Odisha at a Glance

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NATURE & WILDLIFE – WETLANDS & MANGROVES

ODISHA

Where rivers meet the sea and life thrives in shifting tides.

Along Odisha’s 480-km coastline, rivers widen into lagoons, marshes, and tidal creeks before merging with the Bay of Bengal. These wetlands of Odisha and mangrove ecosystems form one of eastern India’s richest ecological regions and an important group of Ramsar Sites in India. Supporting fisheries, migratory birds, and coastal settlements, they represent a dynamic estuarine ecosystem Odisha shaped by tides, river discharge, and seasonal salinity changes — a living interface between land and sea and a natural coastal bio-shield mangroves India.

Odisha Overview

Quick Facts

Major Wetland

Chilika Lake — Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon & Ramsar Site

Mangrove Region

Bhitarkanika delta system — major mangrove conservation zone

River Systems

Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani estuaries

Key Species

Irrawaddy dolphins, crocodiles, migratory waterfowl

Ecological Role

Natural coastal protection, carbon sink wetlands, and marine breeding habitat

Overview

Odisha Overview

Odisha’s wetlands form transitional landscapes where freshwater rivers merge with tidal seas, creating biologically rich ecosystems that support fishing communities while protecting shorelines and biodiversity.

  • Chilika Lake: A vast lagoon famous for migratory birds and Chilika Lake Irrawaddy dolphins; globally recognized for ecological importance.
  • Bhitarkanika Mangroves: Dense tidal forests, a major safari destination and home to India’s largest saltwater crocodile populations.
  • Mahanadi Delta Wetlands: Interlinked marshes and creeks representing the wildlife of Mahanadi Delta and sustaining traditional fisheries.
  • Nalabana Bird Sanctuary: Seasonal Island hosting large winter bird congregations.
  • Brahmani–Baitarani Estuaries: Mangrove-lined waterways shaping traditional fishing settlements.

Did You Know?

    • Ancient Species: Bhitarkanika is home to horseshoe crabs, "living fossils" unchanged for nearly 450 million years.
    • Natural Protection: Mangroves acted as effective bio-shields during the 1999 super cyclone, significantly reducing damage.
    • Giant Reptiles: Estuarine crocodiles here can grow up to 20 feet, some of the largest on Earth.
    • Seasonal Waters: Chilika’s salinity varies from fresh (monsoon) to saline (summer), allowing diverse species coexistence.

Why Wetlands & Mangroves are Special

Experiences to Explore

Ecological Significance Snapshot

These wetlands regulate coastal climate, store carbon, and support fisheries. Changing tides continually reshape habitats, protecting biodiversity and coastal communities.

Best Time to Visit

Nov - Feb

November to February: Peak dolphin sightings and bird migration season.