After a three-month hiatus dedicated to safeguarding the vital breeding season of saltwater crocodiles, Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha is set to reopen its gates to visitors on August 1, 2025. This annual closure—from May 1 to July 31—ensures a disturbance-free environment for the nesting and hatching of one of the park’s most formidable inhabitants. This year, 116 crocodile nesting sites have been recorded, marking a modest increase over last year’s figures and underscoring the park’s ongoing conservation success.
As the park resumes operations, all visitor amenities have been fully restored. Forest authorities have implemented rigorous safety protocols: valid identification is now mandatory for entry, and those navigating the park’s waterways must wear life jackets and carry lifebuoys. Adding to the visitor experience is a 600-metre elevated wooden canopy walkway, offering an immersive view of the forest from 15 metres above the ground. This carefully engineered skywalk, costing Rs 40 lakh, admits only twenty visitors at a time to preserve safety and intimacy.
Why Foreign Tourists Are Drawn to Bhitarkanika
1. The Realm of Giant Saltwater Crocodiles
Bhitarkanika boasts India’s largest population of saltwater crocodiles, some exceeding twenty feet in length. For wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe, observing these ancient reptiles in their largely undisturbed natural habitat offers a rare thrill. The occasional splash or the sight of a sunbathing crocodile on the muddy banks adds a tangible sense of the wild.
2. A Rich Tapestry of Biodiversity
The park’s vast mangrove forests—second only to the Sundarbans in India—harbour an impressive variety of wildlife. Visitors may glimpse spotted deer moving silently through the undergrowth or catch a fishing cat stealthily navigating the waterside. Ornithologists and photographers prize the area for its avian diversity, home to over two hundred species, including the elegant openbill stork and the elusive Asian darter.
3. A Mecca for Birdwatchers
Every winter, Bhitarkanika becomes a bustling haven for migratory birds. Over 120,000 winged visitors descend upon the wetlands, especially to the Bagagahan heronry, where thousands of egrets, herons, and kingfishers nest side by side. For birdwatchers from Europe, Australia, North America, and beyond, this spectacle is unmatched and deeply captivating.
4. Exemplary Eco-Tourism Practices
In an era when overtourism threatens many natural reserves, Bhitarkanika stands out as a model of sustainable tourism. Government-managed eco-lodges, regulated boating excursions, and visitor limits create a peaceful environment that balances accessibility with preservation. This approach resonates with discerning travellers seeking authentic, low-impact nature experiences.
5. A Landscape of Rivers, Creeks, and Mangroves
The park’s unique charm lies in the confluence of the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra rivers, weaving through mudflats and dense mangrove forests. Scenic boat trips glide beneath tangled branches and dipping canopies, revealing a landscape both serene and hauntingly beautiful—a setting unlike any other on the subcontinent.
A Conservation Triumph
Since its establishment in 1975, Bhitarkanika has witnessed the remarkable growth of its saltwater crocodile population—from a mere 97 to an estimated 1,826 as of January 2025. This success story, initially supported by a United Nations Development Programme initiative, is punctuated by the park’s Guinness World Record-holding 23-foot crocodile, documented in 2006. The annual seasonal closure remains vital to maintaining this thriving ecosystem for future generations.
Planning Your Visit
Visitors are advised to explore Bhitarkanika between October and March for optimal weather and wildlife sightings. Entry points such as Dangmal, Gupti, and Khola provide access to the park’s heart. Bhubaneswar airport, approximately 190 kilometres away, serves as the primary gateway, complemented by rail and road links to the region.
Bhitarkanika National Park is more than a sanctuary—it is a living testament to the resilience of nature and conservation. For foreign travellers seeking an immersive encounter with India’s wild side, this hidden gem offers a profound journey through one of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes.
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