Bhitarkanika National Park
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Dense mangrove forests and creeks in the Brahmani–Baitarani delta, home to large saltwater crocodiles and close to the Gahirmatha turtle beach.
National parkKendrapara districtBest time to visit: November to March (closed for a period in the crocodile breeding season)
Highlights
- Boat safaris through mangrove creeks to see saltwater crocodiles, monitor lizards and birds
- Heronries where thousands of water birds nest
- Gahirmatha beach nearby, a major mass-nesting site of olive ridley turtles
Significance
Bhitarkanika has one of the best-preserved mangrove ecosystems in India and is a Ramsar site. A long-running crocodile conservation programme helped the saltwater crocodile population recover here.