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Bhitarkanika Birding Tour – 7 Nights/8 Days

Bhitarkanika Birding Tour – 7 Nights/8 Days

No. of days

7

Trip Type

#

Activity Level

Moderate

Experiences

Best time

October to April

Region

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Overview

Located on the eastern coast of India, Odisha is a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers. Boasting vast mangrove forests, rich wetlands, and coastal lagoons, Odisha supports an incredible variety of wildlife. One of the highlights is Bhitarkanika National Park, known for its extensive mangrove ecosystem. Bhitarkanika supports a fascinating diversity of wildlife including leopard cat, jungle cat, hyena, wild boar, spotted deer, porcupine, dolphin, saltwater crocodile (including the rare partially white crocodile), king cobra, water monitor lizards, terrapins, and marine turtles. The park is also a birdwatcher’s haven, sheltering about 215 species of birds, including eight different species of kingfishers such as the Brown-winged Kingfisher, Black-capped Kingfisher, White-collared Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, and White-throated Kingfisher. Waders like the Pacific Golden Plover, along with bar-headed geese, Brahminy duck, pintail, white-bellied sea eagle, hornbill, woodpecker, kingfisher, tern, seagull, and many others, enrich the avifauna of the park. Special species like the Mangrove Pitta, best seen in April, make the trails around the particularly rewarding for keen birders.

Alongside birding, you’ll have the chance to witness the spectacular Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, the world’s largest nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles. From serene lagoon waters teeming with migratory birds to dense mangrove forests alive with wildlife, this tour showcases the unique biodiversity of coastal Odisha.

Explore the magical wetlands of Mangalajodi and Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest coastal lagoon, where over a million birds gather during peak seasons. Combining rich birdlife with cultural experiences and striking natural beauty, This tour provides a memorable and enriching experience for birdwatchers of all levels.

Trip Highlights

  • Discover the magnificent Bhitarkanika National Park with its dense mangroves and abundant birdlife.
  • Witness eight species of kingfishers, including the rare Brown-winged, Black-capped, and White-collared Kingfishers.
  • Explore the famous Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, home to the largest nesting population of Olive Ridley sea turtles.
  • Visit Mangalajodi Wetlands, a spectacular wintering site hosting over 200,000 migratory birds.
  • Cruise through Chilika Lake’s Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, Asia’s largest coastal lagoon boasting over 11 lakh birds annually.
  • Birdwatching opportunities featuring species like Black-necked Stork, Mangrove Pitta, Bar-headed Goose, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and many more.
  • Experience Odisha’s culture at Bhubaneswar, known for its stunning temples and rich heritage.

     

Image Galllery

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in New Delhi

Welcome to India! Upon arrival at New Delhi airport, our representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Relax and prepare for your journey ahead.

Day 2: Fly to Bhubaneswar – Drive to Bhitarkanika

Take an early flight to Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s capital renowned for its ancient temples and cultural heritage. From the airport, enjoy a scenic 4-hour drive (approx. 160 km) to Bhitarkanika National Park. Arrive and Relax at your accommodation and prepare for the exciting birding journey ahead.

Day 3: Birding at Bhitarkanika National Park

We will begin our day exploring the extraordinary mangrove forests of Bhitarkanika, spread over 672 square kilometers. The sanctuary hosts an extraordinary variety of waterbirds that come here to breed. Enjoy boat rides through winding creeks where you can spot several kingfishers – Brown-winged, Collared, Common, Black-capped, Stork-billed, and Ruddy Kingfishers.

We will look for birds such as Black-necked Stork, Black-tailed Godwit, Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis, Little and Intermediate Egrets, Little, Grey, Purple and Black-crowned Night Herons, and large breeding colonies of Oriental Darters. We will also keep an eye out for the elusive Mangrove Whistler and the rare Mangrove Pitta. The park is also home to saltwater crocodiles basking on riverbanks.

Return to your lodge for dinner and rest.

Day 4: Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary and Return to Bhubaneswar

Visit the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for hosting the largest nesting population of Olive Ridley turtles worldwide. During nesting season, witness these incredible turtles arriving by the thousands to lay their eggs on the sandy shores.
In the afternoon, travel back to Bhubaneswar for an evening at leisure and overnight stay.

Day 5: Drive to Mangalajodi Wetlands

After breakfast, head to Mangalajodi, a renowned birdwatching destination just 75 km from Bhubaneswar (about 1.5 hours drive). The wetlands here are a safe haven for over 200,000 waterbirds during the winter months.

Enjoy birding in this wetland paradise, we will look for prolific species like Black-tailed Godwit, Tufted Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Fulvous Whistling-duck, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Garganey, Eurasian Wigeon, Ruddy Shelduck, and Purple Swamphen.

We will stay alert for raptors such as Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Brahminy Kite, Peregrine Falcon, and the common White-bellied Sea Eagle. Enjoy the spectacle of Whiskered Terns on the wing. Overnight stay near Mangalajodi.

Day 6: Mangalajodi to Chilika Lake – Nalbana Bird Sanctuary

In the morning, take a boat ride to Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, located in the heart of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Here, over 11 lakh resident and migratory birds gather annually, creating a spectacular natural show.

Spot species such as White-bellied Sea Eagle, Black-tailed Godwit, Lesser and Greater Flamingo, Lesser Whistling Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Ruddy Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Red-crested Pochard, and various plovers including the Lesser Sand Plover and Pacific Golden Plover.

Keep a lookout for large herons like the Goliath Heron, as well as Eurasian Curlew, Glossy Ibis, and numerous other waterbirds. The surrounding area also supports mammals such as Blackbuck, Spotted Deer (Chital), and Golden Jackal. Chilika is home to the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin, the only place in India where this dolphin species is found.
Return to Bhubaneswar for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Bhubaneswar – Fly Back to New Delhi

Spend your final morning at leisure to explore Bhubaneswar or enjoy any nearby birding spots. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight back to New Delhi and onward journey home.

Spaces are limited so book your spot today.

No. of days

7

Trip Type

#

Activity Level

Moderate

Experiences

Best time

October to April

Region

Overview

Located on the eastern coast of India, Odisha is a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers. Boasting vast mangrove forests, rich wetlands, and coastal lagoons, Odisha supports an incredible variety of wildlife. One of the highlights is Bhitarkanika National Park, known for its extensive mangrove ecosystem. Bhitarkanika supports a fascinating diversity of wildlife including leopard cat, jungle cat, hyena, wild boar, spotted deer, porcupine, dolphin, saltwater crocodile (including the rare partially white crocodile), king cobra, water monitor lizards, terrapins, and marine turtles. The park is also a birdwatcher’s haven, sheltering about 215 species of birds, including eight different species of kingfishers such as the Brown-winged Kingfisher, Black-capped Kingfisher, White-collared Kingfisher, Common Kingfisher, and White-throated Kingfisher. Waders like the Pacific Golden Plover, along with bar-headed geese, Brahminy duck, pintail, white-bellied sea eagle, hornbill, woodpecker, kingfisher, tern, seagull, and many others, enrich the avifauna of the park. Special species like the Mangrove Pitta, best seen in April, make the trails around the particularly rewarding for keen birders.

Alongside birding, you’ll have the chance to witness the spectacular Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, the world’s largest nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles. From serene lagoon waters teeming with migratory birds to dense mangrove forests alive with wildlife, this tour showcases the unique biodiversity of coastal Odisha.

Explore the magical wetlands of Mangalajodi and Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest coastal lagoon, where over a million birds gather during peak seasons. Combining rich birdlife with cultural experiences and striking natural beauty, This tour provides a memorable and enriching experience for birdwatchers of all levels.

Trip Highlights

  • Discover the magnificent Bhitarkanika National Park with its dense mangroves and abundant birdlife.
  • Witness eight species of kingfishers, including the rare Brown-winged, Black-capped, and White-collared Kingfishers.
  • Explore the famous Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, home to the largest nesting population of Olive Ridley sea turtles.
  • Visit Mangalajodi Wetlands, a spectacular wintering site hosting over 200,000 migratory birds.
  • Cruise through Chilika Lake’s Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, Asia’s largest coastal lagoon boasting over 11 lakh birds annually.
  • Birdwatching opportunities featuring species like Black-necked Stork, Mangrove Pitta, Bar-headed Goose, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and many more.
  • Experience Odisha’s culture at Bhubaneswar, known for its stunning temples and rich heritage.

     

Image Galllery

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in New Delhi

Welcome to India! Upon arrival at New Delhi airport, our representative will greet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Relax and prepare for your journey ahead.

Day 2: Fly to Bhubaneswar – Drive to Bhitarkanika

Take an early flight to Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s capital renowned for its ancient temples and cultural heritage. From the airport, enjoy a scenic 4-hour drive (approx. 160 km) to Bhitarkanika National Park. Arrive and Relax at your accommodation and prepare for the exciting birding journey ahead.

Day 3: Birding at Bhitarkanika National Park

We will begin our day exploring the extraordinary mangrove forests of Bhitarkanika, spread over 672 square kilometers. The sanctuary hosts an extraordinary variety of waterbirds that come here to breed. Enjoy boat rides through winding creeks where you can spot several kingfishers – Brown-winged, Collared, Common, Black-capped, Stork-billed, and Ruddy Kingfishers.

We will look for birds such as Black-necked Stork, Black-tailed Godwit, Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis, Little and Intermediate Egrets, Little, Grey, Purple and Black-crowned Night Herons, and large breeding colonies of Oriental Darters. We will also keep an eye out for the elusive Mangrove Whistler and the rare Mangrove Pitta. The park is also home to saltwater crocodiles basking on riverbanks.

Return to your lodge for dinner and rest.

Day 4: Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary and Return to Bhubaneswar

Visit the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for hosting the largest nesting population of Olive Ridley turtles worldwide. During nesting season, witness these incredible turtles arriving by the thousands to lay their eggs on the sandy shores.
In the afternoon, travel back to Bhubaneswar for an evening at leisure and overnight stay.

Day 5: Drive to Mangalajodi Wetlands

After breakfast, head to Mangalajodi, a renowned birdwatching destination just 75 km from Bhubaneswar (about 1.5 hours drive). The wetlands here are a safe haven for over 200,000 waterbirds during the winter months.

Enjoy birding in this wetland paradise, we will look for prolific species like Black-tailed Godwit, Tufted Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Fulvous Whistling-duck, Cotton Pygmy-goose, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Garganey, Eurasian Wigeon, Ruddy Shelduck, and Purple Swamphen.

We will stay alert for raptors such as Eurasian Marsh Harrier, Brahminy Kite, Peregrine Falcon, and the common White-bellied Sea Eagle. Enjoy the spectacle of Whiskered Terns on the wing. Overnight stay near Mangalajodi.

Day 6: Mangalajodi to Chilika Lake – Nalbana Bird Sanctuary

In the morning, take a boat ride to Nalbana Bird Sanctuary, located in the heart of Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Here, over 11 lakh resident and migratory birds gather annually, creating a spectacular natural show.

Spot species such as White-bellied Sea Eagle, Black-tailed Godwit, Lesser and Greater Flamingo, Lesser Whistling Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Ruddy Shelduck, Tufted Duck, Red-crested Pochard, and various plovers including the Lesser Sand Plover and Pacific Golden Plover.

Keep a lookout for large herons like the Goliath Heron, as well as Eurasian Curlew, Glossy Ibis, and numerous other waterbirds. The surrounding area also supports mammals such as Blackbuck, Spotted Deer (Chital), and Golden Jackal. Chilika is home to the rare Irrawaddy Dolphin, the only place in India where this dolphin species is found.
Return to Bhubaneswar for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Bhubaneswar – Fly Back to New Delhi

Spend your final morning at leisure to explore Bhubaneswar or enjoy any nearby birding spots. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight back to New Delhi and onward journey home.

Spaces are limited so book your spot today.

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