The short answer
Ramatirtha temple and crocodile centre: what visitors should know first
A worthwhile short stop if you are in Jashipur, especially with children. Expect a modest temple and an enclosure-style crocodile centre, not a wilderness experience. Allow about an hour and confirm current visiting hours locally.
History and context
The story behind Ramatirtha temple and crocodile centre
Wikipedia notes that the crocodile project in the Khairi river area is a mugger crocodile management programme, and sources describe the centre as a long-standing facility in the Jashipur area. Exact founding dates are not confirmed in the sources I opened.
The district tourism page associates the site with a legend that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana passed through the forest and that Sita rested on the plateau and washed in the river below.
Useful facts
Ramatirtha temple and crocodile centre facts at a glance
- Location
- Near Jashipur, at the foot of Simlipal
- Experience type
- Temple and crocodile rearing centre
- Dedicated to
- Lord Rama (temple)
- Festival
- Tusu Parab at Makar Sankranti (per district page)
- Time or schedule
- Confirm visiting hours locally
Why it matters
Why Ramatirtha temple and crocodile centre is worth your time
Ramatirtha combines two threads of the Simlipal region: religious tradition and wildlife conservation. The district tourism page links it to the Ramayana and mentions a Tusu festival celebrated at Makar Sankranti in January.
The crocodile centre is part of a long-running effort to protect mugger crocodiles, which are listed by the reserve as part of the Khairi river programme. For visitors, it offers a close look at an animal that is hard to see in the wild, and a calm site that suits older family members.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Rama temple
A small riverside temple linked to the Ramayana by local tradition.
- 02
Mugger crocodiles
The only crocodile rearing centre in Mayurbhanj, according to the district page.
- 03
Easy stop
Close to Jashipur town, so it works without a long drive.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Ramatirtha lies a few kilometres from Jashipur's market, on the Khairi Bhandan river, at the foot of Simlipal. The district tourism page describes a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and links the spot to a legend of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana passing through the forest. Start with the temple, which is a quiet, simple place, then walk to the crocodile centre.
The centre is described as the only crocodile rearing facility in Mayurbhanj, and Wikipedia says it is the only crocodile nursery park under Odisha Forest. Mugger crocodiles are kept here as part of a conservation programme. Watch from the designated viewing area and follow any staff instruction, as the animals can be unpredictable.
This works well as a stop on the way to or from the Kaliani gate, or as a gentle half-day if you are not entering the reserve. Combine it with a lunch in Jashipur and a rest before onward travel.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Confirm hours and entry arrangements locally
- Keep a safe distance from enclosures
- Dress modestly for the temple
- Carry water; shade can be limited
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Near Jashipur, at the foot of Simlipal, on the Khairi Bhandan river
- Time needed
- About 1 hour
- Best time
- Cooler months, morning or late afternoon
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The site is close to the road with short, mostly level walks. There may be steps at the temple and little shade, so carry water and check seating on arrival.
- Tickets and access
- Fees, hours and access are not listed on the sources I opened. Ask locally or at your hotel in Jashipur before you go, and treat any posted notice as the final word.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Ramatirtha temple and crocodile centre
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
The site is close to the road with short, mostly level walks. There may be steps at the temple and little shade, so carry water and check seating on arrival.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Ramatirtha inside the reserve?
It is near Jashipur at the foot of Simlipal, according to the district page, and is generally described as outside the main safari circuits.
What crocodiles are kept here?
Mugger crocodiles, as part of a conservation programme in the Khairi river area.
How far is it from Baripada?
The district page gives about 96 km by road from Baripada, so plan it with Jashipur or the Kaliani gate rather than as a separate trip.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
