Sanctuaries & Wildlife in Odisha (Orissa)

Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary
Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary

Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary was made on 6 May 1981 and is situated in Nayagrh, Odisha, India, nearby the Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary. It is 168.35 square kilometers(41,600 sections of land) of sanctuary land.

Baisipalli Sanctuary has been notified vide Notification No. 8F(W) 25335ft. 16.05.1981 of FE & AH Department, Government of Odisha. The state of the boundary of the Sanctuary is 84° 35.4' E to 84° 48.5' E Longitude and 20° 23.8' N to 20° 31.3' N Latitude with an altitudinal range from 40mt. to 843 mt. from MSL.

The Wildlife Sanctuary makes a co-end with the Baisipalli Reserve Forest. Situated in the close proximity of the Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, the Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary is lying in its south.

The sanctuary's pride rests in the Tigers, Elephants, Mouse Deer, the state animal Sambar as well as a plethora of other wild species that inhabit the sanctuary. The sanctuary is also the home of variegated species of domestic as well as migratory birds whose dulcet chirps and colored plumes augment the charm of the surroundings.

How to reach
By Air

The nearest Airport is at Bhubaneswar.

By Rail

The nearest Railway Station is at Khurda Road Railway Station.

By Road

Tourists can reach Baisipalli Sanctuary by choosing the state highway that is connected from Bhubaneswar to Gania. It is located approximately 160 km away from state capital Bhubaneswar.

Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika National Park : The Wonder in the Wild

On the coast of the Bay of Bengal, between Paradip and Chandipur, Bhitarkanika is the nesting site of a million olive Ridley turtles that come ashore to the 35 km. the long stretch of beach at Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, a World Heritage site. Bhitarkanika is formed from two Oriya words-Bhitar meaning interior and Kanika meaning that which is extraordinarily beautiful.

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the estuarial region of Bramhani-Baitarani, in the north-eastern place of Kendrapara district of Odisha, the sanctuary covers an area of 672 square kilometers of Mangrove Forests and Wetland. Three rivers flow out to sea at Bhitarkanika forming a tidal maze of muddy creeks and mangroves. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is home to numerous species of birds. It is also home to the endangered and mysterious King Cobras. The sanctuary has to its account is the inhibition of its ecosystem by the Giant Estuarine Crocodiles and numerous varieties of other animal species.

How to reach
By Air

The nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar, which is 130 Kms. away from Rajnagar & 180 Kms away from Chandbali.

By Rail

The nearest Railway Stations are Cuttack and Bhadrak, which are 110 Km. away from Rajnagar and 50 Km away from Chandbali respectively.

By Road

The area is accessible by road is via Rajnagar & Chandbali.

Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary
Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary

Twenty-six kilometers from Puri, the Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Spread over an area of 72 km square, the wildlife sanctuary is located between Puri and Konark along the Bay of Bengal and so offers a different experience than the other wildlife refuges in the country.

This Wildlife Sanctuary extends from Banki Muhan near Puri to Keluni Muhan near Daluakani. The sanctuary is filled with lush green vegetation, cashew and casuarina plantations and mangrove forest. Its undisturbed sandy beaches offer high potentialities for developing as a major eco-tourism spot in Odisha.

The sanctuary is covered by plantation of casuarina and cashew trees. It is home to herds of Herbivores(Spotted Deer), Monkeys, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Monitor Lizard, Snakes etc. Olive Ridley sea turtles have seen nesting on the beach. Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is traversed by the rivulets such as Nuanai River, Kusabhadra River, Kadua River and Prachi River.

How to reach
By Air

The nearest Airport is at Bhubaneswar which is 60 Km away.

By Rail

The nearest Railway Station is at Puri situated at a distance of about 3 kilometers from the Sanctuary.

By Road

The Puri-Konark Marine Drive road passes through this Sanctuary. Puri is only 3 km from the Sanctuary entry point.

Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary
Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary

Chandaka-Dampara sanctuary spread over an area of 193.39 sq. Km on the upland of North-Eastern Ghat of the biotic region, Chandaka-Dampara sanctuary is a treasure house of biodiversity.

Spread over an area of 193.39 sq. Km on the upland of North-Eastern Ghat of the biotic region, Chandaka- Dampara sanctuary is a treasure house of biodiversity. The park is known for the successful conservation of elephants which is the principal species here. It is also home to a number of threatened wild animals and birds. Spread over such a big area at the Chandaka forest, Khurda Uplands were designated as the Chandaka Elephant Reserve in August 1982.

How to reach
By Air

The nearest Airport is Biju Pattnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar.

By Rail

Nearest Railhead is Bhubaneswar, which has super fast trains connecting all major cities.

By Road

Chandaka in about 20 km by road from Bhubaneswar, which has good inter-state roads linking all major cities in India.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

It is a Wildlife Sanctuary in Sambalpur district, Odisha, covering a total area of 353 sq.km. It is situated near Hirakud Dam. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is an important site for in situ conservation of wildlife and its habitat in the state of Odisha.

The sanctuary is famous for its sylvan beauty and pristine wilderness. The dry deciduous forests with varied flora and fauna attract the nature-lovers of Odisha and neighboring states every year. The combination of dry deciduous mixed forests with rich wildlife, Hirakud reservoir and attractive topographical features are the important features of Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary. It is said to be one of the vibrant wildlife sanctuaries of the state.

How to reach
By Air

The nearest Airport is Raipur and Bhubaneswar.

By Rail

The nearest Railway Station is Sambalpur which is 40km away.

By Road

The Sanctuary can be entered through Dhodrokusum by the Hirakud reservoir and is situated 60 km from Baragarh and 40 km from Sambalpur.

Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Hadgarh is located in Keonjhar district and it is popular for the Hadgarh wildlife Sanctuary and the dam that is created on River Salandi. This wildlife sanctuary is located on 191 sq km of area. It was first announced during the year 1978. It's the Salandi River that uses to pass through this sanctuary. This is a tributary river for River Baitarani.

This region is rich in mixed deciduous forest and plays home to a variety of wildlife. The wide range of fauna that can be seen at Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha, India includes Leopard, Tiger, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Langur, Pangolin and Hyena. Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is also the abode of several species of birds and reptiles. The conservation area of Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is very popular with the tourists who wish to relish the wild and unspoiled natural environment.

How to reach
By Air

The nearest Airport to Anandapur is Bhubaneshwar Airport.

By Rail

The nearest railhead is Jajpur-Keojhar Road. The road is about 30 km from Anandapur. The railhead is the closest Railway Station that connects the place to the rest of Odisha.

By Road

The township Anandapur is linked with Calcutta, Bhubaneshwar, Ranchi and Jamshedpur.

Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary
Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary

The Karlapat sanctuary is located in Kalahandi South Division which is 12km from Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district covering a dense patch of lush green dry deciduous forest. A beautiful waterfall, Phurlijharan has been developed as a picnic spot for the local visitors and draws a large number of visitors from far off places in and around Kalahandi District. Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a plethora of wildlife animals and birds. The sanctuary is rich in wildlife such as Leopard, Gaur, Sambar, Nilgai, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Soft claws Ottawa, a wide variety of Birds and Reptiles.

How to reach
By Air

The nearest airport to Bhawanipatna is in Raipur that is 250km away.

By Rail

Hirakhand Express(18448/47) runs daily from Bhubaneswar to Bhawanipatna(Junagarh) which is located 35km from Bhawanipatna. The nearest major station is Kesinga Railway Station.

By Road

You can get regular buses from Bhubaneswar to Bhawanipatna.

Kotagada Wildlife Sanctuary
Kotagada Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Kalahandi South Division, 12 km from Bhawanipatna, it is spread over an area of 148 sq km. Spread over 400 sq.km of deep and dense forests — over the jurisdiction of Kotgarh and Tumudibandha ranges of Baliguda Forest Division under Kotgarh, Tumudibandha and Daringbadi revenue blocks of Baliguda sub-division — the sanctuary is one of the most important wildlife reserves of Odisha with five reserve forests, three proposed reserve forests and two deemed protected forests within its fold.

A known tiger habitat, the forest patch is adjacent to an old elephant corridor from Boudh, Karlapat and Lakhari valley in Gajapati district's Gandahati waterfall region. The lush green dry deciduous forest and the waterfall, Phurlijharan, makes it a paradise for nature lovers. One can find Leopards, Gaur, Sambar, Nilgai, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, soft claws Ottawa and different species of Birds and Reptiles here.

How to reach
By Air

Nearest Airport to Kalahandi is at Bhubaneswar and Raipur which are about 418 km and 261 away respectively.

By Rail

Nearest Railway Station is at Junagarh Road, Bhawanipatna and Kesinga.

By Road

Kalahandi is connected by regular bus services from many important cities in the state including Koraput, Bhubaneswar and Berhampur.

Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary
Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary

Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary is situated on a hilly terrain that ranges from 220 meters to 50 meters. Popular for housing rare variety of birds like peafowl, jungle fowl and hornbills, this wildlife sanctuary is a part of Sambalpur Elephant Reserve. The adjoining Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary makes it an abode of diverse fauna. The Khalasuni-Satkosia corridor is an important elephant corridor in the state. Other animals like Cats, Wolves, Civets and Leopards are also found here.

How to reach
By Air

The nearest Airport is in Bhubaneswar.

By Rail

The nearest Railway Stations are Sambalpur and Rairakhol.

By Road

This Sanctuary is 340 Km away from State Capital Bhubaneswar.

Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary
Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread out in an area of 282 sq km, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary in Balasore district is pristine forest land.

The Sanctuary includes Kuldiha, Devgiri and Tenda Reserved Forests and other Protected Forests. Kuldiha sanctuary area, adjoining Nilgiri forest in the North and Mayurbhanj Forest in West, is a typical representative of a mixture of peninsular(coastal) Sal forest and moist mixed deciduous forest. It comes in the Biogeographic region of the Deccan peninsular zone which is of enormous genetic and ecological importance with a variety of flora and fauna. The significance of the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary can be categorized as follows: It abodes a number of endangered and threatened wild animal species like Asiatic Elephant, Leopard, Gaur, Mouse Deer, Pangolin, Ratel, Giant squirrel etc. Besides that, some endangered bird species like Hill Myna, Woodpecker, Hornbill and Eagles are also found in the Sanctuary. It forms part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve and linked to Similipal Biosphere Reserve through Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, thus forming a vast landscape contributing to the cause of conservation of long-ranging Asiatic Elephants and Tiger.

How to reach
By Air

Nearest Airports are Bhubaneswar(Biju Pattnaik International Airport) and Kolkata Airport(Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport).

By Rail

Bhubaneswar to Balasore 206 Km./3hr.30 min. Cuttack to Balasore 175 Km./3hr. Bhadrak to Balasore 70 Km./1hr. Howrah to Balasore 221 Km./4 hr.

By Road

Bus communication is available to this sanctuary from every part of the state.

Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan Zoological Park

A unique zoo set inside a forest, Nandankanan Zoological Park was established in 1960. It is a fascinating sanctuary built to ensure that the Flora and Fauna thrive in a protected region in their natural habitat. It is the first zoo in the world to have successfully bred Melanistic and White Tigers.

Amidst the natural beauty and adorable Flora and Fauna, Nandankanan Zoo in Bhubaneshwar is known as the Garden of Pleasure(as the very name) which defines the imaginative beauty of the celestial garden.

Today, Nandankanan Zoological Park has more than 34 white tigers in its vicinity. Besides, the park is also the home to 67 varieties of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles and 81 species of birds. The animals that are frequently seen in the park are Asiatic Lion, Lion-tailed Macaque, Indian Crocodiles, Nilgiri Langur, Indian Pangolin, Himalayan Black Bear, Mouse Deer, Rhesus Macaque, Blackbuck and more. By spreading over a sprawling area of 4.4 sq km, the park also noticed as the first breeding place for Black Panthers.

Nandankanan Zoological Park boasts of a fascinating lake and wonderful lush green environs, which is a virtual paradise for birds inviting native as well as migratory birds. According to the forest department, the park has around 75 bird species including some very rare species of birds. Some of the popular birds that can be seen here are the white peacock, blue & yellow Macaw, open billed Stork, green-winged Macaw etc.

How to reach
By Air

The nearest Airport to Nandankanan is the Bhubaneswar Airport which is at a distance of 13 kilometers.

By Rail

The nearest Railway Station is the Bhubaneswar Railway Station on the East-coast Railway station, which has super fast trains connecting all the major cities.

By Road

There are frequent buses that are also available from Bhubaneswar to the park. The Nandankanan is well connected to the major cities of Odisha.

Similipal National Park
Similipal National Park

Simlipal National Park is in a beautiful and scenic town in Odisha. Situated in Mayurbhanj, it once used to be a hunting ground for the rulers of the province. Simlipal is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India and is also considered as one of the principal tiger projects in India.

Being derived from the name of the silk-cotton tree which is locally called Simul, the area of Simlipal is enriched with dense Forests, striking Meadows, startling Waterfalls and mind-blowing Rivers and is positioned at a plateau with an elevation of 900 m.

The area of Simlipal reserve is gifted with great bio-diversity and ultimate varieties of Faunas in the ranges with the ambiance of cool breeze emerging out of the dense forests. The lush ambiance of Simlipal has been recognized as the perfect location for forest camping which is open for the tourists during the best season of Nov to mid-June.

Also known as Simlipal Elephant Reserve, it is a complete ecosystem with forest vegetation along with the adjoining Santhal tribal settlements. The total reserve area is accomplished with 2,750 sq km at an average elevation of 559.31 meters(1,835.0 ft).

How to reach
By Air

The nearest Airports for Simlipal are Bhubaneswar(270 km) and Kolkata(240 km).

By Rail

The nearest railhead is Balasore(60 km from Baripada), being directly connected by the major trains running on the South-Eastern sector.

By Road

Baripada is the most accessible point to reach the National Park.

Satakosia Gorge
Satakosia Gorge

Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary receives its name from the narrow stretch of River Mahanadi that is Sat-Kosh or seven miles long near Tikarpada, 60km south of Angul. Here Mahanadi has cut across the Eastern Ghats and is known for the Gharials, Mugger crocodile and rare freshwater Turtles like Chitra indica and Trionyx(Aspideretes) gangeticus. The Gorge is famous for the scenic beauty and boating experiences in Mahanadi. A Nature Interpretation Center at Tikarpada supplements an ecotourist's search for subject and thrill. A journey to stay in the Eco cottages/tented accommodation at Chhotkei, Purunakote, Tikarpada, Baghmunda Tarava & Baliput offer scope for a chance encounter with Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Indian Bison, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer varieties of resident and migratory birds like Oriental Pied Hornbills and Indian Skimmers. The composite Satkosia-Baisipalli sanctuary having an area of 963.87 Sq.kms. is declared as “Satkosia Tiger Reserve” during 2007.

How to reach
By Air

The nearest Airport is Bhubaneswar Airport in Odisha, which is located at a distance of around 125 km.

By Rail

Angul Railway Station is the nearest Railway Station, situated at a distance of around 113 km.

By Road

By road, you can easily reach this place from any city of the state.

Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary

Finding its origin in the year 1962, Ushakothi wildlife sanctuary offers a soulful experience to wildlife lover “Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary”, which is also known as “Ushakothi Sanctuary” is situated at a distance of 37 Km. from the district headquarters of Sambalpur District towards Deogarh on National Highway-6. The sanctuary comprises parts of Badrama Reserve Forests, Ushakothi Reserve Forests, Binjipali Reserve Forests and Additional Kansar Reserve Forests. The Sanctuary is characterized by the presence of Moist Sal Forests, Sal dominated mixed deciduous Forests and bamboo forests. The Sanctuary forms a significant part of the Sambalpur Elephant Reserve.

How to reach
By Air

The nearest Airport is at Bhubaneswar.

By Rail

The nearest Railway Station is at Sambalpur.

By Road

The Sanctuary is 364 km away from the State capital, Bhubaneswar.

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