 Bhitarkanika " A
Wonder in the Wild " in Orissa. |
|
|
The World of nature is full of wonders sometimes tender,
sometimes awe inspiring but all the time exciting . Some of them defy
description and transcend perception , Such a land of rare and
unmatched beauty is Bhitarkanika- wonder in the wild.
Widely acclaimed for its
biodiversity in flora and fauna, it is the second largest compact mangrove
ecosystem in India. It is also a Sanctuary and National Park. Extending over
more than six hundred square kilometers, it is one of the very few evergreen
repository of most luxuriant mangrove vegetation in the world. More than
sixty varieties of mangrove plants are found here which provide home
to a variety of rare and endangered species.
|
|
Tourist arrival by motor lunch at Dangmal |
The pneumatophores,
better known as breathing roots, stand like sentries of the land. Bounded by
rivers on the three sides and the sea on the fourth, Bhitarkanika is crises-crossed
by numerous creeks and canals which finally meet the sea and make the
estuarine delta, the playground of the Bay of Bengal. When the tide enters,
the forest floats and the water kisses the foliage. As it recedes, the multi
layer mud flats on the banks of the creeks expose their bosom with fiddler
crabs, mud skipper fish, little reptiles and the like, It's a sight to
watch.
This deltaic
region comprises a couple of tiny islands formed by the meandering
creeks. With Dangmal at the centre stage ( the others being Ekakula, Habitat
of a lot of wild creatures like Crocodiles, King Cobra, Pythons, Wild Pigs,
Rhesus Mongey, Sambars, Spotted Deer etc. There is Crocodile Breeding Farm at
Dangmal . The pride possession of this Farm is the White Crocodile Sankhua,
a rare species in the World.
Over 170 species of resident and migratory birds
of different hue enhance the beauty of the wild. Prominent among them are
king Fisher, Open billed Storks, sea Eagles, Kites, Sand Pipers, Darters,
Whistling Teals, Sea Gulls, etc. |
|
The chirping of birds nesting
at Baga Gahana is sure to leave an indelible impression in any body's mind.
Watching the wildlife in their natural habitat while cruising through the
creeks is a thrilling experience. A trek on the laid out routes will also be
equally rewarding.
Another amazing phenomenon of nature here is the
visit of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles to Gahirmatha in lakhs twice every year
between January and March to lay eggs en masse.
An unexpected additional attraction is the
remains of two 9th century monument - a temple dedicated to the worship of
Lord Shiva and the other, a Shakti Shrine at Dangmal. |
|
Pacific Ridley Sea Turtles gather for laying eggs at Gahiramatha |
 |
|
Away form the blinding
lights and deafening sound, Bhitarakanika is a different world altogether ,
a real retreat in the lap of nature. Once in here, the world outside will
virtually disappear. Back in work place, the memory will haunt like a fairy
tale.
Entry Points:
Permission to visit Bhitarakanika can be obtained from
Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar, Pin " 754225, Ph : (067290 272460 or
Assistant Conservator of Forests , Chandbali, Pin : 756133, Ph - (06786)
220372 on payment of prescribed frees.
Best season to visit - October to June. |
|
|
| APPROACH |
|
|
Bhitarakanika can be approached only through water ways .
Most convenient entry points being-
Chandbali ( 60 km from Bhadrak and 190 km from Bhubaneswar )
Rajnagar (30 km from Kendrapara and 130 km from Bhubaneswar )
Gupti ( 25 km from Rajnagar )
Motor boats are available o hire
Rajnagar to Dangmal - 3 hrs
Chandbali to Dangmal - 3 hrs
Gupti to Dangmal - 1.5 hrs
Regular bus service are available to Chandbali and Rajnagar. |
|
Nearest Rail head -
Bhadrak (60 km from Chandbali )
Balasore (110 km from Chandbali)
Cuttack (110 km from Rajnagar )
Bhubaneswar ( 190 km from Chandbali and 130 km form Rajnagar)
Nearest Airport - Bhubaneswar and Kolkata
ACCOMMODATION:
Aranyanivas, Chandbali
Reservation : Tourist Officer, Balasore.
Ph- ( 06782 ) 262048 |
|
Tourist cottages at Dangmal |
|
Forest Lodge - Dangmal, Ekakula, Gupti and Habalikhati.
Reservation : Divisional Forest Officer, Mangrove Forest Division, Rajnagar.
Dist : Kendrapada, Pin -754225, Ph : (06729) 72460. |
|
|
| |
EXCURSION : A trip to Bhitarakanika is in itself a
complete package.
But if you like, you can visit a few more places around it
.
Ratnagiri-Lalitgiri-Udayagiri Buddhist Complex (100 km From
Bhubaneswar )
The unique Beach at Chandipur where the sea vanishes twice a day
( 16 km
from Balasore) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
