When we are talking about wildlife, India holds
the record of providing one of the best experiences of knowing the wildlife so
closely. The country has many Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks. Most of
the states like Orissa, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttrakhand, Tamil Nadu,
Chattisgarh, etc. persuade the travellers to visit and investigate the deep
secrets of their dense jungle. Indian government has also established many
parks and sanctuaries to protect the affluence and diversity of the unique
fauna. One must visit these parks to explore the uniqueness of these wild
beasts.
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Bhitarkanika Wildlife Santuary |
Orissa is located in the East India and is a
coastal region. The place is known to have an excellent wildlife and rich flora
and fauna. Apart from the striking wildlife in various wildlife sanctuaries and
national parks, the state also has distinct wildlife in its different tribal
belts. That is why; there is not any question that the place is famous for the
wildlife lovers. The different famous parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Orissa
are Bhitarkanika, Nandankanan, Balpakram, Simlipal, Chilika, Kotgarh,
Baisipalli and Sunabeda, etc.
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Crocodile Enjoying In Water |
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Salt Water Crocodile in Bhitarkanika |
The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is mainly
famous for the huge crocodiles and Olive Ridley Turtles. It is situated on the
mouth of Mahanadi River has a number of salt water crocodiles, and water monitor
lizards. This land of lush green mangroves, ominous estuarine crocodiles,
migratory birds and turtles, twisty water bodies, calm environment troubled by
the chirping of birds is divided into three main regions, named as The
Bhitarkanika National Park, The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and The
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. All these three areas are so spell bound that they
invite their admirers from all places to gather the abundant and unique
features which will act as the food for exploration.
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A Natural Mangrove In Bhitarkanika Sanctuary |
It is the second largest
Mangrove Eco system of India and spread over about 625 km of the area. The 55
different types of mangroves are the collection of Bamboo, Teak, Sal, Babul,
Zizphus, Palas and many others, which serves as a home to the migratory birds
coming from Central Asia and Europe. The other birds which can be seen here are
the famous different eight varieties of Kingfisher, White Bellied Sea Eagle,
Sea Gull, Waders, Woodpecker, Brahmany Ducks, Hornbill and Bar Headed Geese,
etc.
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Black Capped Kingfisher |
It is a prime location for the giant salt water
crocodile and serves as the appropriate breeding location for them as well as
for the turtles. Every year, about seven million Olive Ridley Sea Turtles come
at the Gahirmatha Beach from South America, on the coast of Bay of Bengal, and
lay more than 60 million eggs. You can also spot the very rare white crocodile
at Dangamala.
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Olive
Ridley Sea Turtles |
The fauna of the park includes Leopards, Wild Dogs, Chinkara,
Wild Boar, Flying Fox, Hyena, Bear and Blue Bull, etc. This place is an
excellent ecological, biological and geomorphologic site due to its water
bodies, backwaters and mud flats, etc. and considered to be as the best
camping, trekking and picnic spot.
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Hyena |
You can reach the place via motorboats as it is
the only means of transportation to the island, and it is altogether a
different fun. Watching these wonderful creatures in their natural pristine
habitat is a new way of developing the ultimate fun. The park provides you the
lodges and rest houses at Dangmal, Gupti and Ekakula for accommodation. The
best time to visit the sanctuary is from November to February.
You can take information about wildlife tour from here:
http://www.wildlife-travel-india.com/plan-your-trip.html
Fantastic shots of the animals. The colorful bird and the crocodiles were my favorite shots.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of the animals. Love that kingfisher.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you had hyenas in India. Are they native or introduced? Wild?
ReplyDeleteJen,Hyenas present in India.Generally they are wild.In Bhitarkanika Sanctuary,you get see the hyenas.
ReplyDeleteHow great to get such wonderful views of these animals! Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSo exciting pictures of me from Norway ..
ReplyDeleteHave a great April 1st from Marit ..
Thanks Marit...
DeleteThank you for showing your wildlife photos! It is wonderful to be able to see those animals. The only thing I always miss in posts about India, is a map. Where can we find those places?
ReplyDeleteWil, ABCW Team.
Thanks wil,You can find map on Google.This national park is in Orissa.
ReplyDeletewow, it must be a fantastic park !!
ReplyDeleteBhitarkanika is in my wishlist since a long while.... yet to make it :-/
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photographs Sir :)
Wonderful pictures.The kingfisher is beautiful.
ReplyDelete