, sleeping bags, insulated mats, cooking utensils, ration for food preparation or packed food,etc. This is not a fully comprehensive list of such items and one should consult knowledgeable individuals if one is planning a multi-day trek to ensure that you are properly equipped and informed. A trekker to the BKWS / BKNP planning to go for beach trekking or to Bhitarkanika Forest Block should be in good physical condition and the choice of trekking routes are strenuous and the trekkers may have to walk through the mud of intertidal zones. The trekker is expected to respect the physical environment, and customs of the local people. When one is walking on mud, the attention has to be on the next step. Periodic rest and stop during a multi-day trek provides opportunities to appreciate the natural environment. There are a few designated resting / camping sites which have been indicated in this book. The local guides / boatmen will be of help in selecting a place to camp which is safe for the night. Failure to follow the advice of boatmen or failure to set careful limits can result in tragedy. Know your limits and limits of the boats, Don't endangeryourself or others. COMMUNICATION A wireless communication system covering all important points within and around the park has been established. During emergency this communication network will usually be available to multi-day trekkers through the established base stations. At present the VHF Base Stations of the communication network in BKNP are located at places like Rajnagar, Chandbali, Gupti, Dangmal and Ekakula. PASSPORT / VISA / INSURANCE Foreign visitors are required to produce valid passport, visa and insurance. ABSOLUTE PROHIBITION WITHIN BKNP/BKWS • No fire arms, weapons, bows and arrows, or fire crackers. • No pets allowed. • No kindling of fire (except cooking fires) or smoking. • No shouting, teasing, or chasing wild animals. • No Musical instrument (except within a rest house and only at low pitch). • No hunting. • No damaging or removal of any wildlife, trees, display signs, or the boundary marks of the NP / Sanctuary / Forest Blocks Trekkers must show valid permits to Field Forest Officers during trekking and at camping places. Unauthorised entry, fishing, trapping, killing of wild animals, use of injurious substance, trade in wildlife and wildlife products are prohibited under the law.
  • This is a wonderful place to know the nature and culture of the wild beings and human beings. let us enjoy the time and glorify God.
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This article was last modified 10 years ago