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Bhitar Kanika is
the second largest Mangrove ecosystem in India so unique in
its bio-diversity that it has become the focus of many conservation
projects and a popular tourist destination for people in search of
an adventurous and exciting challenge.
Located on the
deltas created by three rivers and the sea in the Kendrapara
district of Orissa, Bhitar Kanika will leave you spellbound by its
gloriously enchanting flora and fauna. Around 60 to 70 evergreen
mangrove trees are found in the region that gives Bhitar Kanika
Wildlife Sanctuary a distinct identity from the hundreds of wildlife
sanctuaries and national parks that dot the land of diversity -
India. Explore for yourself the wonders of this region on your tours
to Bhitar Kanika.
On your tour to
Bhitar Kanika, you'll get to see the mangroves guard the forest with
their extending roots called pneumatophores that whisper the secrets
of Bhitar Kanika's magnificence. These roots also help the mangroves
breath in the marshy waters and during the high tides when the sea
comes rushing in to drown the trunks of these magnificent trees. A
breathtaking sight of beauty and resilience, these mangroves
supposedly floating in the encroaching sea demonstrate the ability
of all living creatures to adapt to any situation however hostile it
may be.
Spread over a
staggering 672 sq km of area, the core area within the
Bhitar
Kanika Wildlife Sanctuary amounting to 145 sq km was declared as
the Bhitar Kanika National Park in 1998 after the sanctuary
status was bestowed on this unique ecosystem in 1975.
Crisscrossed with a
number of canals, creeks and rivulets that submerge the
forests in high tide also provide the only means by which to explore
the forest. You too take an enchanting boat ride through the
mangroves to explore the treasure trove of flora and fauna on your
tour to Bhitar Kanika with Jaysen Holidays.
On your tour to
Bhitar Kanika, you'll also get to see the 170 species of birds
including the eight magnificent subspecies of Kingfisher, Open
billed Storks, Sea Eagles, Kites, Sand Pipers, Darters, Whistling
Teals and Sea Gulls especially at the Baga Gahana in Bhitar
Kanika Wildlife Sanctuary.
The chief
attractions from the animal world are the world famous
Olive
Ridley Sea Turtles that come to nest at
Gahirmatha. The
Crocodiles, King Cobra, Pythons, Wild Pigs, Rhesus Monkey, Sambars
and Spotted Deer are other creatures that you can spot as you cut
through the salty marshes that came mangroves of India the pride of
our nation.
Each mangrove tree
is an intact ecosystem in itself that warrants close study and
inspection especially from the naturalists and nature enthusiasts.
Of the many islands
in Bhitar Kanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Dangmal is the most
prominent one that you can visit on your tour to Bhitar Kanika for
its population of salt-water crocodiles.
Easily accessible
by air (Bhubaneswar, Kolkata), waterways
(Chandabali,
Ragnagar and Gupti) and rail (Bhadrak, Balsore, Cuttack and
Bhubaneswar), you can tour Bhitar Kanika Wildlife Sanctuary and
National Park any time of the year and stay at the many hotels and
lodges around Bhitar Kanika on your tour, arranged by Jaysen
Holidays.
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