Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary

Sailendra Sarai, Odisha, India

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Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary near Sailendra Sarai in Odisha's Kendrapara district is India's first marine wildlife sanctuary, established in 1997 to protect the world's largest olive ridley sea turtle nesting beach along the Bay of Bengal.

Spanning 1,435 sq km between the Dhamra and Brahmani river mouths adjacent to Bhitarkanika mangroves, it hosts spectacular mass nesting events called arribadas where thousands of turtles arrive annually from October to March for egg-laying amid rich marine biodiversity.

This ecologically vital area safeguards dolphins, whales, and diverse marine life through regulated boat safaris and conservation patrols, offering visitors stunning coastal views, turtle watching, and nature trails while balancing tourism with wildlife protection.