India, April 14 -- Did you know that Odisha is home to the second-largest mangrove ecosystem, spanning 672 sq. km? Or that the state has the largest population of salt marsh crocodiles? Chances are you may not, but Bhitarkanika National Park is home to all of this and more.

"Ma'am, look, it's a big one," says Sanghamitra, my guide and naturalist. I had boarded less than an hour ago, and having set sail almost immediately, this was a treat. What he was pointing at was a large salt marsh crocodile sunbathing on the mud flats along the mangrove shore.

As I begin clicking pictures, I see him spring into action. He suddenly moves and splashes into the water. "That was a great video," remarks Sanghamitra, and I cannot agree more.

Over my two...