Peak Season
Bhitarkanika in January
Odisha, India
January mangrove safari reveals 18-foot saltwater crocs basking in winter sun
Why January scores 5/5
Weather
Peak β croc and bird viewing
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 β 60min+). nearest hospital: PHC Rajnagar β 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 β Unique crocodile safari for older teens, Mangrove boat experience educational
Elevation
2m β Low altitude, no issues
Who should go
- βTravelers with basic fitness
- βwildlife-enthusiasts
- βphotographers
Who should think twice
- βThose with mobility issues
- βAnyone needing constant connectivity
- βNone
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Januaryviewing | 5/5 | Peak β croc and bird viewing |
| February | 5/5 | February delivers peak croc sightings β 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 β park may close |
| June | 1/5 | Closed |
| July | 1/5 | Closed |
| August | 1/5 | Closed |
| September | 3/5 | September sees cautious reopening β green mangrove at maximumβ¦ |
| October | 5/5 | October opens the full Bhitarkanika experience β crocs, birds, mangrove channels |
| November | 5/5 | November is the definitive Bhitarkanika month β 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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Nearby in Odisha scoring high in January
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