Marine Sanctuary
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary - Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting Ground
Rajnagar, Kendrapara
About this place
Located along the Bay of Bengal coast in Kendrapara district, Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary extends from Dhamra River mouth to Brahmani River mouth, forming a critical breeding ground for migratory Olive Ridley turtles that travel from the South Pacific Ocean. The nesting season of Olive Ridley sea turtles typically begins in winter months, with 225+ nests identified and relocated to hatcheries in recent seasons.
Why it matters
World's largest mass nesting ground for endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles; Wildlife Protection Act 1972 Schedule I
1975 (Marine Wildlife Sanctuary declaration)
couple friendlygroup friendlysolo friendlyinstagrammableoffbeatnight visit allowedwinter bestforestislandoutdoorrivermigratory birds
Getting there
Nearest railway
Bhadrak RS (80 km)
Nearest airport
Biju Patnaik Intl Airport, Bhubaneswar (160 km)
By road
None — boat only from Chandbali or Gupti (2–3 hr boat ride)
Plan your visit
6:00 AM – 5:00 PM
4–8 hours needed
₹20 entry
January-March (peak nesting season - typically; 2026 atypical)
Very low
Photo spot 10/10