Luxury tents on Beach in Bhitarkanika for Tourists

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.