Kendrapara: Turtles, birdlife and Hukitola

Kendrapara offers several distinct natural and cultural themes to explore. Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuary is known worldwide for the mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles; Hukitola stands out for its underground rainwater harvesting system. Bhitarkanika adds its birdlife to the picture. For planning your trip, these are clearly distinct points of interest: a large protected area, a historically significant place with a specific technical feature, and a seasonal look at migratory birds.

Nature: Gahirmatha and the sea turtles

Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuary covers 1,435 square kilometres and is located in the Rajnagar and Mahakalapada tehsils of Kendrapara district. It is known worldwide for the mass nesting of Olive Ridley sea turtles. The area gives an idea of the sanctuary’s scale, while the two tehsils pinpoint its location within the district. This gives nature enthusiasts two clear points of reference: the size of the area and its special connection with sea turtles.

Hukitola: Rainwater system and history

Hukitola attracts students, researchers and history enthusiasts throughout the year. Its scenic setting and historical significance are key draws. The underground rainwater harvesting system adds a specific technical topic to these aspects. Hukitola can therefore be understood through its landscape and history, as well as through a particular architectural feature.

Getting to Hukitola

The journey to Hukitola has two legs: from Kendrapara, take a taxi to Kharinasi; from there, continue by boat or Desi Danga. Plan the two legs in this order and check local transport availability before your trip.

Bhitarkanika’s birdlife

Bhitarkanika is home to more than 215 bird species, including winter migrants from Europe and Central Asia. The number of species conveys the breadth of its birdlife, while the origin and winter migration of the birds mentioned add a seasonal dimension. If you are interested in birdlife, you can distinguish between the area’s overall species diversity and the specifically winter-focused perspective.

In the wider destination of Orissa

The wider destination of Orissa offers more landscapes and cultural themes. Chilika Lagoon is Asia’s largest brackish-water lagoon, a wetland of international importance and a Ramsar site; it is also the only habitat of the Irrawaddy dolphin in India. Another natural area is Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district in northern Odisha. It covers 2,750 square kilometres; highly recommended activities there include jungle safaris, guided hikes and birdwatching. Baheripani and Joranda waterfalls plunge approximately 400 and 150 metres, respectively.

Odissi also offers a cultural perspective on Orissa: the dance form developed from the ancient Mahari dance tradition, performed by Devadasi dancers at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, and later became Odisha’s classical dance form. Culinary traditions offer a different perspective. Mahaprasad is the offering to Lord Jagannath in Puri and is prepared in stacked earthen pots over a fire, with the topmost pot cooking first. Pakhala is fermented rice soaked in water overnight and eaten with fried vegetables and fish; in Odisha, it is considered a typical summer dish.

Discover more destinations: Righa Garh, Kendujhar, Bhadrak, Bargarh, Jajpur, Sambalpur, Koraput, Gajapati

For the wider travel overview: Odisha.