Located in Kendrapara District Odisha, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most popular sanctuaries in Odisha. Spanned in area of 145 square kilometers, this sanctuary has been named as National Park since September 1998. Renowned for its turtles and crocodiles, it was converted into national park to preserve turtles. With vast wetlands, thick mangrove forests and three rivers flowing through it, it is home to migratory and endangered birds.

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is home to white crocodile, saltwater crocodile, black ibis, Indian python, darters, chitals, cobra, water monitor lizard and wild pigs. This park has the largest population of endangered saltwater crocodile i.e., nearly 1671. Additionally, it is also rich in avian-fauna with 320 species of avifauna including Egrets, eight varieties of Kingfishers, Asian Open Bill, Cormorants and much more. Around 80,000 resident birds fly to this park for nesting during monsoon season.

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to amphibians, fish, mammals and birds. The winters are cold here ranging from 15°-27°C, and temperature in summer ranges from 17°-32°C. Located at the distance of 35 kilometers from Chandabali, this sanctuary is well connected with road. The nearest airport to this sanctuary is at Bhubaneswar which is 190 kilometers away and nearest railhead is Bhadrakh.