Catamaran Cruise Through Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park on the Anvil

Known to have the highest density of salt water (estuarine) crocodiles in India, Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha is best toured on boats. Located along the delta of the Brahmani River which drains out to the Bay of Bengal, the sanctuary was declared a Ramsar Site in 2002. While there are regular boat tours organised along the sanctuary, very soon visitors will be able to take catamaran rides through the river network here.

According to a recent tweet from Odisha’s Department of Tourism, it has signed an agreement with Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd, a well-known luxury cruise company to refurbish and operate the four Catamaran luxury boats at Bhitarkanika on overnight cruises.

The four Catamaran luxury boats at Bhitarkanika would see a new dawn. DoT signed an agreement with Heritage River Journeys Pvt Ltd - India's leading luxury cruise company to refurbish and operate as luxury overnight cruise boats in Bhitarkanika.#OTinFocus 🎯 pic.twitter.com/i9kP1hH8tY

— Department of Tourism, Odisha (@TourismDptt) October 30, 2021

According to media reports, the catamarans were bought by the state forest department from Goa back in 2014. Later, it was handed over to a Kerala-based company which was conducting trips between Gupti and Dangmal inside the forest. The boats are equipped with basic features like bedrooms, washrooms, dining hall and kitchen, balconies, etc. The boats are being refurbished to ensure all security standards are complied with.

Also Read: Have You Met the ‘Salties’ of Bhitarkanika?

In winter, the national park is also home to a lot of migratory birds.