Witness a Sea Turtle Spectacle – Olive Ridley Turtles Nesting En Masse at Rushikulya Beach, Odisha. Located on Odisha’s stunning Bay of Bengal coastline, Rushikulya Beach in Ganjam is one of the top destinations in India to observe olive ridley sea turtles nesting. From November to May annually, female olive ridley turtles emerge from the waters at night to lay eggs in the sand along the quiet Rushikulya shore. After mating offshore, these endangered turtles migrate across the South Pacific to reach the Odisha coast where Rushikulya hosts the world’s largest mass nesting occurrence of olive ridleys.
The Odisha state government and Rushikulya Sea Turtle Protection Committee actively conserve the nested turtles during the breeding season. Given protections and an ideal habitat, over a million of these remarkable turtles nest at Rushikulya Beach each year. Witnessing the olive ridleys arriving en masse to lay eggs grants a glimpse into an incredible natural phenomenon. Just a short trip from Berhampur, Odisha’s serene Rushikulya Beach offers nature lovers, photographers, and families a unique travel experience as well as seaside relaxation.
Mass Olive Ridley Turtles Nestingthen Relax on Pristine Rushikulya Beach
The mass nesting event, known locally as “arribada”, typically takes place over several nights as female turtles take advantage of the dark and quiet beach to lay their eggs. Witnessing hundreds of olive ridges emerging from the sea under the moonlight and sunrise presents an unforgettable vista. Yet visitors must take care by observing silently from a distance with no bright lights or sudden movements that could disturb this delicate process. Rushikulya offers guided turtle walks and informational signage to educate people about protecting the endangered nesting sea turtles.
By visiting outside of the nesting season as well, travelers can still enjoy the natural beauty and relaxation of Rushikulya Beach without the crowds. Swim, sunbathe, or beach comb along the sandy bay lined with casuarina trees. The area contains wetlands and mangroves waiting to be explored while coastal villages offer glimpses into traditional Indian life. Consider an Odisha tour package encompassing various ecosystems, activities, and attractions across the state. Rushikulya presents an iconic opportunity to witness an olive ridley arribada but also promises serenity, scenery, and local discoveries during the rest of the year.
With protected status and growing prestige for its mass nesting phenomenon, the Rushikulya rookery has become an increasingly popular spot drawing tourists from India and worldwide. Booking accommodations in advance allows visitors to stay near the turtles without disturbing them. Whether joining a guided turtle & crabs walk, volunteering with conservation efforts, or simply observing from afar, witnessing the ancient ritual of olive ridleys nesting by the thousands represents a dream come true for wildlife enthusiasts and ocean lovers.
