The Best Travel Guide to Bhitarkanika for First-Time Visitor provides everything you need to know before discovery of one of Odisha’s most untouched natural miracles. From spotting rare saltwater crocodiles and migratory birds to experience the rich mangrove ecosystem, Bhitarkanika is a heaven for wildlife and nature lovers. This guide first helps passengers to plan their journey with suggestions to reach the park, the best time to travel, what to pack, and where to live-the popular jungle is easily located near the Avengers Resort, Park’s entrance.
Planning an excursion to Bhitarkanika National Park? Here’s a complete Bhitarkanika National Park travel and tourism guide to help you plan a wonderful trip.
Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara, Orissa, is the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary’s core region. Previously known as the hunting grounds of the former king of Kanika, Bhitarkanika currently houses hundreds of exotic and indigenous species, with saltwater crocodiles serving as the park’s main attraction.
Several rivers flow through Bhitarkanika, contributing considerably to the area’s rich biodiversity. The park’s lush foliage and diverse ecology attract a large number of people to this portion of the district, and, together with the unusual fauna, contribute greatly to regional tourism. Here’s a thorough travel guide for your next visit to Bhitarkanika National Park.
How to Reach
By Air: For those traveling from outside the state or internationally, the most convenient method to get to Bhitarkanika National Park is to fly into Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. It is around 145 kilometers from the park’s entry gates, which are easily accessible via buses and taxis located outside the airport.
By Rail: The nearest railhead to Bhitarkanika National Park is Bhadrak Railway Station, which is located approximately 45 kilometers from Chandbali and from which visitors can take a boat to Bhitarkanika. Some people prefer to travel to Cuttack Railway Station by train, which is slightly further distant but offers better connectivity to the rest of the country.
By Road: Buses from Bhadrak, Bhubaneswar, and Cuttack are easily accessible to both Khola and Gupti, Bhitarkanika’s two primary entry ports. Locals can also drive themselves to these destinations. The river ports of Chandbali and Jayanagar are 52 and 70 kilometers from Bhadrak, respectively, from where travelers can charter boats to reach Bhitarkanika in just a couple of hours.
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Winter (October – February):
The Best time is during the winter season. Throughout the season, temperatures rarely drop below 16⁰C, ensuring a pleasant and mild climate. The nice weather draws the animals out into the open, making it an ideal opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna on offer here. Bird enthusiasts enjoy visiting during this season to see migratory birds from Europe & Central Asia.
Summer (March – September):
The initial stages of summer are good enough to warrant a quick visit to the park. However, beginning in May, the temperature rises and becomes excessive for any outdoor activities within or near the sanctuary. The park is closed from May 14th to July 31st; however, following its reopening, monsoon rains make visiting the park inconvenient.
Things to Do
Boating in the Creeks: One of the greatest ways to visit Bhitarkanika National Park is to take a tour on the local ferries and boats. The park’s rivers provide excellent chances for boat cruises and observation of the sanctuary’s outstanding aquatic life. Cruising through mangrove forests on silent boats is an excellent method to observe indigenous wildlife without infringing on their natural environment.
Nature Trek: Because Bhitarkanika has no carnivorous or dangerous animals within its borders, it is absolutely safe to go across the park’s numerous well-trodden routes, albeit with a guide. Even without the animals, Bhitarkanika’s natural beauty creates the ideal setting for a soothing trek through the woodlands on a nice day.
Bird Watching: During the winter season, various kinds of exotic birds migrate to Bhitarkanika from colder regions of Central Asia and Europe. This is a great time for all birders to visit the park since they will be able to see a range of various bird species in one location and see them in their alien habitat, which becomes their temporary residence each year.