image credits: parveen kaswan
The eastern coastlines on India’s seaboard sees a record-breaking number of Olive Ridley Turtles in Odisha. The state stands out as a global haven for Olive Ridley sea turtles. In 2025, Odisha’s Rushikulya river mouth in Ganjam district has set a new benchmark, hosting an extraordinary 6.82 lakh turtles during the annual mass nesting event, known as “Arribada,” this phenomenon sees thousands of Lepidochelys olivacea turtles emerge from the Bay of Bengal to lay eggs along Odisha’s beaches. This record-breaking phenomenon reaffirms Odisha’s position as the world’s premier nesting ground for these endangered marine species.
Odisha Sets a New Benchmark with Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting
The Rushikulya river mouth has emerged as a powerhouse of Olive Ridley turtle nesting, welcoming 6.82 lakh turtles in 2025, as reported by Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer Sunny Khokkar. This surpasses the previous record of 6.37 lakh turtles in 2023 and the 5.5 lakh in 2022. Along a 7-kilometer stretch from Podampeta to Bateshwar, these turtles have laid an estimated 3 crore eggs, with each female depositing 50 to 100 eggs. The season’s rare diurnal nesting, where turtles lay eggs in daylight, enhances the event’s allure.
Where to Witness Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting in Odisha
- Rushikulya River Mouth (Ganjam District): Located in southern Odisha, Rushikulya has solidified its status as a top nesting site, hosting 6.82 lakh turtles in 2025 alone. Its soft sands and minimal disturbances make it a magnet for these marine visitors.
- Gahirmatha Beach (Kendrapara District): Once hailed as the world’s largest nesting ground within Bhitarkanika National Park, Gahirmatha has historically drawn millions of turtles. Though erosion has reduced its prominence, it remains a vital site.
- Devi River Mouth (Puri District): Near Astaranga, this beach is another key nesting hub, attracting thousands of turtles annually. Its proximity to Bhubaneswar and quieter shores make it an ideal choice for the Olive Ridley Turtles nesting in Odisha.
Together, these beaches highlight Odisha’s unparalleled role in Olive Ridley conservation, with Rushikulya leading the charge in 2025.
How to Visit the Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting Sites in Odisha
Experiencing the arribada is a must between February and March. Here’s how to reach Rushikulya, Gahirmatha, and Devi:
- Rushikulya: 175 kilometers south of Bhubaneswar, accessible via Berhampur (30 kilometers away) by air (Bhubaneswar airport), train (Berhampur station), or road.
- Gahirmatha: In Bhitarkanika, 150 kilometers northeast of Bhubaneswar; reachable by road from Bhadrak or Rajnagar, with permits required for park entry.
- Devi River Mouth: Near Astaranga, 65 kilometers from Bhubaneswar; accessible by road or taxi from Puri or Bhubaneswar.
Nearby Accommodation for Visiting the Nesting Event
For Rushikulya, stay in Berhampur at hotels like Mayfair Palm Beach Resort or budget guesthouses, with eco-camps near Podampeta. Gahirmatha visitors can opt for Dangmal or Habalikhati forest rest houses in Bhitarkanika. Near Devi, Puri (40 kilometers away) offers hotels like Hans Coco Palms.
Why Olive Ridley Turtles Flock to Odisha’s Beaches
The smallest marine turtle species Olive Ridley turtles, travel vast distances to nest on Odisha’s shores. Favorable conditions in 2025 like stable weather, no cyclones, and optimal temperatures have fueled the record turnout at Rushikulya, explains Wildlife Institute of India scientist Bivas Pandav.
The state’s beaches offer ideal nesting grounds with their gentle slopes and sandy textures. Past skips in nesting (2015-16, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2023-24) due to rain, winds, or El Niño contrast with this year’s success, which promises a strong hatchling yield after 45 to 50 days, per Zoological Survey of India scientist Basudev Tripathy.
Odisha’s Conservation Efforts for The Turtles
A 20-kilometer no-fishing zone, enforced from November 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025, protects turtles during mating and nesting. “Operation Olivia,” led by the Indian Coast Guard, uses drones and patrols to secure sites like Rushikulya, where a 9-kilometer stretch is fenced off. Collaborative efforts by forest officials, marine police, and locals safeguard over 3 crore eggs, while GPS-tagging of 330 turtles since 2021 tracks migration, enhancing conservation strategies.
