Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary
Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha · Bhitarkanika National Park travel guide
World's largest Olive Ridley nesting site.
The world's largest nesting ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles. Millions of turtles arrive annually for mass nesting (Arribada), a spectacular natural event usually occurring in winter. In 2024, a record 6.37 lakh Olive Ridley sea turtles nested at Gahirmatha beach.
Plan your visit
| Time to spend | About 4 h (3–6 h) |
|---|---|
| Best time of day | 6–9 AM — calm seas and cooler light for boat trips |
| Avoid | 11 AM–3 PM — hot, glare off the water |
| Best months | Dec–Mar |
| Months to avoid | Jun–Sep |
| Entry fee | Paid entry |
| Setting | Outdoor |
| Effort | Easy — boat access only |
| Good for | Couples, Solo, Groups, Families |
| Rating | 4.4 / 5 on Google (78 reviews) |
Olive ridley mass nesting is usually January-March; access is restricted and needs forest permission.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do you need at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary?
Most visitors spend about 4 h; 3–6 h depending on pace.
What is the best time to visit Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary?
6–9 AM, for calm seas and cooler light for boat trips. The best months are Dec–Mar.
What is the entry fee for Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary?
Entry is paid; check the current price at the gate or on the official site.
More things to do in Bhitarkanika National Park
- Emami Jagannath Temple
- Chandipur Beach Road
- SHREE PANCHALINGESWAR TEMPLE
- kuldiha
- Nilagiri Palace
- Khirachora Gopinath Temple
- Chandaneswar Temple
- Purba Bagda Sea Beach Road