We all know that Bhitarkanika National Park is a place to behold for the tourists. In this article, we will get to know a different perspective of this magical place.
A full package of abundant mangroves, migrant birds, nesting turtles, dangerous saltwater crocodile, peacefully surrounded with an engaging environment, this haven is made especially for the wildlife lovers. But if you are also seeking for an adventure, Bhitarakanika National Park might just be the right place for you. Here are a few lesser-known facts which will definitely make you fall in love with Bhitakanika:
- Bhitarakanika National Park: Bhitarakanika was designated as a National Park on 16 September 1998 and is recognized by UNESCO as well.
- Meaning of Bhitarkanika: ‘Bhitara’ means interior and ‘Kanika’ means beautiful – giving birth to the word Bhitarkanika that stands for the beauty and variance of the ecosystem.
- As the Bhitarakanika National Park is known for its saltwater crocodile, it also provides shelter to much other important wildlife like the Indian python, king cobra, Indian black ibis, snake-birds/darters, wild boar/wild swine, rhesus monkey, chital/spotted-deer, monitor lizard and many more.
- Bhitarakanika’s White Crocodile: the only place all over India where you can find white crocodile. According to the records, some of the largest white crocodiles are found in India. However, there are several other places like Australia, Louisiana in U.S.A where there have been sightings of several rare, white crocodiles.
- Guinness Book of World Records: In the year of 2006, Bhitarkanika won the title of having the largest saltwater crocodile 7.1m (23ft 4in) long and 2000kg male saltwater crocodile living within the park. However, this record was broken in 2017 by Queensland, Australia.
- More than 320 of Avian species from around the world come to Bhitarkanika every year with eight different varieties of only Kingfishers. Over 1,20,000 migratory birds come to Bhitarkanika during the winter months and more than 80,000 birds are the local inhabitants of this place. Birds like the Asian Open Bill, Cormorants, Egret are habitually seen.
- Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary of Odisha: It is the world’s largest spot for the nesting of the Olive Ridleys Sea Turtle that separates the Bhitarkanika mangroves and Bay of Bengal.
- Zamindari’s Forest: Until 1952, the Bhitarkanika mangroves were under the Government’s Policy and then the controls have been handed to the state forest department.
- Legends of Bhitarkanika: As Bhitarkanika has a rich history and elegant cultural, it is believed that the King of Kanika used to come for hunting and the remains are available till now all across the forest through hunting towers, watering holes, and even medieval Hindu temples.
- Water Safari: Bhitarkanika is best experienced on boats or ferries that go from Dhamara. So, it’s a jungle safari on the waters.
If you’re looking for reasons to visit Bhitarkanika and looking for luxury accommodation options, then visit Hotel Golden Anchor Dhamara for more.
