Entry Point to Bhitarakanika

Bhitara Kanika was under the jurisdiction of the erstwhile Kanika Estate. It is covered with deep mangrove forests and saline rivers and was declared a sanctuary on 21.04.1975. It is a world famous place for natural crocodile breeding. Located in the estuarial region of Brahmani-Baitarani , in the north eastern place of Kendrapara districts, the national park covers an area of 672 sq km of mangrove forests and wetland. Crossed by a thick network of brooks with the bay of Bengal on the east , Bhitar Kanika is home to over 215 species of birds , including winter migratory birds from Europe and Central-Asia as the park provides a congenial atmosphere and serene , pollution free environment , birds migrate thousands of miles to Bhitar Kanika to escape the harsh winter in Ladakh, ManoSarovar , Himalayan region, Siberia , Kazaksthan , Mongolia , Russia , Afghanistan , Iraq, Northen Asia and some central European countries. The area has designated as the second Ramsar Site of the state in August 2002. It is a unique area with rich biodiversity as it covers different eco systems such as landmass, tidal water bodies of the deltaic region , estuaries and teritorial waters of the Bay of Bengal along with their associated flora and fauna.