Bhitarkanika National Park

It was declared as a National Park in the year of 1988. The total area of the park is about 145.00 Km². Bhitarkanika is formed from two Odia words ‘Bhitar’ meaning interior and ‘Kanika’ meaning that which is extraordinarily beautiful. The sanctuary has 55 different varieties of mangroves which are used as a nesting ground by the migratory birds coming from Central Asia and Europe. Teak, Salvia, Bamboo, Hair, Babul, Ziziphus, Kauriculata, Palas are the other significant flora of the region. the park is home to the endangered saltwater crocodile, White crocodile, Indian python King Cobra, Black ibis and many other species of flora and Fauna. The Park is also a prime habitat of leopard cat, fishing cat, jungle cat, hyena, wild boar, spotted deer, sambar, porcupine, dolphin, water monitor lizards, etc. The national park is an area which is strictly reserved for the betterment of the wildlife & biodiversity, and where activities like developmental, forestry, poaching, hunting and grazing on cultivation are not permitted. Their boundaries are well marked and circumscribed.