The Ramatirtha Crocodile Park is a must-see destination for any wildlife enthusiast visiting Odisha. Located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, this park is home to hundreds of mugger and estuarine crocodiles. It plays an important role in the conservation of these reptiles in the state.
The Ramatirtha reservoir was built in the 1950s initially for irrigating nearby farmlands. In 1975, the Odisha state government started a crocodile conservation and breeding program here due to the ideal habitat conditions. Over the years, the crocodile population thrived leading to the establishment of the Ramatirtha Crocodile Park in 2004.
Features of Ramatirtha Crocodile Park
Today, the Ramatirtha Crocodile Park houses over 450 mugger and estuarine crocodiles making it the largest crocodile park in Odisha. The park authorities run a successful captive breeding program and the crocodiles are released in the wild once they become adults. This has helped revive crocodile populations in Odisha’s rivers and estuaries.
Apart from crocodiles, the park also hosts a variety of resident and migratory birds. Park visitors can spot pond herons, cormorants, egrets, kingfishers, kites, and more. The park also has spotted deer, monitor lizards, turtles, and snakes.
For visitors, the park has animal viewing zones with raised platforms, walking trails around the reservoir, an interpretation center, watch towers, and recreational spaces ideal for Odisha tours. The best time to visit is October to March.
Significance for Odisha Tourism
The Ramatirtha Crocodile Park presents an incredible wildlife viewing opportunity for tourists. It perfectly complements Odisha’s nature and wildlife tourism as part of Odisha’s tours. The successful breeding program also highlights the state’s conservation efforts.
Watching hundreds of mugger and estuarine crocodiles in their natural habitat at this park is an experience that is difficult to replicate anywhere else in Odisha. The recreational facilities and proximity to the Simlipal National Park further add to its tourism value. Thus, both domestic and international tourists rate Ramatirtha as a must-visit destination while holidaying in Odisha.
Destination Attractions, Destination Facilities, Transportation, Accessibility, How to Reach
Best Time to visit
The Best time to visit the Ramatirtha Crocodile Project spot is the month of November to February and the Winter Season
Opening Time
Ramatirtha Crocodile’s opening time is Monday to Sunday 8 am to Evening 6 pm
Nearest Bus Stop
The nearest Bus stop is Baripada Bus Stand, which is located around 35 Km distance from Ramatirtha Crocodile, Mayurbhanj.
Nearest Railway Station
The Nearest Railway Station is Baripada, which is located around 35 Km distance from Jashipur Ramatirtha Crocodile Project
Nearest Airport & Distance from Ramatirtha Crocodile Park
The nearest airport is Barbil Airport, which is located around 90 Km distance from Ramatirtha Crocodile Park
