A rich mangrove ecosystem in Odisha, known for its boat safaris, large saltwater crocodiles, and diverse bird species along estuarine creeks.
Discover what makes this destination truly special
Bhitarkanika National Park is a mangrove wetland in the Kendrapara district of Odisha, covering 145 sq km inside a much larger wildlife sanctuary. The estuary is formed where the Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra and Pathsala rivers meet the Bay of Bengal, and it holds India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sundarbans.
You explore it almost entirely by boat. There are no jeep safaris here — the park is a network of narrow, winding creeks running under dense mangrove canopy, and the water is the only way in.
The main draw is the saltwater crocodile population, among the largest in India. On a boat safari you'll regularly see them basking on the mudbanks, and some of the older males here are exceptionally large. The park's conservation programme, running since the mid-1970s, is the reason the population recovered.
Bhitarkanika is unusually rich for its size:
Nearby Gahirmatha beach is one of the world's most important mass nesting sites for olive ridley turtles.
November to February is the best window — mild weather, good visibility, and the resident and migratory bird numbers are at their peak. Crocodiles bask more readily in the cooler months, so sightings improve.
The park closes annually during the crocodile breeding season, usually around May and June. Confirm dates before planning, as they shift.
The main tourist complex is at Dangmal, with an interpretation centre and crocodile breeding enclosures. Boats enter from jetties at Khola and Gupti.
Bhadrak and Cuttack are the nearest rail links, and Bhubaneswar is the closest airport, roughly 160 km away. Accommodation is limited — forest department rest houses at Dangmal plus a handful of private eco-resorts nearby, so book ahead.
Permits are required and are issued through the forest department.
Ideal For
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
December and January during winter holidays and peak migratory bird season
October, November, and February when the weather is cool
March and April due to rising humidity and heat before the park closes in May
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
₹50
Per person
Foreign Visitors
₹1000
Per person
Opening Hours
7:00 AM — 5:00 PM
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. No entry allowed after 3:30 PM. The park remains completely closed from May 1 to July 31 every year for the crocodile breeding season. It also closes for about a week in early January for the annual wildlife census.
Entry fee is ₹50 per Indian adult and ₹1000 per foreign national. Camera charges are ₹50. Boat safari charges are separate and cost between ₹1500 to ₹3000 per boat (seats up to 10-15 people) depending on the route and boat type. Guide fee of ₹300 per boat is mandatory.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Bhitarkanika National Park, Rajnagar, Kendrapara
Coordinates
20.7333, 86.8667
Nearest City
Kendrapara
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport, located about 160 km away (4 to 5 hours by taxi).
Bhadrak Railway Station (80 km) and Cuttack Railway Station (140 km) are the nearest major railheads. Taxis can be hired directly from the station to the park.
Accessible via state highways connecting from Kendrapara (50 km). The drive from Bhubaneswar takes about 4.5 hours via Cuttack and Salepur. Roads are mostly wel...
Local transport is limited to unmetered auto-rickshaws and private taxis hired from Kendrapara or Rajnagar. No app-based cabs (Ola/Uber) operate near the nation...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
Historically, the forests of Bhitarkanika served as the private hunting grounds for the King of Kanika. The area was heavily hunted until the mid-20th century. Recognizing the ecological importance of the mangrove forests and the rapidly declining crocodile population, the Indian government declared it a wildlife sanctuary in 1975. A highly successful crocodile breeding and conservation project was initiated in Dangmal the same year. In 1998, the core area was designated as a National Park. Due to its rich biodiversity, it gained international recognition as a Ramsar Wetland site in 2002.
Bhitarkanika is India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sundarbans. It is globally recognized for holding the largest population of saltwater crocodiles in India, including some of the largest recorded individuals in the world. The forest serves as a crucial ecological buffer for inland Odisha against cyclones and tidal surges from the Bay of Bengal. The adjacent Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is the world's largest known nesting beach for Olive Ridley sea turtles, making this entire region a critical global conservation zone.
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips
Everything you need to know about Bhitarkanika National Park
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