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The virgin stretching beaches, lush green mangroves, migrating birds and
turtles, the menacing estuarine crocodiles, meandering water courses,
tranquil surrounding intercepted by the chirping of birds and the ever
embracing nature, enthralls visitors from near and far off places to
flock these unique places of tourist importance. Scientists, scholars,
nature lovers and tourists have abundant food for thought and
exploration. The scope of expanding the tourism is galore but it is to
be harnessed. The enormous potential is to be tapped to bring the areas
into the tourism map of India. Avenues for waster sport, cottages,
marine voyages, nature's trail, hotels etc. are yet to be utilized to
its potential. The Bhitarkanika National Park, the Bhitarkanika Wildlife
Sanctuary and the ;Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary boast of natures most
picturesque sites. The unique bio-diversity, becons the visitors to the
natures lap. Publicity campaigns brings the facts to limelight, which is
yet to catch up with the available avenues.
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DANGMAL
:
The serenity of the atmosphere at Dangmal makes it one of the
most sought after place for tourists. Other attractions at
Dangmal are Captive breeding & Research Centre for estuarine
crocodile. Huge female crocodiles - Gauri & Hydrabadi. Rare
sight of Python and King Cobra staying together without harming
each other in an enclosure.Interpretation Hall - Film shows on
Bhitarkanika on request.
How to reach: It
can be approached by road from Rajnagar via Khola Check gate. It
is about 30 Kms. from Rajnagar by road. Dangmal can also be
approached from Gupti by boat through Patsala river & then
Bhitarkanika nala in that order. Gupti is about 25 Kms. from
Rajnagar and Dangmal is 1 Hr. 15 minutees journey by boat from
Gupti. Dangmal can be approached from Chandbali by boat in
Baitarani, Brahmani & the Khola creek in the Bhitarkanika
Nala in that order. Travelling by boat is advisable as it
entails a thrilling experience.
Where to Stay:
4 no Suites, 2
no. Annexe rooms, 1 no. Dormitory (16 beds) & 2 no.
Community Halls (4 beds each ) are available at Dangmal for
accommodation.
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BHITARKANIKA
FOREST BLOCK :
A nature's trail in Bhitarkanika Forest Block over a
stretch of 4.0 Kms. is a thrilling experience & a
must for all nature lovers. Mangrove species give way to
its associates like Kochila, Mankada Kendu as we move
away from the creeks.
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A
number of meadows, fresh water ponds are the ideal
places, one can look for chittals, water monitor lizard,
migratory & resident birds. An ancient Siva temple,
a silted white lotus pond & collapsed shooting block
of King of Kanika brings back the memory of history of
the place.
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EKAKULA
:
Gahirmatha on one side and Maipura river on the other.
The F.R.H amidst the Casuarina plantation is a lovely
place to stay. Jackles, Hyena, Red jungle fowl, Chittals,
Wild Boar abound the area. It is a paradise for bird
watchers.Coconut Island, Wheeler Island, Nasi-I Island,
Nasi - II Island, Babubali Island can be sighted from
the
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place.
Lots of fresh air, exclusive space for morning walk
under natural beauty of mangrove, Casuarina plantation
& pristine sea beaches. If you are lucky, river
dolphins may greet you on the river coast.
Where
to Stay: Two no. of
suites are available at Ekakula for accommodation.
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HABALIKHATI
:
It can be approached from Ekakula in about 30 minutes
along Baunsagarh Nala & is an experience one ought
to under-take to believe. The 2.54 Kms. trail from jetty
across Baunsagarh nala to tourists cottage is a
thrilling experience. Red jungle fowl, fishing cat,
chital, wild boar, monitor lizard are the fauna to look
out for. The exclusivity of the area, the lonely sea
beaches makes it one of the finest places in
Bhitarkanika Where
to Stay:
Two no.
of suites (partition - 4 rooms) and one Log Cabin is
available at Habalikahti for accommodation.
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KALIBHANJADIA :
It is a beautiful Island surrounded by Sapua river on one side, Dhamra river another side and the Bay of Bengal on the other side. The cottage is situated about ½
kms. away from the jetty with a huge meadow in front. Lots of rhesus monkeys, chittals, Wild Boar, python and King Cobra inhabitate this island. Excoecaria species is the principal species.
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How
to reach:It is
easily approachable from Chandbali and Dangmal.
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HUKITOLA
:
One has to sail with a boat from Atharbanki nala jetty at
Paradeep and move into Mahanadi river and then to back water of
Jamboo to reach this picturesque island. An old and historic
palace existing in broken form is the attraction.
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KRISHNAPRIYAPUR
:
Those who want to have the feel of mangrove
forest, creeks, nallahs, without actually
entering into a river, creek, nallah this is the
right place to visit. About 20 Kms. from
Rajnagar by road is an excellent awareness
center with almost 30 species of mangrove
species. The Baunsagarh nallah the beautiful
Phoenix forest sighted from the roof top of the
rest shed is a sight to remember for ever.
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It
is also entry point for Habalikhati.
Where
to Stay:
One suite is
available at Krishnapriyapur
for accommodation.
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BATIGHAR
:
Batighar or False Point is approachable from Paradeep which is 1
½ hrs. boat journey from Atharabanki. The confluence point of
river Mahanadi was used as a port in the British period. The
devastating impact of cyclones has shifted the confluence point
to the sought i.e. near Paradeep. The light house which is 120'
high is still functioning to ward off the sailing ships from
approaching the shores. This highly skilled engineering monument
was built in the year 1838 for navigational purpose. The
magnificent structure has held its head aloft inspite of many
catastrophical effects of the nature. It is being maintained by
the Directorate of Light Houses and Light Ships, Calcutta.
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GAHIRMATHA BEACH
The stretch of virgin beach from Barunei mouth to Ekakula is a treat for the eye. The vast expanse of Bay of Bengal and the pollution free beach, beckons the tourists. The serene surrounding and the whistling breeze through the casuarina trees, cannot but enthrall a visitor. The cottages and the rest houses of Habalikhati and Ekakula respectively, built by Forest Department provides the accommodation for the tourists.
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RAJNAGAR:
This is the nerve point for management of Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. The Divisional headquarters is located at this place. It is the Tahasil and Block headquarters. Rajnagar is gateway to Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary
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BARUNEI PENTHA:
This is a potential site for developing turtle tourism. Pentha beach is known for regular nesting of ridleys. Plans are afoot to involve children and others in relocation of eggs from the beach to hatchery as a means of education. Easy approachability of Pentha/ Barunei beach is sure to attract foreign visitors for an enthralling encounter with ridleys in a serene atmosphere.
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APPROACH:
Nearest Airport: Bhubaneswar.
Nearest Railway Station : Cuttack and Bhadrak
Paradeep to turtle congregation zone 4 hrs. by mechanised vessels in river and sea.
Rajnagar to Pentha 1 ½ hrs. by road
Rajnagar to Barunei 1 ½ hrs. by road.
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ACCOMMODATION:
Paradeep: Hotel & Rest Houses.
Dangmal: Forest Rest Houses.
Ekakula: Forest Rest Houses.
Habalikhati: Tourist Cottage.
Gupti : Forest Rest Shed.
Krushnapriyapur: Forest Rest shed.
Barunei/Pentha: Tourist cottage (being developed)
For Further details on ECO-TOUR of Bhitarkanika please contact
DFO Rajnagar, Kendrapara
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