Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Cuttack - Timings, Safari Cost, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 143 km from Cuttack, and 167 km from Bhubaneswar, Bhitarkanika National Park is a national park situated in the Kendrapara district of Odisha. It is one of the largest national parks in India, and among the top places to visit as part of Cuttack packages.

Bhitarkanika National Park is one of a kind that sprawls over 672 sq. km and boasts of rich marine vegetation, salt tolerant varieties of trees and plants, rivers and creeks. It used to be the hunting grounds of the erstwhile King of Kanika. It was designated as national park in the year 1998 and obtained the status of a Ramsar site in 2002. It is the second Ramsar site of Odisha after the Chilika Lake. The national park and wildlife sanctuary is inundated by the rivers Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and Pathsala.

It is surrounded by Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, and Gahirmatha Beach and Marine Sanctuary, which is the nesting ground for hundreds of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. Home to some of the rarest species in the world both flora and fauna, the sanctuary is mainly known for its species of reptiles especially white crocodile that can grow up to 23 feet. The Salt Water Crocodile is the apex predator of the region. Besides it, the park is home to numerous reptiles like the water monitor lizard, pythons to name a few. Bhitarkanika is also home to numerous animals like the deer, hyenas, wild boar etc.

Another attraction of the region is the sprawling mangrove trees making it the second largest mangrove forest in India. These mangroves is home to more than 215 types of feathered creatures including winter vagrants like Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, Asian Open Bill, Black Ibis, Egrets, and Darters etc. This number of avifauna additionally incorporates eight stunning assortments of kingfishers.

There are several entrances available for the park, the most popular one of which is boating from Khola to Dangmal. An array of boat services run by the private sector and the forest department can be availed to reach the Bhitarkanika National Park. One can also opt for a night safari, but one need to hire a government boat and guide. The visitors can also choose to stay at the forest guest houses if they want to spend the night amidst bounteous nature and rich wildlife.

Timings: 7 AM - 5 PM

Entry: Rs. 40 for Indians, Rs. 1000 for Foreigners, Rs. 300 for Boat (Max 10 pax), Rs.50 for Camera, & Rs. 1000 for Video