Considered among the most appealing wildlife sanctuaries of Asia, Bhitarakanika National park is home to more than 215 species of birds and is populated by the Giant salt-water Crocodiles and several other species like Water Monitor Lizard, Indian Python and King Cobra.
Bhitarkanika National Park is surrounded by Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary that is located in the north-east region of Kendrapara district in the state of Odisha in eastern India. Tourists from all over the world are attracted by its lonesome beaches and exciting trails those are finding their ways through the dense forests offering thrilling boat rides.
Sprawling over 145 square km (56 sq mi), Bhitarakanika was designated as a ‘National Park’ on 16 September 1998 and being a rare example of natural wetland, UNESCO also acknowledged it as a ‘Ramsar Site’ on 19 August 2002. Being highlighted with Brahmani, Baitrani Delta, backwaters, estuaries, and brooks, the National park also takes the credit of the world’s second largest mangrove ecosystem.
The Land of White Crocodiles :
Known for its inhabitants, Bhitarakanika is sheltering around 1,742 Crocodiles currently, while 44 years back their count was 90 only. The park makes its mark, by having Crocodiles that are 23 feet long! Apart from that the park is also the Guinness World Record holder for owning a skeleton of 19.8 feet long estuarine crocodile. A museum and Hatchery that has been developed at Dangmal, is a major tourist point of the area.
The Park’s Rich Animal kingdom :
Bhitarakanika is rich with varied Animalia. In its winged animal section there are – Kingfisher, Sea Gull, Woodpecker, Brahminy Ducks, Wader, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Hornbill, etc. can be spotted along the many creeks and riverines within the park.
Its reptile world consists of – Water Monitor Lizard, Yellow Monitor Lizard, Indian Monitor Lizard, Indian chameleon, Indian Python, Green Viper, Estuarine sea snakes, Sand Skink, Branded Kraits, Saltwater Crocodile, etc.
The park holds fishes like – Mudskippers, Bhetki, Kantia, Acer fish, Pufferfish, Glassfish, etc.
Besides all these visitor can also find Indian wild boars, Chital, Small Indian civet, Common Mongoose, Fishing Cats, Leopard Cat, Indian porcupine, Hyena, Jungle cat, Rhesus monkeys, etc. The reserved forest is a dewlling place for 5,000 deers as well.
The park’s eye-catching Flora :
Apart from its rich fauna, Bhitarkanika National Park is also famous for its prominent verdure. A wide range of flora like Casuarinas, Sundari, Palas, Thespia, Zizphus, Teak, Bamboo, Babul, Salaia, Indigo bush, etc. are found over here.
Visitor’s Guide :
People who are interested to visit this place can be suggested some more popular tourist places in and around Bhitarkanika, like Garhimata Beach/ National Park, Shooting Tower, Silted Lotus Pond, and Meadow Tower. Along with these, tourists are highly recommended for enthralling boat rides in the creeks of the forest and the best time for it, is early morning or before sunset.
With all such above wealth, Bhitarkanika has a very rich historical and cultural past too. It used to be the favourite hunting grounds of the bygone King of Kanika. Today the hunting towers and artificial watering holes can be noticed at many places including Bhitarkanika trail and at Dangmal. It also holds a galore of medieval Hindu temples which can be found dotted throughout the sanctuary. But the focus remains on the wildlife wealth of the place.
