When we comfortably settled on the sun deck of our luxury catamaran, MV Brahmani, we hear the shouts of the ship’s captain from below. “Crocodile! Crocodile Relaxation!” It almost sounds too cheerful that he noticed mostly evoking terror, but fascinating reptiles. We look at the water on our right and surely, we will object to our first crocodile. Like us, the crocodile repeats on the muddy shores of the river.
Slapping water crocodiles are seen in the sun on Mudflats | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The second largest mangrove system in India, after Sunderbans, the Bhitarkanika, Odisha National Park, is home to many crocodiles in the Brahmani-Baitarani river systems, as well as migration birds and many other flora and fauna. While the park is accessible on the road, we explore the region with water – on a luxury catamaran by Antar River Cruises.
The vessels are fully equipped with two bedrooms, bathrooms and dining space at the front, in addition to the sun’s deck equipped with comfortable chairs. Ships are best suited for groups of four (price for 25,000 GBP per person for two nights including food) that can be accommodated in two bedrooms. Local residents in the area of fleet employees of four catamarans and are too pleased to talk about their favorite crocodile observations. “There is one 23-Stick crocodile that goes for a long morning swim. I hope you all see it,” one of them cheerfully informs us.
In 2002, we announced instead of Ramsar (wetland of national meaning), we will learn that there are about 1700 crocodiles with salt water, which were counted in the last census held in January 2024. Dense mangroves include 82 species and host birds, including purple herons. Sharp, Sharp, Brodé, and Owjly and Owls and Owls and Owls.
Spotted deer are common observations in the National Park Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
“There’s something for everyone,” says Sanghamitra Jena, who controls operations. “Whether you are here to write and take pictures, explore wildlife, walk through the forests or simply lie around the catamaran and enjoy sailing,” he says. When we take the calm waters and orange sky at sunset, we stay on the readiness for observing more crocodiles on Mudflats. We also noticed herds of spotted deer, which emerged from the banks, while paying attention to the possible observation of otters and dolphins.
When Catamaran finally anchor for the night, we are extremely grateful for two things – air conditioning on board due to the angle at the beginning of the summer heat and Bhetki fish on the dinner. Bhetki, which is Barramundi or Asian Sea Bass, is a popular accessory in offer and all meals on board have fresh catch and local delicacies, including popular desserts Odisha Chennapood. There are three meals on board, in a cozy dining room in front of the room and the offer has the usual favorite – eggs, toast, drive, parathhas for breakfast, rays, subi, meat and vegetables for lunch, as well as continental options such as grilled fish and grid.
Sun on luxury catamaran Photo Credit: S Poorvaja
The view of the reunion of more crocodiles will cause us to be excited about the next day when we sailed and anchored near the entrance to the Bhitarcanika National Park, which includes the Crocodile Adveters and Breeding program.
It is here that we really experience strong of everything; Walking directly to the mangrove forest by navigating a wooden bridge, which was built to act as a living observatory. We hear bird calls, still look at the mangrove canopy above us, and connect the railing every time we look at what lies below. Unfortunately, crocodiles remain elusive; None of them cheated on to see the party 10 carefully walk over their heads.
In our goal, however, there are many children’s crocodiles in attachments, swimming happily or repeating. The Crocodile Research and Conservation Project Saltwater was based in Dangmal to breed and release crocodiles into the wild and there are separate closures showing the crocodile life cycle from the hatching phase. The park is also home to the rare albino crocodile, named Gori, and we will learn that the effort to join its joining has proved to be futile. Gori now lives alone in an enclosed space, an independent queen.
Thick mangrove in Bhitarkanika Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
With many small streams and s canings, we continue to explore the mangrove system on a smaller ship, a slow, two -hour route. Armed with binoculars, noticing birds in the branches of trees and a lot of pleasure, we can see the children’s crocodile peacefully on a small branch before turning elegantly and falling directly into the water with a little spray.
The catamars see most of their tourist guests from October to February. “From May 1 to the end of July, the park is closed, because it is a time when crocodiles usually behave. We see the influx of birds and wildlife enthusiasts begin to come in August and later,” Sanghamitra says when it leads us back to our catamarans. Fortunately, after exploring mangoes in burning heat and unchanged humidity, we take Shikanji, a cold drink with flavored lemon, with which we are welcome on board.
The afternoon during the cruise is best spent at the cold borders of the cab, on board in the sun, or for more adventurous passengers, a walk through the jungle in Shikhar Kothi, where the canopy of leaves and branches are a welcome shield from the heat. It is told that snake spotting, including pythons, is quite common in this area.
When the catamaran fits again at sunset, the views do not feel repetitive or tiring. There is peace on the water when the sky becomes orange and then slow ink blue. We keep our eyes trained on muddy, often stop to admire smaller streams and channels that we sail. This cut cruise is best used on board the Sun, a telescope in one hand for Croc-Spotting and a plate of evening pakodas and tea in the other.
The writer was on Antara River Cruises, Bhitarkany at an invitation from a rare India
Published – April 25, 2025 05:21
