Dhamara is a joint stream inOdisha that is formed by the confluence of theBrahmani andBaitarani rivers south of the town ofChandabali.[1] It lies in theBhadrak district and empties into theBay of Bengal.[2] To the north of its mouth is theDhamra Port and near the mouth is theGahiramatha sanctuary, a nesting site forolive ridley sea turtles.[3]
The river's mouth is as wide as 4 kilometres (2.5 mi), and it enters the sea through two distinct river channels separated by an island formation called Kalibhanja. The two channels are further separated by another island formation in the sea called Kanika Sands which is approximately 8 kilometres (5 mi) wide.[3]
TheBhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, famous for itsestuarine crocodiles, lie on the Dhamra estuary.[4]Wheeler Island, aDRDO missile launch centre is located off the mouth of the Dhamra in theBay of Bengal.