Best Places To Visit In Kendrapara

 

Kendrapara district in Odisha is a treasure trove of natural beauty, wildlife, and historical sites, particularly known for its extensive mangrove forests and unique marine life. Here are some of the prominent tourist places in Kendrapara:

1. Bhitarkanika National Park & Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Overview: This is the flagship attraction of Kendrapara. It's India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sundarbans and a designated Ramsar site. It's a network of creeks and canals inundated with waters from the Brahmani, Baitarani, and Dhamra rivers.

• Wildlife: Famous for its saltwater crocodiles (including the rare white crocodile "Gori"), it also boasts Indian pythons, black ibis, wild boars, rhesus monkeys, chitals (spotted deer), monitor lizards, and numerous species of birds, including migratory ones from Europe and Central Asia. It's a birdwatcher's paradise with over 215 bird species, including eight varieties of kingfishers.

• Activities: Visitors can enjoy boat rides through the mangroves, explore the crocodile breeding center at Dangamal, and observe wildlife along the riverbanks. Nature camps are available for overnight stays.

• Best Time to Visit: October to April, when the weather is pleasant and migratory birds are present.

2. Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary & Beach:

• Overview: Located adjacent to Bhitarkanika National Park, Gahirmatha is Odisha's only marine sanctuary and a globally significant nesting ground for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. These turtles migrate thousands of miles from the South Pacific Ocean to lay their eggs on this beach every year.

• Significance: It's a vital conservation area and offers a unique opportunity to witness this incredible natural phenomenon during the nesting season.

3. Baladevjew Temple (Tulasi Kshetra):

• Overview: Situated in Ichhapur, near Kendrapara town, this is one of Odisha's historic and revered temples. It's dedicated to Lord Baladevjew, the elder brother of Lord Jagannath.

• Legend: The area is known as "Tulasi Kshetra" based on a legend that Lord Balaram killed the demon Kendarasura here and married his daughter Tulasi.

• Specialty: The main offering to Lord Baladevjew is "Rasabali," a famous local sweet. The annual Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival) here is also celebrated with great fervor.

4. Aul Palace:

• Overview: An ancient palace spread over 40 acres, situated near Aul township, on the banks of the Kharasrota River. It was built in 1590 by Kalinga Raj Ram Chandra Dev.

• Features: The palace complex includes structures like Rajbati, Ranimahal, Ghodashala, Bhandar, Udyan, Pramoda Udyan, Debalaya, and Devi Mandir, offering a glimpse into the region's royal history.

5. Kanika Palace:

• Overview: A massive palace built by King Rajendra Narayan Bhanja Deo of Kanika, located in Rajkanika Block.

• Attractions: It houses a museum displaying the king's war equipment, and interestingly, the world's largest crocodile skull, an elephant skull, and stuffed tiger museum.

6. Batighar (Lighthouse) & False Point Port:

• Overview: Located about 45 km from Kendrapara district headquarters, Batighar is the first lighthouse installed on the eastern coast of India, operational since 1837.

• Historical Significance: In front of the lighthouse was the False Point Port, Odisha's first modern port, commissioned in 1855, though it was destroyed by a storm in 1885. The remnants offer a glimpse into the state's maritime past.

7. Hukitola Island:

• Overview: Situated on Jambu island in the Bay of Bengal, Hukitola is known for its old, unique building that was once a granary during the British era. It offers scenic views and a tranquil environment.

8. Sakhibata Temple:

• Overview: Located just 6 km from Kendrapara town, this site is famous for a 500-year-old banyan tree, making it a popular spot for picnics and local visits.

9. Lakshmi Varaha Jew Temple:

• Overview: A 500-year-old temple dedicated to Varaha (the boar incarnation of Vishnu) along with his consort Lakshmi, located in Kendrapara District.

10. Chandramouli Temple:

• Overview: Situated at Chandan Nagar, about 33 km from Kendrapara town, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is believed to have been built around 1700 AD.

11. Pentha Sea Beach & Habalikhati Sea Beach:

• Overview: These serene and picturesque beaches offer a tranquil escape along the coast, perfect for relaxation. Habalikhati is also known for its Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Research Centre.

Kendrapara offers a unique blend of natural wonders, rich biodiversity, and historical and religious sites, making it a diverse destination for tourists interested in eco-tourism, wildlife, history, and spiritual journeys.