**5. Methodology used**

For preparing this article, the author adopted a checklist and participant observation method. Sample size was restricted to 50. A total of 50 checklists were filled in by the students on their field study visit to Bhitarkanika in the year 2020. Apart from those, interactions were also made with the staff of Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, staff of the accommodation units inside the wildlife sanctuary and the guides and boatmen including the District Forest Officer Bhitarkanika through an in-depth interview. The author also used the observation method to discuss and analyse the data. A major limitation was that the dwellers in the Sanctuary could not be contacted to elicit their perceptions/concerns. Since the District Forest Officer himself along with other government officials were present with the team inside the Sanctuary, the author could able to authenticate the information in order to arrive at specific suggestions and conclusion given in this study.

## **6. Tourism potentials of Bhitarkanika**

Being the only state in India, the state of Odisha, one can find all the three varieties of crocodile species mainly Gharial, Mugger and the saltwater crocodile. The first crocodile project was launched in the state of Odisha.

The term Bhitarkanika is formed of two words, "Bhitar" and "Kanika". In Odia language, Bhitar means interior and Kanika means extraordinarily beautiful. So Bhitarkanika is popularly known as the place having eternal beauty. The Odisha Tourism is developing Bhitarkanika as a destination mainly for ecotourism purposes [5]. Bhitarkanika is a hot spot of bio-diversity and home to giant saltwater crocodiles. One more place inside Bhitarkanika is the Gahiramatha, which is a very important nestling place of Olive ridley sea turtles making Bhitarkanika famous in the entire world.

Inside Bhitarkanika forest block, Bagagahan is the place where mostly as well as different migratory birds used to come and used the mangrove forest for their nestling place. Tourists can see these birds with the help of a watchtower, which can be accessed by foot getting down from the boat to the watchtower [6].

#### **6.1 DANGMAL: saltwater crocodile project at Dangmal**

The quietness and scenic atmosphere of Dangmal make it one of the most popular places for tourists where the salt water crocodile project is made. Other attractions at Dangmal include Captive breeding & Research Centre for estuarine crocodile. Here one can see a huge female white crocodile named Gauri. Tourists can see here Python and King Cobra staying together without harming each other in an enclosure. One interpretation hall is constructed in Dangmal, where film show on

Bhitarkanika is made available on demand. This beautiful place can be reached by road from Rajnagar via Khola Check gate.

The boat ride from Khola to Dangmal and return is one of the major activities for the tourists. Khola is one of the gateways into the park. This is along an artificial creek and it passes through dense mangrove forest providing a glimpse into the estuarine ecosystem and its wealth of fauna. Sightseeing facilities are provided with the help of boats that are having a valid licence from the forest department.
