Bhitarkanika National Park

Bhitarkanika National Park is a national park located in the Kendrapara District of Orissa in India. The park encompasses with an area of 145 km² of the Bhitarkanika Mangroves, a mangrove swamp which lies in the river delta of the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamara rivers. The national park is surrounded by the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Gahirmatha Beach lies to the east, and separates the mangroves from the Bay of Bengal.

The park is home to the Saltwater Crocodile, white crocodile, Indian python, black ibis, and darters. Olive Ridley sea-turtles nest on Gahirmatha and other nearby beaches.

An area of 145 Sq.kms. have been notified as Bhitarkanika National Park vide Notification No.19686/F & E dated 16.9.1998 of Forests & Environment Department, Govt. of Orissa. It has much significance with regard to ecological, geomorphological and biological background which includes mangrove forests, rivers, creeks, estuaries, back water, accreted land and mud flats. Bhitarkanika National Park is the core area of <strong>Bhitarkanika Sanctuary