On the occasion of International Tiger’s Day, celebrated every year on the 29th of July, the Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture and Managing Director Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has taken initiatives to highlight the Tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh and the efforts of  Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board to promote sustainable tourism around it.

Conservation efforts at the Tiger State of India – Madhya Pradesh

Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla said Madhya Pradesh is committed to responsible tourism and focuses on minimizing environmental impact and involving local communities. By collaborating with forest departments, local authorities, and tourism operators, Madhya Pradesh aims to sustain tourism activities even during the park closures (July to September) and generate employment opportunities for local residents.

It is interesting to note that the state has instituted a special organisation -The Madhya Pradesh Ecotourism Development Board within the forest department of the Government of Madhya Pradesh. It was created to promote and develop ecotourism as a key part of the forest department’s activities. This helps everyone work together effectively to boost ecotourism.

Madhya Pradesh has solidified its status as India’s unrivalled “Tiger State.” Boasting an impressive 785 tigers—the highest count in the nation according to the 2022 census—this central Indian state offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to observe these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.

The state often hailed as the “Tiger State” of India, is home to seven magnificent tiger reserves that beckon wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe. These reserves—Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Pench, Satpura, Panna, Sanjay-Dubri, and Veerangana Durgavati—offer a captivating glimpse into the heart of India’s wilderness.

The king of the jungle thrives here, thanks to the relentless efforts of the Forest Department and the strong support of the local community. Everyone needs to commit to preserving nature for future generations and creating a caring environment where the tiger family can flourish. Restoring the tiger population was a challenging task, but through tireless dedication, Madhya Pradesh has successfully achieved this remarkable feat.

Each reserve is unique, featuring diverse landscapes ranging from dense forests and lush meadows to rugged terrains and serene rivers. Visitors can embark on thrilling safaris, nature walks, and bird-watching tours, all while enjoying the chance to witness the majestic Bengal tiger in its natural habitat.

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is rolling out a variety of tourism activities to enhance the visitor experience, including vehicle safaris, nature walks, jungle safaris, treehouse stays, village tours, and stargazing. The board organises workshops across various national parks to ensure a seamless and thrilling adventure.

Here’s a glimpse into the fascinating tiger reserves of Madhya Pradesh:

Bandhavgarh National Park: Boasts a thriving 104 tiger population

Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve spans across districts of Umaria and Katni. Encompassing an area of 1,536.93 square kilometres, the reserve boasts a thriving tiger population of 104 tigers. Bandhavgarh is one of the smallest parks but wildlife-rich and picturesque park having the highest density of tigers in India.

There is estimated to be one tiger every 14 km which offers a thrilling opportunity to spot tigers in their natural environment. A flight from Delhi to Jabalpur takes roughly 2 hours which is followed by a 4 hour drive to the park.

With 47 recorded species of mammals, around 250 species of Birds, more than 100 species of Butterflies and many reptiles, Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve has a significant ecological role to play.

Kanha National Park: A pioneer in conservation initiatives

Kanha Tiger Reserve spanning the districts of Mandla and Balaghat is proudly one of the country’s premier tiger reserves and the state’s largest national park. The reserve encompasses an area of 940 square kilometres and the tiger population is 61. Kanha undoubtedly offers an unforgettable safari experience and spotting the master of camouflage is a thrilling reward estimated with one tiger every 15 km.

The Hard Ground Barasingha, in the Kanha Reserve, has made a remarkable recovery thanks to a holistic conservation approach and effective management practices. Once on the brink of extinction, this iconic deer species has seen a rise in its population within the reserve. The lush green forests of Kanha, dominated by Sal (Shorea Robusta) and other mixed forest trees, provide a rich habitat for diverse flora and fauna. Known for its evergreen Sal forests, Kanha is home to about 300 bird species, 43 mammal species, 26 reptile species, and over 500 insect species.

Pench Tiger Reserve: More than just a wildlife sanctuary

Pench National Park spans across the districts of Seoni and Chhindwara. Pench National Park is one of the tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh renowned for its thriving tiger population of 61 tigers across an area of 1179.63 square kilometres posing a possibility of tiger tracking every 19 km. Pench Tiger Reserve is a living chapter from Rudyard Kipling’s iconic tale, “The Jungle Book.” The inspiration for the fictional world of Mowgli can be traced directly back to this region.

Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve: Newest reserve at Heart of Incredible India

The state’s newest tiger reserve aims to conserve tigers and other wildlife within its vast expanse. The 7th protected habitat for big cats in the state is spread across Sagar, Damoh and Narsinghpur districts.

The Reserve is spread across 2339 square kilometres and is estimated to have 15 tigers making it a vital habitat for the endangered species. The Tiger Reserve is located approximately 20 kilometers from Bhopal.

Satpura Tiger Reserve: Spot at UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites

The Satpura Tiger Reserve stuns visitors with its exquisite natural beauty. It is aptly nicknamed as “Seven Folds,” derived from the Satpura mountain range. The reserve is estimated to have 40 tigers. The Satpura reserve also boasts ancient rock paintings dating back 10,000 years making it a memorable experience.

Satpura’s ecological wealth has earned it a well-deserved spot on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites in the Natural category.

The Hard Ground Barasingha has been reintroduced into the Satpura Tiger Reserve to create a new population of this endangered deer. Also known as the Central Indian Barasingha, this species was originally found only in Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Conservation efforts are successfully learning how to protect and nurture the Barasingha, making Satpura a promising new habitat for this rare deer.

Panna Tiger Reserve: Land of Ken River

Panna Tiger Reserve spans 1,598.10 sq km spread across  Panna and Chhatarpur districts. The reserve is home to 25 tigers. This reserve offers a glimpse at the dynamic dry deciduous forest. The visuals of Ken River are matchless memories during the safari with a flash of sunshine lends it unparalleled beauty.

Sanjay-Dubri National Park and Tiger Reserve: Haven for wildlife

Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve comprising an Evergreen Sal, Bamboo and mixed forest spans an impressive 1,674.5 square kilometres across Sidhi and Shahdol districts and is a haven for wildlife. The reserve plays a crucial role in tiger conservation and is home to about 5 tigers, 152 species of birds 32 species of mammals, 11 species of reptiles, 03 species of amphibian and many more, 34 species of freshwater fishes. Sanjay National Park which is a part of Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve is the most popular place to visit.

Best time to Visit: The best time to visit the tiger reserves is typically between October and June.

Sanctuaries for India’s tigers

Madhya Pradesh’s tiger reserves, including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, Panna, Satpura, Sanjay-Dubri, and Bori, have become vital sanctuaries for India’s tigers. Through dedicated conservation efforts, the state has seen a significant increase in its tiger population, contributing to the overall rise in tiger numbers across the country.

Initiatives such as habitat restoration, anti-poaching measures, and community engagement have played crucial roles in this success. The collective efforts in these reserves not only protect the majestic tigers but also preserve the rich biodiversity of Madhya Pradesh, ensuring a thriving ecosystem for future generations.

Madhya Pradesh’s tiger reserves offer an unparalleled adventure for those seeking to connect with nature and witness the splendour of India’s wildlife. Whether you’re an avid wildlife photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life,

Madhya Pradesh’s tiger reserves promise an unforgettable experience. So pack your bags, embrace the call of the wild, and embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

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Kanha National Park has a great story, to begin with. It was the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s famous novel “The Jungle Book.” The book is set in a forest that is said to be based on Kanha.

Let us take you to this vast wildlife reserve in India where the famous 6 tigers of Kanha are widely photographed, affectionately referred to, and yes have a great fan following.

The Kanha Tiger Reserve is also known as Kanha-Kisli National Park. It is the largest national park of Madhya Pradesh and one of the top tiger reserves in India. It was established in 1955 and covers an area of approximately 940 square km. The park is known for its dense sal and bamboo forests, grassy meadows, and numerous streams and rivers.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, wild dogs, Indian bison (gaur), sloth bears, and many species of deer and antelope. It is also home to over 300 species of birds, including the Indian pitta, which is known for its bright colors and distinctive call.

The Kanha zone, Kisli zone, Mukki zone, and Sarhi zone are four safari areas (core zones) that are particularly popular among visitors.

They are now all central areas of Kanha National Park, where most visitors go on safari drives. In addition to these four safari zones, the Kanha park administration has established buffer safari zones like Khatia, Khapa, Phen, and Sijhora. It’s crucial to note that there’s no physical barrier between such safari zones, and animals aren’t aware of them, thus their mobility isn’t restricted as much as a safari zone’s, hence tiger sightings can occur everywhere.

The tiger is at the top of the Kanha eco-biological system’s pyramid. They are rufous in hue with distinctive black stripes that add to their charm. Each tiger’s face markings are distinct, allowing them to be identified uniquely. Their body colour frequently aids them in avoiding their natural prey by allowing them to hide in the shade and big grasses.

A completely grown male tiger can reach a length of 2.7 to 2.9 metres, while a fully-grown female can reach a length of 2.5 to 2.6 metres. Male tigers are larger than female tigers. Tigers typically weigh between 185 and 245 kilogrammes, whereas female tigresses range between 140 and 170 kilogrammes.

At the age of two, a tiger hits puberty. A tigress’ gestation span is around 105 to 110 days. A wild tiger’s average lifespan is 15 years; however, it may survive up to 20 years in captivity. It has been observed that aged tigers frequently die in territorial conflicts or owing to an inability to kill, resulting in starving death.

Tigers have excellent eyesight. Tigers have six times the eyesight ability of humans in the dark. Tigers are solitary creatures who are very territorial. They identify their area by scraping trees and releasing a distinctive aroma in trees on a regular basis. They monitor their region on a regular basis and don’t dare to fight to keep or expand their current territory.

Given the fact that visitors and safari guides have widely visited all four main areas of Kanha national park, one can now identify some of the most often spotted tigers and tigresses in each safari zone. Therefore, there is an attempt made to compile a listing of recent tiger sighting in Kanha so that people may have a general notion of which tigers can be located in certain safari zones.

We attempt to familiarise you with the famous tigers of Kanha and their stories with the understanding that there can be further developments and poachers or other tragedies could befall the famous tigers.

Neelam (Female Tigeress)

Neelam (T-65), a stunning young female in her prime, is the unquestioned Queen of Kanha Meadows. She was radio-collared for a short time as a sub-adult in 2014 for research purposes. She controls a large portion of the Kanha Zone. Since their territories cross in a few spots, she had a few conflicts with Naina (T-76). With a genealogy that includes Munna and Munna Dadar, Neelam appears to be in good shape to carry on her parents’ history.

Naina (Female Tigeress)

Naina, one of the park’s most gorgeous and assertive Tigresses, shares a portion of her territory with Neelam (T-65) and her mother (T-8). She was given the name “Naina” not just because of her lovely eyes, but also because, unlike many of her peers, she makes direct eye contact with visitors more frequently than not. Her home range is located in the Kanha zone’s tourist regions.

Dhawajhandi (Female Tigeress)

T-27 was born in Chhoti Mada’s first litter (T-31). She spent her whole youth in the Mukki zone’s Dhawajhandi, Baba Thenga, Singarpur, and Malkhedi regions with her brothers. She was victorious in claiming a portion of her mother’s land when she reached maturity.

Bheema, a young dominating male tiger, and T-27, a renowned pair of Mukki, were the famous couple of Mukki in early 2015.

During the winter of 2016, Chhota Munna (T-29) took over Bheema’s area and was befriended by Dhawajhandi females. She is one of the most outspoken females in the area, and she is frequently seen. Her home range is located in the Mukki tourism zone and the Kisli zone’s outskirts.

Munna (Male Tiger)

Munna or T-17, the King of Kanha and the world’s largest and oldest living tiger male tiger, was among the most filmed tigers in the world at 17 years old. Umarpani Male T- 30 is one of Kanha’s biggest male tigers, having been born in a litter of two cubs to one of Kanha’s famed tigresses, Umarpani Female. Umarpani Male spent much of his childhood at Kanha zone tourism sites. When Umarpani male reached adulthood, he established authority in Mukki.

He spent the following few years attempting to build his own region. His primary enemy turned out to be Kingfisher male, with whom he had fought brutally on several occasions and who may have been responsible for his death in late 2016. A big battle took out between Umarpani male tiger and his half-brother Chota Munna tiger during the summer of 2017, resulting in considerable bruises to both.

He is well-known around the world for the prominent CAT mark on his forehead. This striped cat’s moniker comes from his limp, which is akin to that of a park guide named Munna. Munna spent his golden years in the buffer zones, subsisting mostly on slaughtering animals from neighbouring settlements. Munna was sent to Bhopal Van Vihar for his protection in order to prevent additional confrontation with humans.

Kingfisher (Male Tiger)

The exquisite male was given the moniker “Kingfisher” because of a hovering kingfisher-like marking over his right eye. In 2010, this male, also known as Raja ram, was born in a litter of three cubs to Neela Nala mother. As a subadult, the wanderer was first observed in Bamhani Dadar in 2012.

The seasoned sub-adult increased not only in size as well as in area as time passed. Due to its peaceful temperament and unhurried sightings, our child was the star attraction of Mukki in 2014-15. In his golden days, the gorgeous guy dominated the southeast region of Mukki. In 2017, the male was embroiled in a fierce territorial battle and died.

Sangam (Male Tiger)

T56 is the offspring of the famous tiger Kankata and an ancient Indri female and is one of the largest tigers in Kanha Tiger Reserve. He was born in a litter of three cubs in 2009. His domain comprises the Deewan behra meadows, the deep cover near Ganghar nallah, and the Khairwadi plains. In 2017, he mated with Budbudi female (T-83) and may have a litter. He is well-known for his daring and unhurried sightings.

To make the most of your visit, here are some tips:

• The park is home to a rare species of barasingha (swamp deer) that was once on the verge of extinction. The park’s conservation efforts have helped to increase the population of this deer species.
• You can book a unique “hard ground” barasingha safari, where you can explore the park on elephant back and view these magnificent deer species
• Kanha National Park is also a cultural destination. You can book a tour, take a village walk or see a local cooking demo in the nearby tribal villages and learn about the traditional way of life of the Baiga and Gond tribes
• The park offers night safaris, which are a unique way to experience the park’s nocturnal wildlife, including leopards, civets, and porcupines.
• Kanha National Park is also home to a significant population of Indian wild dogs, so keep a watch out
• Visit the Bamni Dadar sunset point for a stunning view of the sunset.
• Learn about the park’s conservation efforts and support them in any way you can.

Guided Safaris – Visitors can take guided safaris through the park in open-top jeeps or on elephant back. There are also several watchtowers and sunset points that offer panoramic views of the park and animals. Book your safari and guide in advance.

Months to visit- The Kanha National Park is open to visitors from October to June each year, and is closed during the monsoon season, from July to September. The park’s headquarters is located in the town of Mandla, which is approximately 160 km from the city of Jabalpur.

Safari timings – A single-day jeep safari in Kanha National Park may be done twice. Using a six-seater open car, one in the early morning(6:00 am-10:00 am) and the other in the late afternoon(4:00 pm-7:00 pm).

Cost – The trip costs Rs 250 per passenger and Rs 1500 for the entire vehicle.

What are the options for jeep safari routes? – Kanha National Park has four main zones where Jeep Safari trips may be taken. Sarhi, Kisli, Mukki, Kanha

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Odisha (Orissa) with its breathtakingly beautiful beaches is the perfect place for you to explore! Be mesmerised by the sea and experience the thrill of seeing Olive Ridley Turtles, one of the most endangered species in the world in their natural habitat.

These majestic creatures make their way back to Orissa’s shorelines every year during the monsoon season from May to October and draw flocks of travellers who love wildlife conservation and the great outdoors. From watching these incredible animals lay eggs at night to visiting nearby fishing villages; there are so many opportunities available here when you join guided tours or make your own way to see what this truly awe-inspiring destination has to offer.

The greatest breeding place is Odisha (India) – 100,000-500,000 turtles nest here each year

The greatest breeding place for these turtles is the Gahirmatha Beach in the Kendrapara district of Odisha (India), which is now a part of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. The Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary was formed in September 1997 and encompasses Gahirmatha Beach and the length of the Bay of Bengal.

It is bound towards the east by the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. In 2002, the mangroves of Bhitarkanika were recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

Gahirmatha Beach is itself registered as a Ramsar site and is of special importance for the Olive Ridley turtles. This beach provides plenty of food, nesting grounds, and a safe environment for the turtles. The government of Odisha has taken special care to protect the Olive Ridley turtles, and Special Marine Turtle Protection Force (SMTPF) has been set up to monitor the beach and protect these turtles.

The SMTPF works in collaboration with local fishing communities, providing them with training and resources to ensure the safety of these endangered animals. Along with patrolling the beach, they are also responsible for rehabilitating turtles that have been injured.

The Olive Ridley turtles migrate to Odisha during the months of October-November and February-March, a period known as “Arribada”. During this time, thousands of these turtles come to lay their eggs on the beaches of Odisha. The government has identified five places where these turtles nest – Devi, Gahirmatha, Rushikulya, Bahuda and Astarang. The SMTPF, along with the local fishing community and other stakeholders, work together to protect these turtles during this time.

The government of Odisha has also taken steps to reduce plastic pollution in and around Gahirmatha Beach. This is because plastic bags and other items can be fatal for turtles, who can mistake them for food. By reducing the plastic waste in and around the beach, the government is doing its part to maintain a safe environment for these endangered animals and facilitate the Olive Ridley turtles’ breeding.

It is a sea turtle rookery and is the world’s biggest known rookery. Aside from the rookery at Gahirmatha, two further mass nesting beaches have been discovered near the mouths of the rivers Rushikulya and Devi.

Migration over hundreds of kilometres

Sea turtles’ favourite eating grounds might not have been the optimal breeding grounds. To reach both ends, sea turtles travel hundreds of kilometres. Olive ridley sea turtles have been recorded migrating from Sri Lanka’s coastal waters in the Indian Ocean to Gahirmatha’s coastal waters in the north.

Sea turtles can move over great distances without becoming lost in the expanse of the sea because of their ‘homing’ features and amazing ability to orient themselves in open water. They begin mating activities as soon as the ridley sea turtles arrive in Gahirmatha’s coastal waters. Males join females and are frequently spotted floating on top with their flippers moving in and out. Occasionally, more than one male might be seen mounting a female.

Until there is an external threat, the courting might go for hours. All throughout the breeding season, a female will mate with many males. The mating couples may usually be seen off the shore of Ekakula. Nesting “Arribada” refers to the mass nesting habit of olive ridley sea turtles. Hundreds of female turtles carrying eggs scramble on the Nasi – I & II islands’ nesting beach to discharge the eggs into flask-shaped holes.

Every year, from the beginning of November until the end of December, a large number of olive ridley sea turtles travel to the coast of Orissa to mate and lay their eggs. The yearly nesting population on the Gahirmatha seashore ranges from 100,000 to 500,000 turtles. Under normal circumstances, the incubation period lasts 45 to 51 days, although it can last up to 70 days in bad weather.

Only females are produced by eggs incubated at 31 to 32 °C, only males are produced by eggs housed at 28 °C or below, and a mixed-sex clutch is produced by eggs incubated at 29 to 30 °C. Due to shifting environmental circumstances and levels of nest predation, hatching success varies by beach and year.

Conservation of Olive Ridley turtles

The population of these turtles has been declining in recent years owing to mass mortality. The olive ridley sea turtle is protected by the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and is classified on Schedule I. (amended 1991). The species is listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The ‘Migratory Species Convention’ and the Convention on International Trade in Wildlife Flora and Fauna both protect sea turtles (CITES). All of these conventions include India as a signatory.

The ridley sea turtle’s homing traits make them more vulnerable to mass extinction. They are doomed by their journey to the natal nesting beaches.

The Gahirmatha coast is extremely important for turtle protection since it is the primary nesting place for millions of turtles.

The finding and international acknowledgement of the Gahirmatha rookery near the mouth of the Brahmani-Baitarani (Dhamra) River in 1974 marked the beginning of Olive Ridley turtle conservation in Odisha. The Devi River mouth, some 55 nautical miles south of Gahirmatha, was the site of a second mass nesting in 1981. A third mass nesting place was identified in 1994, 162 nautical miles to the south of Gahirmatha, in the Rushikulya river mouth.

Why are Olive Ridley turtles endangered? Human activities such as turtle-unfriendly fishing techniques, urbanization and exploitation of nesting beaches for ports and tourism centres pose major risks to the Olive Ridley’s migratory path, habitat, and nesting beaches. Despite the fact that international trading in these turtles and their goods is prohibited, they are nonetheless poached for their flesh, shell, and leather.

Though it is unlawful to capture turtle eggs, they have a sizable market in coastal areas. Despite the fact that international trading in these turtles and their goods is prohibited by CITES Appendix I, they are nonetheless widely poached for their flesh, shell, and leather, and their eggs, which are illegal to collect, have a major market in coastal areas. Adult turtles are accidentally killed by entanglement in trawl nets and gill nets owing to unregulated fishing on nesting beaches throughout their mating season, which is the greatest serious hazard to the Olive Ridleys.

Conservation efforts include artificial hatcheries, beach cleaning campaigns, and a ban on trawling

The Orissa administration has formulated it essential for trawls to utilise Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs), a net particularly built with an exit cover that allows turtles to leave while preserving the catch, to avoid unintentional death in India. Fishermen, on the other hand, have been outspoken in their opposition to TEDs, believing that they result in the loss of a significant portion of the catch as well as the turtle.

By performing research to evaluate the waste of catch through TEDs, WWF-India and its collaborators debunked this idea, finding that the loss was a very tiny fraction of the entire catch. This outcome, together with frequent talks with fishing communities, is gradually changing their thinking and encouraging the usage of TEDs, so supporting Olive ridley turtle conservation.

To protect the Olive Ridley turtles, concerted efforts have been undertaken by the local communities and NGOs in collaboration with the Forest Department. Various conservation initiatives have been taken up to protect the nesting grounds, create awareness amongst local fishermen and tourists, and reduce the mortality rate of hatchlings. Some of the conservation efforts include artificial hatcheries, beach cleaning campaigns, and a ban on trawling in the waters near the Gahirmatha beach.

The protection of the Olive Ridley turtles is essential as they are an important part of our ecosystem and a part of India’s rich biodiversity. It is our duty to ensure their conservation and secure the future of these amazing creatures.

The Olive Ridley Project was launched to save the Olive Ridley turtles from further decline. The project aims to research and monitor their nesting sites, protect their habitats and create awareness about the threats posed to them.

Little known facts about the Olive Ridley turtles in Gahirmatha Beach

Did you know that the Olive Ridley turtles are one of the smallest species of sea turtles? The Olive Ridley turtle size measures up to only 2 feet in length and weighs up to 100 pounds. To survive the winter, these turtles migrate from the smaller beaches in the Andaman Sea to Gahirmatha Beach, where they nest and lay their eggs.

In fact, Gahirmatha Beach is one of the largest nesting sites for Olive Ridley turtles in India. Every year, between October and May, millions of turtles come to the beach to nest. The eggs that they lay in the sand incubate for up to 2 months before hatching. Unfortunately, many of the eggs are taken by humans or destroyed by floods and other natural disasters.

It is estimated that only 1 in 1,000 eggs survive to adulthood. The babies that do survive have to contend with predators such as crabs and birds as they make their way out to the ocean.

There are several species of Olive Ridley sea turtle, often called Pacific Ridley sea turtle, which belongs to the family Cheloniidae. The species is the tiniest and most numerous of all sea turtles found on the planet.

Warm and tropical seas, particularly in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean, are home to L. olivacea, which is the Olive Ridley turtle’s scientific name. The Olive ridley is named because of its olive-coloured carapace, which is heart-shaped and curved and grows to be around 2 feet long and 50 km in weight.

Males and females have the same size carapaces, although females have a little more rounded carapace than males. They are carnivores that eat jellyfish, shrimp, snails, crabs, mollusks, and various fish and their eggs. The turtles spend their whole lives in the water, travelling thousands of kilometres every year between feeding and breeding regions.

The Olive Ridley turtles are a protected species, and local authorities have taken steps to protect them from poachers and other threats.

They have installed fences and deployed personnel to patrol the beach and ensure that nesting turtles are not disturbed. Additionally, local organizations and volunteers have set up camps along the beach to help monitor and protect the turtles.

Despite these measures, the population of Olive Ridley turtles remains fragile at Gahirmatha Beach. This is due in part to the fact that their natural habitat is threatened by pollution, overfishing, and climate change. As a result, it is important for us to do our part to help protect these turtles and their habitat.

Where are Olive Ridley turtles found apart from Orissa in India?

Olive Ridley turtles are found along the coastlines of many countries in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans.

These countries include Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile in the Atlantic Ocean; Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines in the Pacific Ocean; and India (including Orissa), Pakistan and Oman in the Indian Ocean. In addition, Olive Ridley turtles have been recorded in the waters of Mauritius, Seychelles, and other small islands in the Indian Ocean.

Why is Orissa the biggest breeding ground for Olive Ridley turtles?

Orissa is one of the most important breeding grounds for Olive Ridley turtles in India due to its long coastline, warm waters, and a wide variety of prey. The area also experiences monsoon rains, which stimulate the turtles to move ashore and lay their eggs. Furthermore, many of the beaches in Orissa are relatively undisturbed, providing suitable nesting habitats for the turtles.

The Bhitarkanika National Park in Orissa is a designated reserve for Olive Ridley turtles, and the local communities actively work to protect these endangered species.

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is undertaking a big tagging exercise of Olive Ridley sea turtles in collaboration with Odisha’s forest department for the conservation of this rare species of turtle. The tagging program along the Odisha coast was started in January 2021 and 8,450 turtles including 188 mating pairs, (8,252 female and 198 male turtles) have been tagged to date.

In one of the latest surveys a record number of over 5,50, 317 Ridley turtles laid eggs on a 4-km-long beach stretch from Bateswar to Gokharakuda during an eight-day mass nesting that took place from March 27 – March 4, 2022.

The best time to visit

• Where to watch them – Olive-Ridley turtles may be found in Rushikulya and Rambha (Chilika).
• Season/Best time – The best time to see them is around the end of January.

Be a responsible traveller: what you should not do

• You should not pollute the area as a responsible tourist.
• You should keep a safe distance from the turtles.
• Don’t engage in any aquatic activity that might endanger the turtles.

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This winter, treat your family and yourself to a ‘green holiday,’ with the wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha which invigorates mind, body and soul.

Odisha is  a visual feast and an ideal choice for a holiday sojourn, with its stunning mix of spectacular coastal villages, wildlife habitats, beaches and some of the most popular pilgrim spots in India.

Nestled between the shimmering waters of the Bay of Bengal and the lush, blue hills of the Eastern Ghats, the wildlife sanctuaries of Odisha bedazzles all visitors.

The Tourism Department of Odisha has spared no effort in promoting and spreading awareness about eco-tourism in the state. Whether it is the varied flora and fauna, trekking or camping at Eco-Resorts or the wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha, visitors are assured of adventure and activities in the state’s majestic natural landscapes.

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha is the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in the estuarial region of Brahmini, Baitarani and Patsal, the sanctuary is known as the mini Amazon of Odisha, because of the abundance of mangroves, creeks, rivers, and estuaries found here. It is home to the largest saltwater crocodiles as well as repitiles.

Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the most distinct wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha is the Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary. The lone marine sanctuary of the state, is the nesting location for millions of Olive Ridley turtles that visit Sanctuary annually, from October to May. Gahirmatha is  also the second largest Mangrove eco-system in the country after Sundarbans.

Visitors will find salt water crocodiles, wild boars chital, mudskippers, Bibron’s soft-shelled turtle, hawksbill and leatherback turtles, and can marvel at the more than 170 vibrant species of resident and migratory birds, including six species of kingfishers, darters and many others, that live here.

Habalikhati’s mangrove forests

Located within Bhitarkanika and boasting an incredible mix of beaches, unique mangrove forests and remarkable flora and fauna, Habalikhati lures researchers and visitors alike and is counted among the top wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha.

Sporadic nesting of sea turtles can be spotted on the beaches of Habalikhati, where several species of dolphins, finless porpoise reside, and monitor lizards, wild pig, spotted deer and king cobra have also made it their habitat.

Similipal National Park

Located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, Similipal National Park includes a wildlife sanctuary and a tiger reserve. Similipal, a hill range, translates from ‘Simil,’ meaning Silky Cotton Tree.

Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to leopard, elephant, tiger, sambar and chital, along with 304 species of birds. Nature lovers will find  the region’s lush green forests and its surrounding landscapes a veritable paradise.

Chilika Nature Camp

Sprawling over an area of about 1100sq.km, Chilika Lake is India’s largest coastal lagoon. Located in Puri, Khordha and Ganjam districts, it attracts tourists for being the largest winter base for migratory birds on the Indian sub-continent. It is also an important habitat for endangered species of flora and fauna.

This wildlife sanctuary is a bird lovers paradise where you can spot Flamingo, Openbilled Stork, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Spoonbill, Spot-billed Pelican, and Bar-headed Goose.

With its distinctive and extraordinary family of marine, migratory and wildlife population, Chilika became the first Indian wetland to be declared “Wetland of International Importance” in 1981, under the IUCN-sponsored Ramsar Convention.

Moreover, United Nation’s World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) declared Chilika Lake as ‘Destination Flyway,’ because of its exceptional bio-diversity.

Debrigarh Sanctuary

Among the most famous wildlife sanctuaries of Odisha is Debrigarh Sanctuary, situated 40 km from Sambalpur. Located in Sambalpur district and spread across an area of 353 square kilometers it is home to 234 bird species, 40 mammal species, 12 amphibian species and diverse flora.

Bhetnoi, in Ganjam district, is home to blackbucks, which co-exist with human habitat as locals consider them to be harbingers of good luck.

Few destinations can take pride in offering a complete package for visitors. Odisha has it all – a rich bio-diversity that includes pristine nature, incredible flora and fauna, beaches, plus a rich culture and tradition mirrored in its many temples and pilgrim spots. 

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