Chandbali

siders mainly from the business community started towards Chandbali. This led to the growth of Chandbali as a Agro-based merchants centre.

_____Some of the remains of the British period like Cannon and Anchor still found at Chandbali reminds one of those days. Present

_____Presently Chandbali is the headquarter of Chandbali tahasil as well as Chandbali block.It is also a popular tourist spot and the gate-way to the famous tourist spot-cum- wild life Sanctuary "Bhitarkanika" in the water way, being accessed by boats through the river Baitarani. Bhitarkanika Nature's treasure trove

___Bhitarkanika in the East Coast of Odisha, is the growing tip of the ever increasing delta formed by the alluvial deposits of sacred rivers Brahmani, Baitarani and Dhamara. This deltaic region is capped with a unique vegetation known as mangroves which are equipped with natural adaptations such as pneumatophores, stilt roots and hypocotiles to survive in estuarine condition. Mangroves are defined as a group of specialized plant community confined to the estuaries of the tropical and sub-stropical regions. Considering the zoological ,geological ,geo morphological and ecological importance of Bhitarakanika , the Govt. of Odisha declared it as a Wildlife Sanctuary over an area of 672 Sq..Kms in the year 1975 vide Notification No.6958/FFAH dt.22/04/1975 .Subsequently the core area of the Sanctuary comprising an area of 145 Sq. was notified as a National park vide notification no.19686 dt.16/09/1998. FLORA

_____Out of 72 species of mangroves indentified world over 63 species are found in Bhitarkanika.The mangroves of this area has 3 species each of Rhizophora, Sonneratia, Heritiera, Avicennia, Xylocarpus and 4 species of Brugeria. It also contains rare plants like Criops, Cerbera, Intsia etc. FAUNA

_____The mangroves support rich marine life including crabs ,prawns, mudskippers and veriety of fishes which form the base of biological pyramid . Besides, mangrove sustains a wide range of reptiles like estuarine crocodiles, watermonitor lizards, pythons, king cobras, kraits, other snakes and mammals such as chital, fishing ,cat, wild boar, percupine, hyaena, mongoose, otter etc. The mangrove wetland serve as a potential habitat for more than 190 species of birds.Bhitarkanika is having the unique distinction of supporting eight species of Kingfisher in its habitat. This speaks about the rich bio-diversity of the area. Evergreen mangroves yield plentyof honey too. TOURISM SITES:

_____Of late Bhitarkanika has become one of the major hot spot for the eco-tourists and nature lovers. Bhitarkanika river through its serpentine passage with mangrove tree canopy forming the fringe on either side offers picturesque beauty and fascinates sthe visitiors. Boat drive over Bhitarkanika river and Khola creak makes one to appreciate the scenic beauty of Nature. Giant crocodiles basking on the mudflats and chittals browsing along the banks during dawn and dusk waders moving around in the mud banks in search of food are sights most thrilling and be-witching. BAGAGAHAN:

_____Come monsoon- All the egrets, cormorants, storks and herons fly in, nest enmasse on Sundari and Guan trees with twigs and leaves plucked from Keruan-over ten acre of forest in fourteen thousand nests-behold forty thousand new chicks fly away with the onset of winter in October/November. NATURE TRAIL:

_____Experience and enjoy an exciting 3.5 Kms. Long walk in Bhitarkanika forest block which passes through the ruins of an ancient village of old mariners. The sight at magnificent Shiva Temple, silted lotus pond, dilapidated shotting tower and collapsed palace under forest growth reminisces the glory and grandeur of erstwhile Kanika Raj. THE BEACH:

_____Enjoy the beauty of pristine sandy beaches of Ekakula, Barunei and Habalikhati. The serene sylvan and tranquil surrounding makes one to get lost in the lap of nature. Attractions

_____This deltic region comprises a couple of tiny islands formed by the meandering creeks. With Dangmal at the centre stage ( the others being Ekakula, Habilikhati etc), Bhitarakanika is a natural habitat of lot of wild creatures like Crocodiles, King Cobra, Pythons, Wild Pigs, Rhesus Monkey, Sambars, Spotted Deer etc. There is a Crocodile Breeding Farm at Dangmal. The pride possession of this Farm is the White Crocodile Sankhua, a rare species in the World. Migratory Birds

____Over 170 species of resident and migratory birds of different hue enhance the beauty of the wild. Prominent ampng them are King Fisher, Open billed storks, Sea Eagles, Kites, Sand Pipers, Darters, Whistling Teals, Sea Gulls, etc.

_____Another amazing phenomenon of nature here is the visit of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles to Gahirmatha in lakhs twice every year between January and March to lay eggs en masse.

_____An unexpected aditional attraction is the remains of two 9th century monuments a temple dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva and the other a Shakti Shrine at Dangmal. Entry Points

_____Permission to visit Bhitarakanika can be obtained from Divisional Forest Officer Rajnagar, PIN:754225, Ph (06729) 272460 Or Asst. conservator of Forests, Chandbali, PIN 756133 Ph. (06786) 220372 on payment of prescribed fees. Best season to visit :- October to June. Nearest Railway Station :-Bhadrak