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Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary is a breeding ground for the Olive Ridley turtles. This sanctuary is the largest forest of the country. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1975 to protect the estuarine crocodile and turtles.
Out of the seventy-two species of Mangroves identified in the whole world, about sixty-three species are found in Bhitarkanika. Exocaeria, Rhizophora, Avicinia, , Soneratia, Heriteria and Phoenix are a few of to name .
Situated in : Orissa
Location : 190 km from Bhubaneswar.
Coverage Area : 170-sq-kms
Main Attractions : Estuarine Crocodile and Pacific Ridley Sea Turtles
Best Time To Visit : Mid-October To Mid-March
Accommodation : Forest Rest Houses and Tourist Cottages
Arrival Information :
- Nearest Railway : The nearest railhead is situated at Cuttack and Bhadrakh.
- Nearest Airport : The nearest airport is situated at Bhubaneswar.
- Nearby Cities : Kendrapada, Konark, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar
Wild Life :
Reptiles are the dominant species though mammals, birds, amphibians and fishes are also found here. One can find the estuarine crocodiles (as large as 22feet ) in large concentration. The Gahirmatha beach of this sanctuary is also the largest rookery of "Olive Ridley" turtles in the world.
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