Welcome to Odisha’s Olive Ridley & Turtles Nesting Paradise! An Annual Adventure in Conservation, Along the eastern shores of India lies the state of Odisha, known for its ancient temples, colorful tribal culture, and expansive beaches that serve as nesting grounds for thousands of vulnerable Olive Ridley sea turtles each year. Come February and March, this region transforms into a haven for conservationists, nature enthusiasts, and families as they gather to witness one of the largest sea turtle arribada (mass nesting) sites in the world.
The Ancient Ritual of the Sea Turtles
As winter fades into spring, an age-old ritual begins. Guided by moonlight and tides, female Olive ridges with Turtles Nesting swim towards the tranquil waters of Rushikulya beach to continue the cycle of life that began millions of years ago. Under the cover of darkness, these marine marvels emerge from their oceanic homes to painstakingly dig nests and lay clusters of eggs before returning to the waves. The entire process repeats itself through February and March, with over 150,000 to 200,000 Olive Ridleys crawling onto the sandy shores of Rushikulya to produce an astounding 2 million eggs!
This resilient sea turtle species has endured despite facing severe threats from habitat destruction, fishing nets, and disorientation from human settlements sprouting along previously isolated beaches. This is why Odisha’s ‘turtle festival’ aims to bring together coastal communities and conservationists to safeguard the turtles during the vulnerable nesting phase.
Save the Turtles – Experience Odisha’s Unique Turtles Nesting Festival, To raise awareness on protecting Olive Ridleys, Odisha Tourism organizes an annual Turtle Festival that draws nature lovers from India and across the globe. The iconic site of the mass nesting at Rushikulya Beach offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see thousands of female turtles emerging from the waves under moonlit skies. Gentle red lights mark pathways for visitors to quietly observe nesting grounds without disturbing the easily frightened turtles.
In addition to the arribada, you can visit nearby turtle hatcheries, where eggs rescued from vulnerable nesting sites are carefully monitored until tiny hatchlings emerge. See the heartwarming release of these tiny turtles making their first journey into their marine home. And learn how to sustainably support conservation programs that are bringing the Olive Ridleys back from the brink of extinction.
Odisha’s Temples, Tribes & Landscapes – Visit for the Turtles, Stay for Everything Else! While the mass nesting attracts visitors from around the globe, Odisha’s tribal villages, artistic legacy, lakes, and beaches offer enough reasons to extend your trip beyond the turtles.
Marvel at the 13th-century Sun Temple of Konark with its intricate stone carvings of wheels, elephants, and dancers that seem almost lifelike. Take a boat trip through Chilika Lake, dotted with tiny irrigated islands, to spot colorful birds, dolphins, and yes – turtles! Immerse yourself into the intricately painted homes of the Bonda Tribals, believed to be one of India’s oldest indigenous communities. Let the strains of enchanted music and chants transport you back in time as priests practice age-old rituals in Puri’s Jagannath Temple.
With plentiful accommodation options combined with an extensive network of tours catering specifically to ecotourism and wildlife enthusiasts, Odisha truly offers an unforgettable experience for travelers who wish to merge adventure with luxury, and conservation with comfort.
The annual mass nesting season, from February to April, is undoubtedly the best time to visit Odisha. Combining a turtle sighting expedition to Rushikulya beach with stops at hidden lagoons, quaint fishing villages, and food stalls dishing out fresh seafood along the Konark-Puri marine drive makes for an idyllic itinerary. Schedule at least 5-7 days to soak in the region’s wildlife, nature, architecture, and culture. Choose from an array of accommodation options – from no-frills guest houses managed by locals to eco-stays and luxury five-star resorts.
Numerous authorized tour operators like Grass Routes Journeys and Akshaya India Travels offer customized ecotourism itineraries, taking care of transport, guides, and clearances needed for responsible, sustainable wildlife viewing. Be sure to book your Odisha turtle tour early since spots fill up nearly a year in advance!
As dawn breaks over Rushikulya beach, hundreds of tiny flippered hatchlings emerge from their sandy nests, scrambling furiously towards the beckoning waves. As you watch them begin an epic oceanic journey guided by nesting rituals established 160 million years ago, it is easy to feel a glimmer of hope. The Olive Ridleys, having paddled across the currents of time, will continue visiting Odisha’s shores for centuries more. And that sustainable, sensitive tourism will play a pivotal role in securing their survival and magnificence for future generations.
Tourist Facilities, Transportation, Tourist Attractions, How to Reach, Accessibility
Opening Time
Ambapani Sanctuary’s opening time is Morning 10 am to Evening 6 pm
Best Time to visit Turtles Nesting
The best time to visit Ambapani Sanctuary is from October to June and the winter season.
Closest Bus Stand
The Closest Bus stop is Bhawanipatna, which is located around 86 KM distance from Ambapani Sanctuary
Closest Railway Station
The Closest Railway Station is Bhawanipatna, which is located around 87 KM distance from Ambapani Sanctuary
Closest Airport
The Closest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, which is located around 484 KM distance from Ambapani Sanctuary
