Bhitarkanika National Park

Bhitarkanika National Park protects India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem, its dense, waterlogged forest home to the largest population of saltwater crocodiles in India, alongside significant populations of Olive Ridley sea turtles that nest on nearby Gahirmatha Beach in one of the world's largest sea turtle nesting aggregations. Boat safaris through the park's mangrove creeks offer close wildlife viewing, particularly for crocodiles basking along the muddy banks.

The park's remote, waterlogged terrain and rich biodiversity make it one of Odisha's most ecologically significant protected areas, and its role in Olive Ridley conservation gives it particular international significance for marine turtle protection, drawing dedicated wildlife travellers alongside more general nature visitors.

Declared a national park in 1998, Bhitarkanika's mangrove ecosystem and adjoining Gahirmatha coastline support globally significant populations of both saltwater crocodiles and Olive Ridley sea turtles, the latter nesting here in numbers among the largest recorded anywhere in the world.

About 160km from Bhubaneswar, roughly 3.5-4 hours by road, followed by a boat journey into the park.