Kendrapada:
The forest department has set up 10 luxury tents at Habalikhati beach within
Bhitarkanika National Park to woo tourists.
"These tents are wind and rain proof. The beach is
within Gahiramatha, which is famous for the nesting of the endangered Olive
Ridley sea turtles. Over 3 to 4 lakh turtles lay eggs on this beach and its
neighbouring islands. Tourists can watch the nesting," said divisional
forest officer of the park B P Acharya.
"The forest rest houses and tents located amidst
casuarina and mangrove forests are a lovely place to stay on the Habalikhati
beach. Dolphins can also be sighted in the sea near the beach," said
Acharya. Many animals like jackals, hyena, red jungle fowl, spotted deer and
wild boar can also be sighted on the beach, which is close to Coconut Island as
well as Nasi-I and Nasi-II islands.
To reach the island, one has to take a 30-minute boat
ride from Gupti to Bausagada creek. The two-km long walk from Baunsagarh to
Habalikhati is a thrilling experience as one can see mangrove forests, birds,
wild boar, monitor lizard, spotted deer and other animals on the way. The
forest department charges Rs 500 for a night's stay in the tent.
