Top 15 Famous Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha
Odisha, the land of temples and traditions, is also a realm of untamed wilderness. Nestled along the eastern coast of India, this state boasts a diverse and rich tapestry of natural wonders. From lush forests to coastal wetlands, Odisha’s landscapes are home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna. We find some of the country’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries in the heart of this untamed beauty.
In this blog, we embark on a thrilling journey through the famous wildlife sanctuaries of Odisha. From the dense forests of Simlipal to the pristine Chilika Lake, we’ll traverse 15 captivating sanctuaries that shelter a remarkable array of wildlife.
Wildlife Sanctuary of Odisha:
Here are 15 of the top and famous wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha:
1- Simlipal National Park
Simlipal National Park is a tiger reserve in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. It is spread over 2,750 km² (1,060 sq mi) and is India’s 7th largest national park. The park is named after the Simlipal tree, a type of sal tree.
The park is home to various wildlife, including the tiger, the leopard, the elephant, the gaur, the sambar, the chital, and the python. It is also home to many bird species, including the hornbill, the peacock, and the kingfisher.
The park was established in 1980 and is a popular tourist destination. It is accessible by road from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha.
Here are some of the things you can do in Simlipal National Park:
- Take a jeep safari: This is the best way to see the wildlife in the park. The jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Go trekking: There are many trekking trails in the park, ranging from easy to challenging.
- Go bird watching: The park is home to over 300 species of birds, including the hornbill, the peacock, and the kingfisher.
- Visit the Barehipani Falls: The falls are located within the park and are a popular tourist destination.
The best time to visit Simlipal National Park is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
The park is home to 99 Royal Bengal Tigers, 432 Wild elephants.
2- Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika National Park is a 145 km2 (56 sq mi) large national park in northeast Kendrapara district in Odisha in eastern India. It was designated on 16 September 1998 and obtained the status of a Ramsar site on 19 August 2002. The area is also designated as the State’s second Ramsar site after the Chilika Lake.
Bhitarkanika is one such location of rich, vibrant mangrove ecosystem, lying in the estuarine region of Brahmani – Baitarani in the North-Eastern corner of Kendrapara district of Odisha. The area is intersected by a network of creeks with the Bay of Bengal on the East. The alley between the meandering creeks and rivers houses the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India. An area of 145 km² has been notified as Bhitarkanika National Park vide Notification No. 19686/F in September 1998 by the government of Odisha. It is significant for researchers surrounding ecological, geomorphological, and biological issues.
Bhitarkanika is famous for its breeding ground of the endangered salt water crocodiles, which are the prime attractions of the sanctuary. The Gahirmatha Beach, which forms the sanctuary’s boundary in the east, is the largest Olive Ridley Sea Turtles colony.
Here are some of the things you can do in Bhitarkanika National Park:
- Take a jeep safari: This is the best way to see the wildlife in the park. The jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Go boating: This is a great way to see the mangroves up close.
- Go bird watching: The park is home to over 200 species of birds, including the kingfisher, the darter, and the heron.
- Visit the Gahirmatha Beach: This is the largest breeding ground of the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles.
The best time to visit Bhitarkanika National Park is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
The park is home to various wildlife, including the saltwater crocodile, the olive ridley sea turtle, the king cobra, the python, the chital, the sambar, and the wild boar.
The park is also home to many endangered species, such as the saltwater crocodile, the olive ridley sea turtle, and the king cobra.
Bhitarkanika National Park is a popular tourist destination accessible by road from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha.
3- Chilika Lake Wildlife Sanctuary
Chilika Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Puri, Khordha and Ganjam districts of Odisha state on the east coast of India, at the mouth of the Daya River, flowing into the Bay of Bengal, covering an area of over 1,100 square kilometres (420 sq mi). It is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and the world’s second-largest coastal lagoon.
The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including the saltwater crocodile, the Ganges dolphin, the blackbuck, the spotted deer, the wild boar, the otter, the python, and over 160 species of birds. It is also home to many endangered species, such as the Irrawaddy dolphin and the blackbuck.
Here are some of the things you can do in Chilika Lake Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Take a boat ride: This is the best way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary. The boat rides are conducted in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 160 species of birds, including the flamingo, the heron, and the egret.
- Visit Nalabana Island: This island is a bird sanctuary and home to various birds, including the flamingo. Visit the Chilika Development Authority: The government agency is responsible for managing the sanctuary.
The best time to visit Chilika Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
The sanctuary is home to some endangered species, such as the Irrawaddy dolphin and the blackbuck. The Irrawaddy dolphin is a freshwater dolphin that is found in Southeast Asia. It is a vulnerable species and is threatened by habitat loss and pollution. The blackbuck is an antelope that is found in India. It is a threatened species and is threatened by hunting and habitat loss.
4- Satkosia Tiger Reserve
Satkosia Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve located in Odisha, India’s Angul and Nayagarh districts. It was designated as a tiger reserve in 2007, spreading over 988.30 km² (381.90 sq mi).
The reserve is named after the Satkosia Gorge, a deep gorge that cuts through the Mahanadi River. The reserve is home to various wildlife, including the tiger, the leopard, the elephant, the gaur, the sambar, the chital, and the python. It is also home to many bird species, such as the hornbill, the peacock, and the kingfisher.
The reserve was established to protect the tiger population in the area. It is also a popular tourist destination accessible by road from Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha.
Here are some of the things you can do in Satkosia Tiger Reserve:
- Take a jeep safari: This is the best way to see the wildlife in the reserve. The jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Go trekking: There are many trekking trails in the reserve, ranging from easy to challenging.
- Go bird watching: The reserve is home to over 200 species of birds, including the hornbill, the peacock, and the kingfisher.
- Visit the Satkosia Gorge: This deep gorge cuts through the Mahanadi River.
The best time to visit Satkosia Tiger Reserve is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
The reserve has many endangered species, such as the tiger and the leopard. The tiger is a vulnerable species threatened by habitat loss and poaching. The leopard is a near-threatened species threatened by habitat loss and human conflict.
5- Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Bargarh district of Odisha, India. It is spread over 346.91 km² (133.90 sq mi).
The sanctuary is named after the Debrigarh Hills, located within the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including the tiger, the leopard, the elephant, the gaur, the sambar, the chital, and the python. It is also home to many bird species, such as the hornbill, the peacock, and the kingfisher.
The sanctuary was established in 1985 to protect the wildlife of the area. It is also a popular tourist destination accessible by road from Sambalpur, the district headquarters.
Here are some of the things you can do in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Take a jeep safari: This is the best way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary. The jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Go trekking: There are many trekking trails in the sanctuary, ranging from easy to challenging.
- Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, including the hornbill, the peacock, and the kingfisher.
- Visit the Debrigarh Hills: These hills are located within the sanctuary and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
The best time to visit Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
The sanctuary is home to many endangered species, such as the tiger and the leopard. The tiger is a vulnerable species threatened by habitat loss and poaching. The leopard is a near-threatened species threatened by habitat loss and human conflict.
6- Nandankanan Zoological Park
Nandankanan Zoological Park is a zoological garden in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. It is spread over 437 hectares (1,080 acres) and is home to various animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and rhinoceroses.
The zoo was established in 1960 and was the first in India to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2009.
The zoo is divided into different sections, each dedicated to a particular type of animal. For example, the Lion Safari section is home to lions, tigers, and leopards. The Elephant Safari section is home to elephants, rhinoceroses, and giraffes.
The zoo also has many educational facilities, such as a museum, a library, and a training center.
The zoo is open to visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Mondays. The entry fee for adults is INR 50 and for children is INR 25.
Here are some of the things you can do in Nandankanan Zoological Park:
- Take a safari: This is the best way to see the animals in the zoo. The safaris are conducted in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Visit the museum: The museum has exhibits on the zoo’s history and the animals housed there.
- Visit the library: The library has books on animals and conservation.
- Visit the training center: The training center offers training programs for zoo keepers and other animal care professionals.
The best time to visit Nandankanan Zoological Park is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
7- Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary
Kuldhiha Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Balasore district of Odisha, India. It is spread over 272.75 km² (105 sq mi) in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region.
It is linked with Simlipal National Park via the Sukhupada and Nato hill ranges. It is classified as an Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests ecoregion.
The sanctuary is famous for the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, spreading across Simlipal, Kuldiha and Hadgarh wildlife reserves. Locally in Kuldiha, the elephant reserve is known as Tenda Elephant Reserve. There is a watch tower strategically created at Garsimulia for animal lovers to see elephants bathing or drinking water from a small stream that runs through the reserve.
The sanctuary was declared a sanctuary on 4 January 1984. It is home to various wildlife, including the tiger, the leopard, the elephant, the gaur, the sambar, the chital, the python, and over 200 species of birds.
Some of the animals found in Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary are:
- Tiger: The tiger is the apex predator in the sanctuary and is an endangered species.
- Leopard: The leopard is a smaller predator and an endangered species.
- Elephant: The elephant is the largest land animal in the sanctuary and is a vulnerable species.
- Gaur: The gaur is a large wild ox that is an endangered species
- Sambar: The sambar is a large deer that is a common sight in the sanctuary.
- Chital: The chital is a smaller deer that is also a common sight in the sanctuary.
- Over 200 species of birds: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, including the hornbill, the peacock, and the kingfisher.
The best time to visit Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
8- Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Nuapada district of Odisha, India. It is spread over 600 km² (230 sq mi).
The sanctuary is located in the Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests ecoregion. The Jonk River bounds it to the north, the Indra nullah to the south, and the Patdhara forest block to the south.
The sanctuary was established in 1976 to protect the Barasingha, an endangered species of deer. It is also home to various other wildlife, including the tiger, the leopard, the elephant, the gaur, the sambar, the chital, and the python.
Some of the animals found in Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary are:
- Barasingha
- Tiger
- Leopard
- Elephant
- Gaur
- Sambar
- Python
The best time to visit Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
9- Gahiramatha Marine Sanctuary
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is a marine wildlife sanctuary in the Kendrapara district of Odisha, India. It is spread over a 1,435 km² (554 sq mi).
The sanctuary was established in 1997 to protect the Olive Ridley sea turtles, which come to the beach to lay their eggs. The sanctuary is the largest nesting ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles worldwide.
The sanctuary is home to other marine life, including dolphins, sharks, and rays. It is also home to many bird species, such as flamingos and pelicans.
The best time to visit Gahiramatha Marine Sanctuary is during the nesting season, from November to February.
The sanctuary is a popular tourist destination and a great place to see various marine life. When visiting the sanctuary, It is important to respect the wildlife and the environment.
Here are some of the things you can do in Gahiramatha Marine Sanctuary:
- Watch the Olive Ridley sea turtles nesting: This is the main attraction of the sanctuary and can be done from the beach or a boat.
- Go for a boat ride: This is a great way to see the sanctuary’s dolphins, sharks, and rays.
- Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to many bird species, such as flamingos and pelicans.
- Visit the Interpretation Centre: The Interpretation Centre has exhibits on the Olive Ridley sea turtles and the marine life that is found in the sanctuary.
10- Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary
Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Angul district of Odisha, India. It is spread over an area of 795.52 km² (307.21 sq mi)
The sanctuary was established in 1975 to protect the gharial, a crocodile that is an endangered species. It is also home to various other wildlife, including the tiger, the leopard, the elephant, the gaur, the sambar, the chital, and the python.
Some of the animals found in Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary are:
- Gharial
- Tiger
- Leopard:
- Elephant
- Gaur
- Sambar
- Chital
- Python
The best time to visit Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
The sanctuary is a popular tourist destination and a great place to see various wildlife. When visiting the sanctuary, It is important to respect the wildlife and the environment.
The sanctuary is also home to many bird species, such as the hornbill, the peacock, and the kingfisher.
Here are some of the things you can do in Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Take a jeep safari: This is the best way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary. The jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, including the hornbill, the peacock, and the kingfisher.
- Visit the Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre: The Crocodile Rehabilitation Centre is located within the sanctuary and offers a glimpse into the conservation efforts being undertaken for the gharial.
11- Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located in the Baliguda subdivision of Kandhamal district of Odisha, India. It is spread over 399.5 square kilometres (154.6 sq mi).
The sanctuary is classified as an Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forest. Around 52 tribal villages such as Kutia Kondh and Desia Kondh inhabit the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including the elephant, the tiger, the leopard, the gaur, the sambar, the chital, the python, and over 300 species of birds.
The best time to visit Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
The sanctuary is a popular tourist destination and a great place to see various wildlife. When visiting the sanctuary, It is important to respect the wildlife and the environment.
Here are some of the things you can do in Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Take a jeep safari: This is the best way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary. The jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 300 species of birds, including the hornbill, the peacock, and the kingfisher.
- Visit the Belghar Nature Camp: The Belghar Nature Camp is located within the sanctuary and offers a glimpse into the area’s wildlife.
12- Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Keonjhar district of Odisha, India. It is spread over an area of 191 km² (74 sq mi).
The sanctuary is located on the Chota Nagpur Plateau in northeastern Odisha. The primary plant community is mixed deciduous forests, including Sal (Shorea robusta). It is in the Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests ecoregion. The Salandi River here flows between two mountains, the Hadgarh Dam was not accidentally built right here, today it is the biggest tourist attraction of this area.
This sanctuary has a wide range of fauna, such as leopard, tiger, fishing cat, jungle cat, langur, pangolin, wolf and hyena. The sanctuary is home to 156 bird species from 56 families.
The sanctuary was established in 1978. It is a popular tourist destination and is accessible by road from Keonjhar.
Here are some of the things you can do in Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Take a jeep safari: This is the best way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary. The jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 150 species of birds, including the hornbill, the peacock, and the kingfisher.
- Visit the Hadgarh Dam: The Hadgarh Dam is a popular tourist destination and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The best time to visit Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
13- Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary
Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Sambalpur district of Odisha, India. It is spread over 304.03 square kilometres (117 sq mi).
The sanctuary was established in 1962 and is named after the Badrama hills, located within the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including the tiger, the leopard, the elephant, the gaur, the sambar, the chital, the python, and over 200 species of birds.
The sanctuary is famous for the racket-tailed drongo, a bird found only in this region.
The best time to visit Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
Here are some of the things you can do in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Take a jeep safari: This is the best way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary. The jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, including the racket-tailed drongo.
- Visit the Badrama Hills: These hills are located within the sanctuary and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.
14- Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
The Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Ganjam district of Odisha, India. It is spread over 118 km² (46 sq mi).
The sanctuary is named after the Lakhari Valley, which is located within the sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including the elephant, the tiger, the leopard, the gaur, the sambar, the chital, the python, and over 200 species of birds.
However, according to the villagers living close to the sanctuary’s gate, there is only a little wildlife they have seen at the Chandragiri range.
The sanctuary was established in 1985 and is classified as an Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forests ecoregion.
The best time to visit Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
Here are some of the things you can do in Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Take a jeep safari: This is the best way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary. The jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, including the racket-tailed drongo.
- Visit the Lakhari Valley: This valley is located within the sanctuary and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
15- Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary
Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary in the Sambalpur district of Odisha, India. It is spread over 160 square kilometres (62 sq mi).
The sanctuary was established in 1972 and is named after the Khalasuni River, which flows through it. The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, including the tiger, the leopard, the elephant, the gaur, the sambar, the chital, the python, and over 200 species of birds.
The sanctuary is also home to many endangered species, such as the Indian rhinoceros and the Ganges river dolphin.
The best time to visit Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter (November to February) when the weather is pleasant.
Here are some of the things you can do in Khalasuni Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Take a jeep safari: This is the best way to see the wildlife in the sanctuary. The jeep safaris are conducted in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler.
- Go bird watching: The sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, including the Indian hornbill and the peacock.
- Visit the Khalasuni River: This river is located within the sanctuary and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The sanctuary is a popular tourist destination and a great place to see various wildlife. When visiting the sanctuary, It is important to respect the wildlife and the environment.
Final Note:
These sanctuaries are not merely geographical locations; they are living testaments to the perseverance of wildlife and the commitment of conservationists. From the majestic tigers of Simlipal to the delicate grace of the olive ridley turtles in Gahiramatha, each sanctuary reveals a unique chapter in the story of the wild.
We’ve witnessed the elusive dance of the blackbuck in Kuldiha, marveled at the avian symphony in Chilika, and ventured into the heart of Satkosia’s gorges to hear the whispers of ancient rocks. We’ve come face to face with the resilience of wildlife, its ability to adapt to diverse landscapes, and the dedication of those who protect it.
Odisha’s famous wildlife sanctuaries beckon us to return, explore further, and delve deeper into the mysteries of the wild. They remind us that while history and culture may shape our lives, nature and its conservation define our future.
