Bhitarkanika - Orrissa

Bhitarkanika located 190 kms from Bhubaneswar and 160 kms from Cuttack.Bhitarkanika Wild Life Sanctuary is one of the renowned santuries in Orrissa. Popular for its crocodile and turtels, the sanctuary is spread over 650 sq kms and decalred as wild life sanctuary in 1975. Converted into a ntional park at 1998, to preserve the turtles: the sanctuary has a thick mangrove forest which is home to a number of endangered and migratory birds.

Apart from reptiles, different types of mammals, birds, amphibiants and fishs are also found here. Out of 58 species of mangroves in india, 55 are available at Bhitarkanika Wild Life Sanctuary. Endangered animals like saltwater crocodiles can also be viewed at the sanctuary. Bhitarkanika also offers several rare animals like Hyena, Fishing Cat, Jungle cat , Smooth Coated Otter, Civet, Indian Porcupine, Wild boar, Spotted Dear and Sambar. The endangered Lesser Adjutant Stork also breeds here.