There are many beautiful and amazing places in India. The Taj Mahal and Kerala’s backwaters are two examples of places that are famous all over the world. But there are still a lot of great places that not many people know about. One of these gems is Bhitarkanika National Park, which is in the Kendrapara district of Odisha.
Bhitarkanika is a must-see if you love nature, animals, rivers, and peace. Because of its wide mangrove forests, many rivers, and rich wildlife, it is often called the “Mini Amazon of India.” We’ll talk about what makes Bhitarkanika so special, what you can do there, and why you should go there in this blog.
Where is Bhitarkanika National Park located?
The Bay of Bengal is close to Bhitarkanika National Park, which is in Odisha on India’s eastern coast. It is in the Kendrapara district, which is about 170 kilometers from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha.
The Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra rivers surround the area. These rivers make Bhitarkanika one of the most beautiful natural places in India because they provide a home for many different types of plants and animals.
What Makes Bhitarkanika Unique
Bhitarkanika is different from other parks and forests. There are mangrove forests, mudflats, rivers, and islands all in one place. You can feel the freshness of nature all around you when you enter this area. The green trees, calm water, and birds singing make the place feel peaceful.
The saltwater crocodiles are one of the best things about Bhitarkanika. These crocodiles are some of the biggest in the world. You can see them resting on the banks of the river or slowly moving through the water when you take a boat ride.
There are also a lot of rare birds, deer, monitor lizards, and snakes in Bhitarkanika. You might even see a python or an otter if you’re lucky. During the winter, a lot of migratory birds come to the area, making it a bird lover’s paradise.
Things to Do in Bhitarkanika National Park
There are a lot of things to see and do in Bhitarkanika. Here are some of the best things to do:
1. Safari by boat
The boat safari is the best thing to do in Bhitarkanika. You will take a boat through the mangrove forests and get to see crocodiles, birds, and other animals up close. The air is fresh and the rivers are calm. Everyone who comes here should take this peaceful ride.
2. Finding Saltwater Crocodiles
Bhitarkanika is known for its huge saltwater crocodiles. Some of them can grow as long as 20 feet! The forest department sets up safe boat trips so that people can see these reptiles from a distance. Bring your camera because these animals are amazing to see in the wild.
3. Watching Birds
Bhitarkanika is like heaven for people who love birds. There are more than 200 types of birds here, such as kingfishers, herons, egrets, ibises, and openbill storks. Many migratory birds come from places like Siberia and Central Asia in the winter.
4. Go to the Crocodile Breeding Center
This center is in Dangmal and helps protect and grow the number of saltwater crocodiles. You can find out how to take care of these reptiles and even see baby crocodiles up close.
5. Look around the mangrove forests
The mangroves are what make Bhitarkanika so unique. It feels magical to walk through these forests or see them from a boat. The trees grow in the muddy water, and their roots make interesting shapes that look like art made by nature.
6. Go to nearby villages
You can see what life is like in the villages around Bhitarkanika. You can meet the locals, try traditional Odia food, and see how people live in harmony with nature.
7. Look at Olive Ridley Turtles
Every year from January to March, thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come to beaches like Gahirmatha to lay their eggs. It is a beautiful and rare sight.
Where to Stay in Bhitarkanika
There are a lot of places to stay near Bhitarkanika, like eco-resorts and guesthouses run by the government.
Jungle Avengers Resort is a great place to stay if you want to be in nature and have a peaceful, comfortable time. The resort has comfortable rooms, good food, and guided tours of Bhitarkanika National Park. You can relax here after a day of fun and enjoy the quiet night sky.
Being close to nature is not only refreshing, but you can also hear the sounds of the forest, like the birds, crickets, and flowing water.
Why You Should Go to Bhitarkanika
Bhitarkanika isn’t just another tourist spot; it’s a place where nature can live freely. Everything here feels real and peaceful, from the sound of the river to the sight of crocodiles resting to the flocks of birds flying together.
Bhitarkanika is a beautiful and exciting place to visit that isn’t too crowded, unlike hill stations or beaches. Families, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who wants to get away from the noise of the city will love it.
To sum up
Bhitarkanika National Park should be at the top of your list if you want to have a one-of-a-kind travel experience. You can really connect with nature, see rare animals, and enjoy the peace and quiet that modern life often misses.
Every moment in Bhitarkanika is special, from exploring the mangroves to seeing giant crocodiles and colorful birds. Your experience gets even better when you stay at a nice place like Jungle Avengers Resort.
So, the next time you want to go somewhere new, don’t go to the same old tourist spots. Get your bags ready and go to Bhitarkanika, one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in India, where the wild meets the wonderful.