Gahirmatha Beach, Marine sanctuary beach in Kendrapara, India
Gahirmatha Beach is located in Sailendra Sarai within the Kendrapara district and connects the sandy shoreline of the Bay of Bengal with the adjoining Bhitarkanika Mangroves. The coast forms a transition between land and sea, where shallow water zones alternate with broader stretches of sand.
The coast received official protection as a marine sanctuary in 1997, after decades of observation showed that an unusually high number of sea turtles lay their eggs here. This decision came in response to earlier losses caused by fishing nets and shore pollution.
Fishing families have adjusted their methods over generations and now observe certain periods when sea turtles come ashore. This care is also visible in the absence of bright lights along the coast at night, helping newly hatched young find their way to the water.
Access is via the town of Chandbali, and visitors should be prepared for sandy paths and warm conditions. Between December and March, nesting observations are possible with permission, while keeping a respectful distance from the animals.
In April 2017, more than 200,000 olive ridley hatchlings emerged within a single day and moved together toward the sea. This mass phenomenon, known as arribada, occurs at only a few places worldwide and shows the importance of this coast for the survival of the species.
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