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"The land of rare and unmatched beauty is Bhitarakanika - a wonder in the wild"
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| Bhitarakanika - Nature paradsie |
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| 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 variety of rare and endangered species. The pneumatophores, better known as breathing roots ,stand like sentries of the land. |
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| Bounded by Rivers on the three sides and the sea on the fourth, Bhitarakanika is criss crossed by numerous creeks and canals which finally meet the sea and make the estuarine delta, the playground of 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 crecks expose their bosom with fiddler crabs, mud skipper fish, little rep tiles and the like. It is a sight to watch. |
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| This delta region comprises a couple of tiny islands formed by the meandering crecks with Dangmal at the centre stage ( the others being Ekakula, Habalikhati etc) . Bhitarakanika is a natural habitat of lot of wild creatures like crocodiles, king cobra , pythons, wild pigs, Rhesus monkey, sambars, spotted deer etc. There is a crocodile breeding farm at Dangamal. The pride possession of this farm is the white crocodile Sankhua, a rare species in the world . |
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| 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 crossing through the creeks is a thrilling experience. A trek on the laid out routes will also be equally rewarding. |
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| Another amazing phenomenon of nature here is the visit of Olive Riddle Sea turtles to Gahirmatha in lakhs turtles every year between January and march to lay eggs. |
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| 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 Dangamal. |
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| Away from 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. |
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