-: Orissa Wildlife :-

Located in the deltaic region of Brahmani and Baitarani on the north - eastern coast of India, the Bhitarkanika mangroves represent one of the finest remaining patches of mangrove forests, along the entire Indian coast. With two and half decades of continued conservation measures, this area has emerged as one of the well known coastal wetlands.

Bhitarkanika is a major breeding and wintering place for a multitude of resident and migratory waterbirds and is the east coast's major nursery for brackish water and estuarine fish fauna. It supports a wide variety of wetland habitats ranging from tidal rivers and creeks to riverine islands and intertidal zones, apart from coastal wetlands along the eastern boundary. Bhitarkanika mangroves has been designated as a Ramsar Site in November 2002

Starting your journey from the City of joy Kolkotta, first You head to explore the quite waterways of Bhitarkanika sanctuary where you find extensive wildlife , crocodiles and the Redley sea turtles.Undoubtedly it is an unusual adventurous journey that you will fondly remeber for years to come.
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BHITARKANIKA(wild life sanctuary)

Location : Orissa
Nearest Access : Forest Rest Houses
Main Wildlife Found : Estuarine Crocodile & Pacific Ridley Sea Turtles
Coverage Area : 170 Sq kms

Located in the deltaic region of Brahmani and Baitarani on the north - eastern coast of India, the Bhitarkanika mangroves represent one of the finest remaining patches of mangrove forests, along the entire Indian coast. With two and half decades of continued conservation measures, this area has emerged as one of the well known coastal wetlands. Bhitarkanika is a major breeding and wintering place for a multitude of resident and migratory waterbirds and is the east coast's major nursery for brackish water and estuarine fish fauna. It supports a wide variety of wetland habitats ranging from tidal rivers and creeks to riverine islands and intertidal zones, apart from coastal wetlands along the eastern boundary.

Bhitarkanika mangroves has been designated as a Ramsar Site in November 2002 Gahirmatha beach, which forms the eastern boundary of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary sup ports the largest known nesting beach of olive ridley sea turtle in the world. Nearly half a million olive ridleys nest every year at Gahirmatha. Besides, the coastal waters off Gahirmatha is a major mating area for the olive ridley sea turtle,that migrate to this coast every winter. Bhitarkanika supports the highest density of endangered saltwater crocodile in India. Nearly 700 saltwater crocodiles inhabit Bhitarkanika and its associated river systems. One of the largest heronries in the country is located here. More than 20,000 birds consisting of 11 species nest in this heronry during June to November every year. Bhitarkanika is one of the largest contiguous patches of mangrove forest in the country,

Biodiversity Values:

Flora
So far 58 species of mangroves have been recorded in India of which 55 are found in Bhitar -kanika. Existence of three species of Rhizophora, Heritiera and Avicennia each and four species of Bruguiera are some of the interesting features of flora of Bhitarkanika. In Bhitarkanika a variety of wild rice grows abundantly in tidal mud flats. Based on the genetic strain of this wild rice, several saline and flood resistant varieties of rice have been developed.

Fauna
Bhitarkanika harbours one of the largest populations of endangered saltwater crocodile in India and is globally unique in that 10 percent of the adults exceed 6 m length. Nearly 700 saltwater crocodiles inhabit the rivers and creeks. Nearly half a million olive ridley sea turtles on an average, nest every year along the Gahirmatha coast of Bhitarkanika. Besides water monitor, which is common, yellow and common monitors are also sympatric here. The mangrove forests and its adjoining wetlands support large number of resident as well as migratory waterfowl. Of the 174 species of birds, 82 breed here and 57 species winter in Bhitarkanika. The endangered lesser adjutant stork also breeds here. Bhitarkanika is also home for several mammals. Five species of marine dolphins have been recorded from the area. The common species encountered in this area is the Indo - pacific humpbacked dolphin. Notable among the other mammalian fauna of Bhitarkanika are striped hyaena, fishing cat, jungle cat, smooth - coated otter, civet, Indian porcupine, wild boar, spotted deer and sambar.

Accommodation-forest rest house/bunglow, and hotel at bhubaneswar only

Comment-Observing the nature from a close angle.
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SIMILIPAL NATIONAL PARK

Situated in : Orissa
Location : Mayurbhanj District, Orissa
Coverage Area : 2,750-sq-km
Main Attraction : Tigers, Leopards, Elephants and Mugger Crocodiles
Best Time To Visit : Open from 10th November to 15th June in every season.

The Simlipal National Park, one of the earliest to come under Project Tiger, is located in the forest belt of north Orissa. It was the erstwhile hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Mayurbhanj. Simlipal, covering an area of 2,750 sq kms was declared, in 1973, as one of the nine tiger project reserves in the country. A vast tract of stately sal forests, beautiful waterfalls and grassy valleys, twelve rivers run across its expanse. It is home to panthers, tigers, gaur bison, antelopes, sambar, mouse deer - the tiniest of the deer family, mugger or crocodiles, and more than 223 species of birds

Similipal Tiger Reserve :-

The Simlipal National Park, one of the earliest to come under Project Tiger, is located in the forest belt of north Orissa. It was the erstwhile hunting preserve of the Maharajas of Mayurbhanj. Simlipal, covering an area of 2,750 sq kms was declared, in 1973, as one of the nine tiger project reserves in the country. A vast tract of stately sal forests, beautiful waterfalls and grassy valleys, twelve rivers run across its expanse. It is home to panthers, tigers, gaur bison, antelopes, sambar, mouse deer - the tiniest of the deer family, mugger or crocodiles, and more than 223 species of birds.

Flora :-

The Simlipal national park is a treasure house of 501 species of plants belonging to 102 families. 82 species of orchids have also been identified here. It has a mixed type of vegetation with Northern tropical semi-evergreen trees and Northern tropical moist deciduous trees. Plus, dry deciduous hill forest and high level Sal forests. The grasslands and the savannas provide grazing grounds for the herbivores and hiding place to the carnivores. The forest boasts of innumerable medicinal and aromatic plants, which provide a source of earnings for the tribals.

How to Reach:

By Air:
The nearest airports to the place are Kolkata (240 kms) and Bhubaneswar (320 kms). Each of these airports is connected to other major cities of India with regular airline operations.

By Rail:
Balasore railhead ( 56-km from Baripada ) and Tata railhead ( 115-km from Jashipur).

By Road:
Simlipal is well connected by network of roads with other parts of the country. Regular buses ply on the routes of Lulung (20 kms) and Jashipur (95 kms); the entry points for the Simlipal National Park from the nearest town of Baripada. Also one can hire private taxis or cabs to reach the Park.

Where to Stay:

In terms of accommodation the Simlipal National Park offers bungalows, rest houses, tourist lodges and hotels. Though the accommodation options are comfortable they are not luxurious. The basic facilities are available at Barehapani, Newana, Joranda, Joshipur, Gudgudia and Lulung. The forest department maintains many of the bungalows in the vicinity of the Simlipal National Park. The town of Baripada, just outside the park, offers good hotels and lodges to the tourists.

Best time to visit:

Best time to visit: October to mid-June

Accommdation-forest rest house/cabins and hotel at bhubaneswar only

Comment-Discovering one of the most important tiger reserves(national park) in India.

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CHILIKA BIRD SANCTUARY

Location : Orissa
Nearest Access : Barkul (5km)
Main Wildlife Found : Eagle, Geese, Flamingoes
Coverage Area : 1100 Sq kms

About Chilka Bird Sanctuary :-

The Chilka Lake in Orissa is Asia's largest inland salt-water lagoon. Studded with small islands- including the picturesquely-named Honeymoon Island and Breakfast Island- the lake is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a sandy ridge. The pear-shaped lake spreads across 1,100 sq km, and has a unique ecosystem with a range of aquatic flora and fauna found in and around its brackish waters. An impressive array of bird life, both native and migrant, makes Chilka one of the best places in India for a bit of satisfying bird-watching Nalabana Sanctuary in the heart of Chilka Bird Sanctuary is the integral part of this sanctuary.

Chilka Lake is world's largest brackish water Lake and spreads across 1,100 kilometers. The lake is pear shaped and offers a perfect habitat for different bird species. The Lake is truly a bird's watcher's delight. The birds nesting in this sanctuary are jacana, purple moorhen, white-bellied sea eagles, greylag geese, herons and flamingos. It is also the best breeding ground for flamingos. The best time to visit the sanctuary is from October to March when at least 50 to 70 species of migratory birds visit the lake. The weather is warm throughout the year, so one can visit the Park anytime except monsoon as the land becomes slippery and unsuitable to walk. The Chilika Lake is not only about birds, another major attraction at the lake is Irrawady dolphins, which are often spotted off Satpada Island. Satpada is bounded by the lagoon on three sides, and presents an excellent view and draws tourists to its entire 30 km stretch of sand bar. Visiting the sightseeing destinations around the lake can be a enchanting experience. You may visit the island of Kalijai which is the popular religious center. Thousands of pilgrims flock here every year to pay homage to the Goddess kalijai. You can also be a part of the fair that is held here on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on the 14th of January every year.

The lake can also be been fron the running train or any other vehicle. Another major attraction of the lake is the Nalabana, which is the famous birding spot. Than the tourists can visit Satapada where the famous Chilka Dolphins are can be seen in their natural best. River dolphins and porpoises swim in some of the world's mightiest rivers, including the Ganges, Indus, Yangtze, Mekong, and Amazon. But these river basins are also home to over 15 per cent of our planet's people and include some of the most densely populated, and poorest, areas on Earth.

Kalijai Island:

Famous as a center of religious worship, the island has a temple of Goddess Kalijai. Legend has it that Kalijai was a young girl who died while crossing the lake. Following her death, a temple was built in her honour and it’s a ritual for every fisherman who passes through the island to pay their homage to her and hope that she will protect them.