Fast Facts :

Location : Located in the kendrapara District between longitude 86 45’ 57” and 87 17’ 36” (east) and latitude 20 m 46’ 58” North extending by a width of 20 kms into territorial waters.

Date of Notification : 27 September 1997.

Area : 1435 Sq. km including 27 km2 of land area. The geographical location can be visualized from top sheet no. 74/14 and 73L / 15 of survey of India.

Forest Type : Mangroves

Wild Animals to be Seen : Sea Turtles, Dolphins, Chandinipal, Rajnagar, water monitor and Lizard, terns, winter migrants, vultures and Sea Gulls etc.

The Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary is located near the coast of Orissa and is regular nesting Ground for Olive Ridley Turtles. It has been declared a world heritage site.

If you are once those people who are found of Turtle then you might as well visit the Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary. You may even be able to spot an Olive Ridley Turtle visits the beach for its annual nesting. The Gahirmatha Turtle sanctuary is home to more than 1.8 lakh turtles each consisting of different species. The nesting is divided into two Phases the first phase which lasts from early march and second Phase which lasts from march and the second Phase which generally lasts for around March. Olive Ridley turtles are believed to be found in large numbers which in fact considered being a rare sight.

This place is bound to be nature lover’s delight in fact those who visit these place will certainly enjoy coming here again and again.You get to witness a number of Olive Ridley Turtles who gained International fame for their epic annual journeys.

A Turtles Reserve :

Through Gahirmata the government of Orissa has been successful in creating a safe environment for Olive Ridley turtles which are on the verge of extinction. These turtles have thrived and lived through the test of time all thanks to the strict measures taken by the Gahirmata marine sanctuary authorities to protect this species.

Accommodation :

There are many hotels and lodges that are located near the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary where Tourists can cost effective accommodation.