Bhitarkanika
Bhitarkanika is called the Mini Amazon of India. Bhitarkanika is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India after Sundarbans. Currently, it enjoys the status of being a National Park, and it may soon be designated as a biosphere reserve. Already in 2002, it was declared a Ramsar site (wetland of international importance). It is home to more than 215 bird species, including migrant birds, during winter, from Central Asia and Europe. It is also the home for King Cobra, salt-water Crocodiles, Indian Python, and water Monitor Lizard. The world’s largest Olive Ridley sea turtle breeding ground is situated in Gahiramatha here. Gahiramatha is the only marine wildlife sanctuary of Odisha.
The most spectacular feature about Bhitarkanika is that it is home to eight types of Kingfishers, namely: Black-Capped Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Brown Winged Kingfisher, Stork-Billed Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, White-Throated Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, and Ruddy Kingfisher. Also, Bagagahan heronry here is a must-see place for tourists. Bhitarkanika is known for being a perfect place for eco-tourism. The floral diversity of the Bhitarkanika wetland is considered to be the largest in India and the second largest after Papua New Guinea on the world map. Dangmal, Chandbali, Habalikhati, Dhamara, Gupti, and Ekakula are some of the places here worth making a visit.
