A thrilling holiday experience presents itself on a cruise through the ‘mini-Amazon of India’. For nature lovers and eco-conscious travellers Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park, one of the country’s most important biodiversity hotspots, is a wonderful treat. If you want to delve into the intriguing world of mangrove ecosystems; if you are a birding buff; if the unique nesting habits of Olive Ridley Turtles excite you; if you want an intimate understanding of endangered Saltwater Crocodiles— Bhitarkanika is just the place to be.
Did you know that Antara cruises make this all happen with their excellent 2-suite vessels which are ideal for cruising this unique habitat? With its labyrinthine waterways, fed by four rivers the Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra and Patasala, Bhitarkanika is Nature’s playground of many wonders.
This stunning biodiverse habitat comprises three designated protected areas – there’s the 367sq km Bhitarkanika National Park itself, there’s the 672sq km Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and then there’s the stunning Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, the nesting site of the Olive Ridley Turtles, who travel great distances, navigating many dangers, to reach this beautiful haven.
Bhitarkanika, which is home to over 200 species of resident and migratory birds which largely frequent the Baga Gahana tract here, also hosts the largest heronry in India and is a unique refuge for a variety of reptiles.
Crocs are the apex predator of these waterways and it’s interesting to note that the Crocodile Conservation and Research Centre was established at Dangamal in 1975, to protect these pearly toothed creatures. Adults are known to grow to a massive 6m or more, nose to tail!
The sea beach at the Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary Olive Ridley turtles awaits the unique annual migration of these hardy creatures, (about half a million of them) journeying from the South Pacific Ocean, via Sri Lanka, to reach the Gahirmatha Beach. The mating season is from November to January and the breeding period from October to May.
What makes the 3N/4D cruising in Bhitarkanika a truly luxurious experience is that the vessel you are travelling in has two plush cabins, a lounge-dining area, a sundeck, kitchen, butler service and an expert naturalist on board. Breakfast over, a full day sailing takes you into the rich and unique mangrove ecosystem with creeks, mudflats, and estuaries to arrive in Dangamal, en route keeping your eyes peeled for sightings of Estuarine Crocodile, Chital Deer, Wild Boar, Indian Python, Rhesus Macaque and variety of birds. Time permitting you can visit the Orientation Centre. At sunset you’ll head back to the Gupti jetty and enjoy a lovely dinner on board. The following day you sail along the Mahipura river towards Bay of Bengal, enjoying the glorious mangrove environs. Time/Tide conditions permitting, you could get to visit Habali Kathi and set off an hour-long walk through the mangrove forest to the beach.
Exploring Bhitarkanika, is really a memorable experience of enjoying the unique interior (bhitar) beauty (kanika) of this glorious patch of land in Odisha state, a marvel for its monumental and spiritual culture and ethnic splendour.