The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary

The Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary is one wonderful place to see and experience the beauty of the olive Ridley Marine Turtles, coming out of the sea to lay their eggs and going back to the sea. Among the best wildlife sanctuaries in India, it was established mainly concerning the safety of the Olive Turtles as they come out of the sea to nest. Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in1975, the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary is located in the delta region of the Brahmani – Baitarani water bodies in the state of Orissa.

A motor boat ride on the river Brahmani & Baitarani gives you one of the best views of the picturesque wildlife sanctuary. The wildlife sanctuary forms a part of the second largest mangrove forest stretches in India. The sanctuary is famous for its reptiles.

Among the best natural habitats for an amazing variety of reptilian species, the sanctuary is set against the backdrop of the Bay of Bengal. Hosting the largest number of crocodiles, other reptiles like the Water Monitors, Lizards and snakes form a large part of the fauna of this Sanctuary.

Bordering the sanctuary is the Gahir Matha beach, where olive marine turtles come in thousands to lay their eggs. From November to April, you can see them coming out of the sea into the beach, where they dig holes and lay their eggs in them. They come from as far as South America and come annually. After laying their eggs they cover them with the sand they dug and go back to the sea. The tiny baby turtles, coming out of the eggs, start on their journey back home – the sea. These turtles need protection as they are prey to predatory birds as well as the local villagers, who kill them for food.

The wildlife Sanctuary is intersected with a number of small rivulets. These water bodies are the support system of not only the, birds and animals but is also home to crocodiles. Herds of deer can be seen roaming this sanctuary.

The numerous water bodies attract a large variety of birds, both resident and migratory. Especially the winters are a good time to go bird watching, as migratory birds flock to this sanctuary during this time.

The wildlife sanctuary famous for being the second largest mangrove forest in India has around 63 species of mangrove trees growing in it. Soneratia, Avicinia, Exocaeria, Heriteria, Phoenix and Rhizophora are some of the trees which provide a home to the fauna of this Sanctuary.