Rushikulya Olive Ridley Rookery
ଋଷିକୂଲ୍ୟା
One of the world's three major mass nesting grounds for Pacific olive ridley turtles, where thousands of turtles come ashore in spring.
The beach on the north bank of the Rushikulya River mouth is one of India's most important mass nesting sites for Pacific olive ridley turtles, rivaling Gahirmatha in northern Odisha. Each year in February and March, a mass landing known as an “arribada” takes place, when tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, of female turtles come ashore over several nights, digging nests and laying eggs. About 45 days later the hatchlings break out of their shells and head for the sea. During the nesting season the forest department sets up fencing and observation points. Night viewing must follow the rules: flash photography is prohibited, and touching the turtles is forbidden. Dates vary from year to year, so check local news or forest department announcements in advance. Outside the nesting season it is just an ordinary river-mouth beach. It is about a 30-minute drive from Gopalpur.
Opening hours
Mainly at night during spawning season (follow forestry department rules)
Nearby sights
- Potagarh Fort
- Rambha Bay, Chilika Lake
- Tara Tarini Temple
- Gopalpur Beach
- Gopalpur Lighthouse
- Berhampur Silk Market
- Kalijai Temple
- Sonapur Beach