BHITARKANIKA
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Offbeat weekend in BHITARKANIKA
BHITARKANIKA weekend tour
Nestled in the eastern state of Odisha, Bhitarkanika is a hidden gem that offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich biodiversity and historical significance. Located in the Kendrapara district, this pristine destination is renowned for its sprawling mangrove forests, abundant wildlife and serene backwaters. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, history buff or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Bhitarkanika promises an unforgettable experience. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the wonders of this remarkable place.
A Glimpse into Bhitarkanika's History:
Bhitarkanika holds a significant place in Odisha’s history and culture. It was originally established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975 and later declared a national park in 1998. The region has a rich historical background, with dates back to the 16th Century. The name ‘Bhitarkanika’ is derived from the words ‘bhitara’, meaning ‘interior’, and ‘kanika’, meaning ‘beautiful’. This name refers to the vibrant flora and fauna found in the region. However, it is also a fact that the King of Kanika of Rajkanika town, which is 125 km from Bhubaneswar, used to visit the place for hunting. So, the word ‘kanika’ is also due to its connection with the King of Kanika. In fact, some of the hunting towers, the watering holes and temples that corroborate the fact can still be seen in the Bhitarkanika National Park.
1 Night & 2 Days
- Time to visit : August to April
- AC Room
- Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks, Dinner
- Pickup and drop from Ranchi
*Excluding First day Breakfast,Guide and Porter charge
2 nights 3 days
- AC Room
- Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Snacks, Dinner
- Pickup and drop from Ranchi
*Excluding First day Breakfast,Guide and Porter charge
Places to Visit in and around Bhitarkanika
Spread over 672 square kilometers, Bhitarkanika National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including a huge number of saltwater crocodiles, few white crocodiles, Indian pythons, Chital deer and many species of birds like Brown-winged Kingfisher, Black-capped Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Pygmy woodpeckers, Herons, Egrets, Eagles & Kites. Explore the park’s dense mangrove forests, take a boat ride along the meandering creeks, and witness the enchanting beauty of this natural paradise.
Located close to Bhitarkanika, Gahirmatha Beach is renowned for its nesting ground of the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. Witnessing the nesting and hatching of these turtles is a truly awe-inspiring experience. The pristine beach also offers opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets.
Habalikhati is Odisha’s best kept secret. In a casual glance, Habalikhati is a pristine beach with very little travellers going there. But the secret, which most people do not know, are the waves. This beach is home to a very rare phenomenon which gives way to glowing waves at night. A marvellous sight to behold, the glowing waves are caused due to a phenomenon called ‘bioluminescence’ which is caused by the presence of certain phytoplanktons near the shore that can produce light. However, this is a rare sight which is witnessed only by some lucky travellers.
A visit to Ekakula Island is a must when in Bhitarkanika. This island is known for its unique ecosystem and is home to numerous bird species. Embark on a boat tour to witness the mesmerizing sight of thousands of birds flocking together in harmony.
Dangmal is the entry point to Bhitarkanika National Park and serves as the administrative headquarters. Explore the crocodile breeding centre and learn about the conservation efforts undertaken to protect these magnificent creatures. The sight of baby crocodiles will leave you in awe.
If you like to explore and history is your passion, don’t miss out on visiting the structures made by the kings of the Kanika kingdom. Just opposite the Dangmal crocodile project jetty is the Bhitarkanika forest block jetty. From there, a 3.5-km hike will take you to the Shiva and Durga temples and hunting towers made by the kings of Kanika kingdom. The Shiva temple is a deul styled brick temple painted in fluorescent green. The other flat roofed temple is that of Van Durga which has two plaques lying outside the temple. The watch tower was built in the 1920s by Rajendra Narayan Bhanjadeo the raja of Rajkanika. The forest department has recently built two new watch towers here. In the vicinity is a sweet water pool named lotus pond. During autumn, the waterbody gets full of lotus, thus justifying its name. Around 10 km from here is the Matadiha nesting ground which is haven for migratory bird lovers. After low sighting in many years, from 2020 the numbers have increased.
Located just beside the Brahmani river, Laxmiprasad Diha, an island, is ideally a nesting ground of birds. While resident birds flock just after the monsoon hits every year, Laxmiprasad Diha is also famous for sighting migratory birds. From Open-billed storks to Rani Bagas and a vast number of migratory birds, Laxmiprasad Diha is a must-visit if you are in Bhitarkanika.
How to Reach Bhitarkanika from Kolkata
By Train: Bhitarkanika can be easily reached from Kolkata via train. The nearest railway station is Bhadrak, which is well-connected to Kolkata. From Bhadrak, one can hire a cab or take a bus to reach Bhitarkanika. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
How to Reach Bhitarkanika from Bhadrak: From Bhadrak to Bhitarkanika, one needs to first reach the Kasturikana Jetty from Bhadrak via Chandbali (approximately 65 km) and then cross Brahmini river on a motorized boat and reach the Nalitapatia Ghat on the opposite bank of the river. From here, Dangmal, one of the entry points of Bhitarkanika National Park, is only a few kilometres. Alternatively, one can drive from Bhadrak to Jayanagar Jetty via Chandbali, Rajkanika & Jayanagar (approximately 71 km) and cross Brahmini River to reach Khola Forest Gate Jetty.
By Road: Another option is to travel by road from Kolkata to Bhitarkanika. The distance between the two is around 360 kilometers and the journey takes approximately 8-9 hours. One can drive via NH16, passing through scenic landscapes and charming towns. It is advisable to start early in the morning to avoid traffic congestion. One can also take buses from Kolkata to Balasore or Bhubaneswar and then proceed to Bhitarkanika.
By Flight: Although there is no direct flight connection to Bhitarkanika, the nearest airport is Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport. From Kolkata, you can take a flight to Bhubaneswar and then proceed to Bhitarkanika by road. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India, and several airlines operate regular flights.
From resorts to homestays and even tented camps, Bhitarkanika has a lot of accommodation options to choose from.
You would love the restaurant if you are a Bengali as the in-house restaurant serves with all kinds of sumptuous Bengali food. Apart from that you can also try out Chinese and Moghlai food.
Tour Plan Itinerary
Offbeat weekend Exclusive Package
1 Night & 2 Days
First Day (The day of Arrival):
Meals: Lunch, Evening Hi-Tea & Dinner
Activity: Sunset Boat Tour
After a warm welcome, check into the resort (usually check-in starts from 12 PM onwards).
Freshen up and join us at the Dining Hall for a buffet lunch (local cuisine).
Take some rest or engage yourself with some recreational activities available at the resort.
Get ready by 4 PM (from August to October & From March-April) or 3PM(for Nov-February) for the Sunset Tour on River Brahmani by open motor boat. Walk along the river bank upto NALITAPTIA Jetty (or 'ghat' in local language) to board on the boat.
Major attractions of this tour:
- Meeting point of River Brahmani & Baitarani.
- Sighting of Crocodiles.
- Sighting of Migratory Birds (best time: August to mid-November) at LaxmiPrasad Diha.
- Sunset on River Brahmani.
Evening Hi-Tea(will be served from 6 PM onwards) at Dining Hall.
Bonfire can be arranged in the evening on request ( except in Rainy season or windy weather)
Buffet Dinner will be served from 8:30 PM onwards.
Second Day (The day of Departure):
Meals: Breakfast
Activity: National Park Visit
Wake up in the morning.
Morning Tea will be served from 6AM onwards at the Dining Hall.
Buffet Breakfast will be served at the Dining Hall from 7:00AM onwards.
After breakfast, visit the Crocodile Breeding and Research centre situated at Dangmal.
Major attraction of this tour:
- Nature Interpretation Centre and Museum
- Crocodile Hatchery
- Mangrove Nursery
- Sighting of Captive White Crocodile
- Jungle Trail (total distance nearly 1km)
- Boating in the creeks and river
Please Note:- Jungle lovers may start boating from Khola Forest Check Post for better and possibly more sighting of the crocodiles. Also proceed to the island situated opposite to Dangmal for trekking. Trek is through a dense forest (Total Distance: 5-6km).
Major attraction of this tour:
- Sighting of crocodiles basking in the sun on the banks of the rivers and creeks
- Different types of Mangrove species.
- Sighting of different types of birds, deer, Wild boars, Monitor Lizards etc.
- Lotus Pond, Old Temple and Hunting Tower of the rulers from earlier times.
- Sighting of animals and birds from the watchtower.
Return back to the Resort and check out around 11 AM.
Please Note: Sighting of wildlife in the forest is a natural phenomenon and can never be guaranteed.
Offbeat weekend Exclusive Package
Round up Trip to Bhitarkanika
Duration: 2 Nights & 3 Days.
Time to visit: August to April
Day-wise schedule :
First Day (The day of Arrival):
Meals: Lunch, Evening Hi-Tea & Dinner
Activity: Sunset Boat Tour
After a warm welcome, check into the resort (usually check-in starts from 12PM onwards).
Freshen up and join us at the Dining Hall for a buffet lunch (local cuisine).
Take some rest or engage yourself with some recreational activities available at the resort.
Get ready by 4 PM (from August to October & From March-April) or 3PM(for Nov-February) for the Sunset Tour on River Brahmani by open motor boat. Walk along the river bank upto NALITAPTIA Jetty (or 'ghat' in local language) to board on the boat.
Major attractions of this tour:
- Meeting point of River Brahmani & Baitarani.
- Sighting of Crocodiles.
- Sighting of Migratory Birds (best time: August to mid-November) at LaxmiPrasad Diha.
- Sunset on River Brahmani.
Evening Hi-Tea (will be served from 6PM onwards) at the Dining Hall.
Bonfire can be arranged in the evening on request (except during rainy season and windy conditions)
Buffet Dinner will be served from 8:30PM onwards at Dining Hall.
Second Day :
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Hi-Tea & Dinner
Activity: National Park Visit ( in the morning)
Sea mouth Visit by boat ( in the afternoon)
Wake up in the morning.
Morning Tea will be served from 6AM onwards at the Dining Hall.
Buffet Breakfast will be served at the Dining Hall from 7:00AM onwards.
After breakfast, visit the Crocodile Breeding and Research centre situated at Dangmal.
Major attraction of this tour:
- Nature Interpretation Centre and Museum
- Crocodile Hatchery
- Mangrove Nursery
- Sighting of Captive White Crocodile
- Jungle Trail (total distance nearly 1km)
- Boating in the creeks and river
Please Note:- Jungle lovers may start boating from Khola Forest Check Post for better and possibly more sighting of the crocodiles. Also proceed to the island situated opposite to Dangmal for trekking. Trek is through a dense forest (Total Distance: 5-6km).
Major attraction of this tour:
- Sighting of crocodiles basking in the sun on the banks of the rivers and creeks
- Different types of Mangrove species.
- Sighting of different types of birds, deer, Wild boars, Monitor Lizards etc.
- Lotus Pond, Old Temple and Hunting Tower of the rulers from earlier times.
- Sighting of animals and birds from the watchtower.
Return back to the Resort.
Have a delicious buffet lunch (local cuisine) at Dining Hall.
Get ready by 3 PM (from August to October & From March-April) or 2:30 PM(for Nov-February) for the Sea Mouth Tour on Dhamra river by open motor boat. Walk along the river bank upto NALITAPTIA Jetty (or 'ghat' in local language) to board on the boat.
Major attractions of this tour :
- Sighting of Irawadi Dolphins (best time: December to mid-February)
- Mangrove Forest on Kalibhanjadiha Island (from boat)
- Basking Crocodiles, deers and birds.
- Sea mouth of Dhamra river( a joint stream formed by the confluence of the river Brahmani & Baitarani).
Return back to Resort.
Evening Hi-Tea (will be served from 6PM onwards) at the Dining Hall.
Bonfire can be arranged in the evening on request (except during rainy season and windy conditions)
Buffet Dinner will be served from 8:30PM onwards at Dining Hall.
Third Day( The day of Departure)
Meals: Breakfast
Activity: Village Visit
Wake up in the morning.
Morning Tea will be served from 6AM onwards at the Dining Hall.
Buffet Breakfast will be served at the Dining Hall from 7:00AM onwards.
After breakfast, visit nearby village or walk along the river bank.
Return back to the Resort and check out around 11 AM.
Please Note: Sighting of wildlife in the forest is a natural phenomenon and can never be guaranteed
Offbeat weekend Exclusive Package
Trip to Bhitarkanika with Habalikhati
Duration: 2 Nights & 3 Days.
Time to visit: August to April
Day-wise schedule :
First Day (The day of Arrival):
Meals: Lunch, Evening Hi-Tea & Dinner
Activity: Sunset Boat Tour
After a warm welcome, check into the resort (usually check-in starts from 12PM onwards).
Freshen up and join us at the Dining Hall for a buffet lunch (local cuisine).
Take some rest or engage yourself with some recreational activities available at the resort.
Get ready by 4 PM (from August to October & From March-April) or 3PM(for Nov-February) for the Sunset Tour on River Brahmani by open motor boat. Walk along the river bank upto NALITAPTIA Jetty (or 'ghat' in local language) to board on the boat.
Major attractions of this tour:
- Meeting point of River Brahmani & Baitarani.
- Sighting of Crocodiles.
- Sighting of Migratory Birds (best time: August to mid-November) at LaxmiPrasad Diha.
- Sunset on River Brahmani.
Evening Hi-Tea (will be served from 6PM onwards) at the Dining Hall.
Bonfire can be arranged in the evening on request (except during rainy season and windy conditions)
Buffet Dinner will be served from 8:30PM onwards at Dining Hall.
Second Day :
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Hi-Tea & Dinner
Activity: National Park Visit ( in the morning)
Sea mouth Visit by boat ( in the afternoon)
Wake up in the morning.
Morning Tea will be served from 6AM onwards at the Dining Hall.
Buffet Breakfast will be served at the Dining Hall from 7:00AM onwards.
After breakfast, visit the Crocodile Breeding and Research centre situated at Dangmal.
Major attraction of this tour:
- Nature Interpretation Centre and Museum
- Crocodile Hatchery
- Mangrove Nursery
- Sighting of Captive White Crocodile
- Jungle Trail (total distance nearly 1km)
- Boating in the creeks and river
Please Note:- Jungle lovers may start boating from Khola Forest Check Post for better and possibly more sighting of the crocodiles. Also proceed to the island situated opposite to Dangmal for trekking. Trek is through a dense forest (Total Distance: 5-6km).
Major attraction of this tour:
- Sighting of crocodiles basking in the sun on the banks of the rivers and creeks
- Different types of Mangrove species.
- Sighting of different types of birds, deer, Wild boars, Monitor Lizards etc.
- Lotus Pond, Old Temple and Hunting Tower of the rulers from earlier times.
- Sighting of animals and birds from the watchtower.
Return back to the Resort.
Have a delicious buffet lunch (local cuisine) at Dining Hall.
Get ready by 3 PM (from August to October & From March-April) or 2:30 PM(for Nov-February) for the Sea Mouth Tour on Dhamra river by open motor boat. Walk along the river bank upto NALITAPTIA Jetty (or 'ghat' in local language) to board on the boat.
Major attractions of this tour :
- Sighting of Irawadi Dolphins (best time: December to mid-February)
- Mangrove Forest on Kalibhanjadiha Island (from boat)
- Basking Crocodiles, deers and birds.
- Sea mouth of Dhamra river( a joint stream formed by the confluence of the river Brahmani & Baitarani).
Return back to Resort.
Evening Hi-Tea (will be served from 6PM onwards) at the Dining Hall.
Bonfire can be arranged in the evening on request (except during rainy season and windy conditions)
Buffet Dinner will be served from 8:30PM onwards at Dining Hall.
Third Day( The day of Departure)
Meals: Breakfast
Activity: Village Visit
Wake up in the morning.
Morning Tea will be served from 6AM onwards at the Dining Hall.
Buffet Breakfast will be served at the Dining Hall from 7:00AM onwards.
After breakfast, visit nearby village or walk along the river bank.
Return back to the Resort and check out around 11 AM.
Please Note: Sighting of wildlife in the forest is a natural phenomenon and can never be guaranteed
Offbeat weekend Exclusive Package
Bhitarkanika Trip for Senior Citizens
Duration: 2 Nights & 3 Days.
Time to visit: August to April
Day-wise schedule :
First Day (The day of Arrival):
Meals: Lunch, Evening Hi-Tea & Dinner
Activity: Sunset Boat Tour
After a warm welcome, check into the resort (usually check-in starts from 12PM onwards).
Freshen up and join us at the Dining Hall for a buffet lunch (local cuisine).
Take some rest or engage yourself with some recreational activities available at the resort.
Get ready by 4 PM (from August to October & From March-April) or 3PM(for Nov-February) for the Sunset Tour on River Brahmani by open motor boat. Walk along the river bank upto NALITAPTIA Jetty (or 'ghat' in local language) to board on the boat.
Major attractions of this tour:
- Meeting point of River Brahmani & Baitarani.
- Sighting of Crocodiles.
- Sighting of Migratory Birds (best time: August to mid-November) at LaxmiPrasad Diha.
- Sunset on River Brahmani.
Evening Hi-Tea (will be served from 6PM onwards) at the Dining Hall.
Bonfire can be arranged in the evening on request (except during rainy season and windy conditions)
Buffet Dinner will be served from 8:30PM onwards at Dining Hall.
Second Day :
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Evening Hi-Tea & Dinner
Activity: National Park Visit ( in the morning)
Sea mouth Visit by boat ( in the afternoon)
Wake up in the morning.
Morning Tea will be served from 6AM onwards at the Dining Hall.
Buffet Breakfast will be served at the Dining Hall from 7:00AM onwards.
After breakfast, visit the Crocodile Breeding and Research centre situated at Dangmal.
Major attraction of this tour:
- Nature Interpretation Centre and Museum
- Crocodile Hatchery
- Mangrove Nursery
- Sighting of Captive White Crocodile
- Jungle Trail (total distance nearly 1km)
- Boating in the creeks and river
Please Note:- Jungle lovers may start boating from Khola Forest Check Post for better and possibly more sighting of the crocodiles. Also proceed to the island situated opposite to Dangmal for trekking. Trek is through a dense forest (Total Distance: 5-6km).
Major attraction of this tour:
- Sighting of crocodiles basking in the sun on the banks of the rivers and creeks
- Different types of Mangrove species.
- Sighting of different types of birds, deer, Wild boars, Monitor Lizards etc.
- Lotus Pond, Old Temple and Hunting Tower of the rulers from earlier times.
- Sighting of animals and birds from the watchtower.
Return back to the Resort.
Have a delicious buffet lunch (local cuisine) at Dining Hall.
Get ready by 3 PM (from August to October & From March-April) or 2:30 PM(for Nov-February) for the Sea Mouth Tour on Dhamra river by open motor boat. Walk along the river bank upto NALITAPTIA Jetty (or 'ghat' in local language) to board on the boat.
Major attractions of this tour :
- Sighting of Irawadi Dolphins (best time: December to mid-February)
- Mangrove Forest on Kalibhanjadiha Island (from boat)
- Basking Crocodiles, deers and birds.
- Sea mouth of Dhamra river( a joint stream formed by the confluence of the river Brahmani & Baitarani).
Return back to Resort.
Evening Hi-Tea (will be served from 6PM onwards) at the Dining Hall.
Bonfire can be arranged in the evening on request (except during rainy season and windy conditions)
Buffet Dinner will be served from 8:30PM onwards at Dining Hall.
Third Day( The day of Departure)
Meals: Breakfast
Activity: Village Visit
Wake up in the morning.
Morning Tea will be served from 6AM onwards at the Dining Hall.
Buffet Breakfast will be served at the Dining Hall from 7:00AM onwards.
After breakfast, visit nearby village or walk along the river bank.
Return back to the Resort and check out around 11 AM.
Please Note: Sighting of wildlife in the forest is a natural phenomenon and can never be guaranteed
Best time to visit
Except April to June when summer is at its scorching best here and during monsoons when the forest remains closed, any other time is perfect for visiting these places.
Things to keep in mind
- Always carry identity proofs like Aadhaar card /Voter ID card/ Passport with photocopies
- Carry sufficient drinking water and snacks as there are limited options within the park.
- It is advisable to carry a small first aid kit.
- Hire a local guide to explore the park by foot. The guides are knowledgeable about the area and can enhance your experience by providing insights into the flora and fauna.
- Respect the park’s rules and regulations. Do not litter, disturb the wildlife, or harm the vegetation. Follow the instructions of your guide and maintain a safe distance from animals.
- Bring binoculars and a camera to capture the breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife sightings. Remember to respect the privacy of the animals and refrain from using flash photography.
- Wear comfortable and lightweight clothing suitable for the tropical climate. Carry a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy footwear for walking in the mangrove forests.
- Plan your visit in advance and book accommodation if you intend to stay overnight near the park. There are limited lodging options available, so it’s advisable to make reservations early.
Package starting from
INR 5500.00
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