Gahirmatha, Odisha – World’s largest nesting beach of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles

Want to see the unique Olive Ridley Sea Turtles? Then make a visit to the Gahirmatha next weekend. Gahirmatha also known as Gaharimatha is a coast located in the Kendrapara district of Orissa. It is the world’s largest nesting beach of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. The place has been declared a wildlife sanctuary of Orissa in 1979 and a world heritage site, and is significant for turtle conservation.

Places to see at Gahirmatha: The breathtaking view of the Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the confluent point of the River Dharma and Bay of Bengal attracts nature loving tourists to see millions of turtle living here. You will become amazed to see the extensive area covered by the sanctuary, which comes near 1435 square kilometer. Watch the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles thriving at the marine sanctuary of Gaharimatha, a rare sight that you will treasure for years. You can also visit two other turtle nesting beaches located at the river mouth of Devi and Rushikulya.

Nearby attractions around Gahirmatha: While making a trip to Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary, you can also visit some notable spots of tourist interests, located nearby. The Temple of Lord Shiva built in the early 9th century in Dangmol is truly worth visiting. The Temple of Nahak Babu built with sandstone is also a prime attraction of the tourist. Some other spots of tourist attractions are Lailtgiri, Ratnagiri and Udaygiri Buddhist complex. You can also visit the Chandipur Beach located nearby.

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park is also located in near the Gaharimatha Turtle Sanctuary. It is recognized as the second largest Mangrove ecosystem across India, spanning an area of 672 sq. km. This mangrove forest offers shelter to more than 215 species of birds. The Bhitarkanika National Park has achieved the status of a “Crocodile Sanctuary,” as it houses the biggest population of salt-water crocodile in the country. This National Park is encircled by the Gahirmatha Beach in the eastward side.

Things to do at Gahirmatha: Organize a tour to the marine turtle sanctuary at Gaharimata and watch the nesting beach of the turtles, without disturbing the creatures. Also visit the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, which offers true pleasure to the avid bird watchers. You will also be thrilled by the very sight of the mass of gigantic crocodiles at the location.

Best time to visit Gahirmatha: The ideal time of visiting the Gahirmatha Sanctuary is the period between the months of October to February, when the turtle come to nest.

How to go ?

The nearest airports of Gahirmatha are Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports. The location is also accessible by waterways (Chandabali, Ragnagar and Gupti). You can also take trains from Howrah and reach Bhadrak, Balasore, Cuttack or Bhubaneswar, from where Gahirmatha is easily accessible. Gaharimatha is just 4 kms from Dangmol. The nearest railhead to Gahirmatha is Bhadrak, which is just 77 kms away. From Bhadrak, one can reserve a taxi or a jeep to Bhitarkanika Forest Reserve and hire a boat to reach Gahirmatha.

Where to stay ?

There are no such accommodation options in Gahirmatha. You can stay in private hotels in the nearby towns.

Two options are:
Hotel Golden Anchor : +91 (06722 222 648)
Hotel Paradeep International : +91 (06722 222 986)

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.