Bhitar Kanika/Gahirmatta Sanctuary

Bhitar Kanika, 200 km from Bhubaneswar, and 35 km from Chandbali, covers an area of 650 sq km. To reach it, one has to ferry from Chandbali. The forest type here is like the mangrove forest of Sunderbans in West Bengal. Apart from the rare white crocodile of the crocodile project Bhitar Kanika also has the spotted dear, sambar, wild pig, leopard and porcupine.

Close to Bhitar Kanika is another marine sanctuary -- Gahirmatta -- the breeding ground for several sea turtles like the Olive Ridley. Every year, approximately 10 lakh sea turtles come here for breeding. It is also a harbouring ground for various kinds of migratory birds.