Bhitar Kanika Marine National Park in Kendrapara
· Summer: 19°C-45°C
· Winter: 4°C-22°C
· Monsoon: June-August
Best time to visit:
October-March
Opening Time: 06:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 06:00 p.m.
Weekly Holiday: Open 7 days a week.
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: INR 1
Children:
N/A
Cameras: INR 25
Video Camera: INR 500
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
INR 10
Children:
N/A
Cameras:
INR 50
Video Camera:
N/A
One of the greatest mangrove wetlands in the world, Bhitarkanika Mangroves are home to lavish biodiversity, ranging from a significant population of saltwater crocodiles and occasionally visiting giant turtles to diverse species of reptiles and birds. Located in the delta formed by Rivers Brahmani, Dhamra and Baitarani and near to the Bay of Bengal, Bhitar Kanika enjoys multiple designations of a national park, a marine park and a wildlife sanctuary.
Saltwater crocodiles and white crocodiles (including some of the world’s longest males) are indeed the prime attractions of the place. However, the place attracts more numbers of tourists every year when Olive Ridley sea turtles nest at Gahirmatha Beach located in the park.
One can encounter numerous wild species including wild pigs, rhesus monkeys, spotted deer, king cobras and pythons. In addition, the park is home to a wide variety of indigenous and migratory birds like kingfishers, kites, sandpipers, darters, teals and many more. Motorboat rides can be enjoyed to different islands and wildlife exploration points.
Warnings
Entry permit must be obtained at Rajnagar or Chandbali. Don’t enter the restricted areas of the park.
Connectivites
Road:
The national park is accessible by waterways on motorboats that are available at different entry points like Chandbali, Rajnagar and Gupti. Each of these entry points is well-connected by road to the nearby destinations like Cuttack, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Bhadrak and Balasore. State transport buses and taxis are available to reach these points.
Railway:
Bhadrak Railway Station is about 55 km. away from the main entry point at Chandbali. Trains to and from the station are connected to the destinations like Puri, Bhubaneswar, Allahabad, Kanpur, Kolkata, Delhi, Visakhapatnam and Chennai.
Airway:
Bhubaneswar Airport is located at the distance of about 135 km. from Chandbali. It serves as the access point for the tourists hailing form destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Nagpur and Visakhapatnam. Taxis and cabs from the airport are easily available to reach the national park’s entry points.