Gahirmatha Beach

Gahirmatha Beach separates the Bhitarkanika mangroves from the Bay of Bengal and is famous for olive ridley turtles. It is a wild, sensitive coast rather than a swimming beach, and access can be restricted when nesting or hatching is underway.

Ask locally before planning a visit. If entry is closed, respect it; the beach's importance lies precisely in giving the turtles space.

things to do beach wildlife
A story
Gahirmatha is one of the world's most important nesting areas for olive ridley sea turtles. During mass nesting, thousands of turtles come ashore, but that spectacle is protected by strict controls rather than offered as casual entertainment.

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