Bhitarkanika Mangroves: Home to India’s Largest Saltwater Crocodiles

Bhitarkanika Mangroves: Home to India’s Largest Saltwater Crocodiles (Image: Canva)

Along Odisha’s northeastern coast lies Bhitarkanika, a landscape where rivers, creeks, and mangroves create one of India’s most fascinating ecosystems. Recognised as a Ramsar wetland site, this estuarine paradise is famous for housing the country’s largest population of saltwater crocodiles.

Spread across nearly 670 square kilometres, Bhitarkanika National Park and its surrounding sanctuary zones support an extraordinary variety of wildlife. The saltwater crocodiles are the undisputed stars here—giant reptiles that can grow well beyond 20 feet and weigh close to a ton. These apex predators thrive in the brackish waters of Bhitarkanika’s tidal rivers and creeks, making it one of the few places in India where visitors can spot them in large numbers.

But crocodiles are only one part of Bhitarkanika’s story. The mangrove forests, spread across a vast stretch, act as nurseries for countless fish species and provide a crucial buffer against coastal erosion. The park is also home to an incredible diversity of birds, including migratory species that arrive in the winter months. Kingfishers, herons, and openbill storks are common sights, while the estuaries often echo with the calls of waterfowl.

The biodiversity here extends to land as well. Bhitarkanika shelters spotted deer, fishing cats, and monitor lizards, creating a balanced ecosystem where predators and prey coexist. The park’s dense mangroves also serve as breeding grounds for endangered olive ridley turtles, which nest along Odisha’s coastline.

Ecologically, Bhitarkanika plays an important role as a carbon sink, absorbing atmospheric carbon and supporting climate resilience. Its wetlands regulate floods, recharge groundwater, and provide livelihood resources like honey and fish for local communities. This combination of ecological services makes its preservation a matter of national importance.

Tourism has grown steadily, with boat safaris offering visitors close views of basking crocodiles along the riverbanks. While thrilling, these encounters are carefully managed to minimise human disturbance. Strict rules prohibit feeding or disturbing the reptiles, ensuring both safety and sustainability.

Bhitarkanika, therefore, is not just about adventure; it is a living classroom on how delicate ecosystems can support both giant predators and fragile habitats. Watching a massive crocodile slide into the waters beneath ancient mangroves is an unforgettable reminder of nature’s power and balance.