Bhitarkanika is India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem, a delta wilderness of creeks and tidal channels in Kendrapara district best known for the largest saltwater crocodiles recorded in India, including individuals exceeding 20 feet. It is explored almost entirely by boat.
Beyond crocodiles, the park protects a dense concentration of resident and migratory birdlife and, at nearby Gahirmatha beach, hosts one of the world's largest mass-nesting sites for Olive Ridley sea turtles.
Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and a national park in 1998, Bhitarkanika's mangrove forest supports over 60 mangrove and mangrove-associate species, providing critical breeding habitat for saltwater crocodiles under a long-running conservation and captive-breeding programme managed by the state forest department.
Gahirmatha, within the wider protected area, is recognised as one of the largest Olive Ridley turtle mass-nesting (arribada) sites in the world, typically occurring between January and March.
3 Days / 2 Nightswildlife · nature · photography
Bhubaneswar — Bhitarkanika — Kendrapara
9 Days / 8 Nightswildlife · nature
Bhubaneswar — Baripada — Similipal — Bhitarkanika — Satkosia — Chilika
7 Days / 6 Nightsbeach · nature · culture
Puri — Konark — Astaranga — Paradeep — Chandipur — Talsari
Wildlife · 9 min read
Similipal National Park's tiger reserve, Bhitarkanika's saltwater crocodile habitat and Satkosia's gorge sanctuary are Odisha's three principal wildlife destinations, each with government-controlled opening and permit rules.
Safety · 7 min read
Cyclone season along Odisha's coast runs roughly June to October, sea-bathing should be limited to lifeguard-patrolled zones, and wildlife reserves and tribal areas carry their own specific rules that are worth knowing in advance.
Speak with a specialist
No forms — just message us on WhatsApp or call. Our Bhubaneswar-based team replies with a written, day-by-day itinerary and a clear quotation.
Prefer email? Write to odishatourpackagespvtltd@gmail.com
