Bhitarkanika National Park, Bhitarkanika, Orissa India

 Bhitarkanika National Park is a wildlife lover's utopia. This park is the home to more than 215 species of avifauna. Bhitarkanika National Park is the second largest viable Mangrove eco- system in India.

Bhitarkanika National Park is located in Kendrapara District of Orissa. The area of Bhitarkanika National Park is 145 square kilometers. The Bhitarkanika National Park is a major attraction for the tourists. The Bhitarkanika mangroves is situated in the confluence delta of the three rivers of Brahmani, Baitarini and Dhamara.

Bhitarkanika National Park is encircled by the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary. Gahirmatha Beach is located in the east of Bhitarkanika National Park and separates the park from the Bay of Bengal.

Bhitarkanika National Park has a variety of habitats, micro-habitats and micro climactic conditions. The diversity of habitat has led to the flourishing of many wild life species. Mangrove plants are a rich source of food for the animals of the mangrove ecosystem. The animals in the mangrove ecosystem includes both vertebrate and invertebrate animals. The vertebrate fauna includes an extensive variety of fishes, amphibians, birds, reptiles and mammals.

Bhitarkanika National Park has the largest number of salt water crocodiles in India. The Mangrove ecosystem supports a number of interconnected food chains which directly sustain the fisheries to remain in existence. Algae and detritus are consumed by shrimps and prawns, which in turn sustains the Bekti fish.

Bhitarkanika National park is world famous for its crocodile and the Mangrove forest. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is a nesting ground of crocs. It is said that the worlds largest ever crocodile which was 30 feet long lived here, as per the skull remains of the croc which is preserved by the royal family. Guniess world records survey done here proves the largest living crocodile on earth is here measuring 24 feet.

Bhitarkanika national park is spread in an area of 145 sq. kms. Bhitarkanika national park has high significance with regards to ecological, geomorphological, and biological background which includes mangrove forests, rivers, creeks, backwater and estuaries.