The short answer
Khola and Gupti Entry Points: what visitors should know first
You will use one of these, so choose well. Gupti is about 25 km from Rajnagar and Khola about 30 km. Either works; decide based on where you are staying, and book boats and permits early in the day.
Useful facts
Khola and Gupti Entry Points facts at a glance
- Location
- Rajnagar block, Kendrapara district
- Experience type
- Permit counters and boat jetties
- Distance
- Gupti about 25 km, Khola about 30 km from Rajnagar
- Time or schedule
- Go early; tide and heat shape the day
- Also reachable
- Khola by boat from Chandabali, about 2.5 hours reported
- Season
- Closed 1 May to 31 July
Why it matters
Why Khola and Gupti Entry Points is worth your time
Almost every trip into Bhitarkanika starts here, and the practicalities decided at the counter shape the whole visit. A morning at the right jetty, with a boatman who understands the tide, is the difference between a hurried ride and a good one.
The permit system also serves a purpose. It records who is in the park, supports licensed boatmen and funds protection of a fragile estuary. Planning around it rather than against it is the best way to have a smooth trip.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Permits in one place
Register, collect your permit and arrange a boat at the same counter.
- 02
Licensed boats
Boats are registered with the forest department and carry life jackets.
- 03
Choice of route
Khola and Gupti open onto different creeks, so ask what you will see from each.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Khola and Gupti are the two principal entry points. One published guide puts Gupti about 25 km from Rajnagar by road and Khola about 30 km, with Khola also reachable by boat from Chandabali in roughly two and a half hours. Both have forest counters where you register, buy a permit and arrange a registered motorboat and guide.
Arrive early, since tide and temperature decide the best hours on the water. Ask the counter or your lodging for the current boat tariff and the usual routes from that jetty, as these change. Boats are licensed by the forest department, and a life jacket is provided.
If you plan to stay inside the park, say so at the counter, because the boat route and the timing of your departure will be different. Carry your confirmation for the forest rest house, ID and enough water for the journey.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Arrive early and register before boarding
- Carry photo ID and your lodging confirmation
- Confirm boat price and route before you leave the jetty
- Bring water, hat and sun protection
- Check closure dates with the forest office
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Rajnagar block, Kendrapara district
- Time needed
- 30 to 60 minutes for permit and boat arrangements
- Best time
- Early morning, to match tides and avoid midday heat
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Jetties are muddy and uneven, and there is limited seating. Allow time at the counter, and ask the boatman to help you on and off the boat.
- Tickets and access
- Entry permits are issued at the forest counters at Khola and Gupti. Some guides also list Chandabali and Rajnagar. Fees change, so confirm them on the official eco-tourism portal or with the Mangrove Forest Division. Closed 1 May to 31 July.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Khola and Gupti Entry Points
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Jetties are muddy and uneven, and there is limited seating. Allow time at the counter, and ask the boatman to help you on and off the boat.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Which is better, Khola or Gupti?
Both are main entry points. Choose based on your base and the route you want, and ask at the counter what each offers.
Do I need to book boats in advance?
Boats can often be arranged at the jetty, but advance booking is wise in the November to February season.
Can I reach Khola by boat?
Yes, from Chandabali, taking about two and a half hours according to one guide.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
