Bitharkanika National park and Gahirmatha marine sanctuary are situated
in Balesore district in the state of Orissa. It is famous for lush green
mangrove forest and Turtle nesting beaches. Covers an area of 167sq.km,
it is better known as a marine park. The park with its mangrove forests
in the rivers Brahmani- Bhaitarani Delta and creeks, estuaries,
back water, accreted land and mud flats was mainly established to protect
the saltwater crocodile and other marine inhabitants of the region. It
was notified as a Crocodile sanctuary in 1975 and a crocodile breeding
centre has been established by the Orissa Government.
The park contains tidal swamp forests consisting of
an abundance of mangrove, saltwater and brackish water mixed species such
as Causarinas, Thespia, grasses like indigo bush etc. It is the second
largest viable stretch of mangrove forest in the Indian mainland. The
Fauna of the park include Olive ridley turtles (sea turtle), saltwater
crocodiles, wild pigs, rhesus monkeys, leopard, wild boar, hyena, jungle
cat, sambar, giant squirrel, water monitor, chitals, king cobra, python,
fishes besides insects and other micro fauna. Birds found are strokes,
ibis, white necked sea eagle and fish eagle etc. The best season for visiting
the park is winter (November to February).The park situated along the
Gahiramatha Coast is a haven for thousands of marine species especially
the Olive ridley turtles which come here to lay eggs during the nights
in winter. The giant Pacific Ridley sea turtles believed to come as far
away as South America nest on the Gahirmatha Coast.
Before entering to the sanctuary , one has to apply for
entry permit and obtain the permit from D. F. O Rajnagar. The permit has
to be produced at Forest Check gates both on Roadways & Water ways.
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Wildlife 
