Avoid
Bhitarkanika in August
Odisha, India
Peak cyclone + closure — nowhere near accessible
Why August scores 1/5
Weather
Closed
Roads & Access
self drive: Moderate to entry, boat inside. road condition: Good to Rajnagar, narrow roads + boat after. public transport: Buses to Rajnagar/Chandbali. Boat safari from jetty.. from nearest city: Bhadrak 70km (2h), Bhubaneswar 150km (4h). last km difficulty: moderate
Safety & Emergency
Safety: 2/5. note: No real medical in park. Rajnagar has PHC. Bhadrak 70km for hospital. Carry anti-venom first-aid.. ambulance: 108 (slow — 60min+). nearest hospital: PHC Rajnagar — 15km (basic)
Network
JIO: No, BSNL: Yes, NOTE: Yes, AIRTEL: Yes. Patchy at park office. NO signal inside mangrove channels.
Kids
Not ideal for kids — Unique crocodile safari for older teens, Mangrove boat experience educational
Elevation
2m — Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- ✓Travelers with basic fitness
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗Families with young children
- ✗everyone
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5/5 | Peak — croc and bird viewing |
| February | 5/5 | February delivers peak croc sightings — they sun on every mudbank |
| March | 4/5 | March crocs are still visible before monsoon… |
| April | 3/5 | Heat makes boat safaris tiring but crocs love the… |
| May | 2/5 | Hot — park may close |
| June | 1/5 | Closed |
| July | 1/5 | Closed |
| Augustviewing | 1/5 | Closed |
| September | 3/5 | September sees cautious reopening — green mangrove at maximum… |
| October | 5/5 | October opens the full Bhitarkanika experience — crocs, birds, mangrove channels |
| November | 5/5 | November is the definitive Bhitarkanika month — 18 albino crocs somewhere in these channels |
| December | 5/5 | December draws discerning wildlife seekers to India's croc capital |
Practical Details
How to reach
Bhadrak 70km (2h), Bhubaneswar 150km (4h). Roads: Good to Rajnagar, narrow roads + boat after. Self-drive: Moderate to entry, boat inside. Public transport: Buses to Rajnagar/Chandbali. Boat safari from jetty.. Last stretch: moderate
Elevation
2m
Difficulty
moderate
Budget tier
budget
Permits required
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