Nestled in the lush green hills of Nuapada district lies the pristine Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary, a hidden gem for nature and wildlife lovers visiting Odisha. Spread across nearly 600 sq km, this sanctuary was established in 1982 and is part of the largest tiger habitat in the state.
The rich biodiversity of Sunabeda starts right from its dense, sal tree-dominated forest that seamlessly transitions into valleys and hilly streams. The sanctuary is home to Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, elephant herds, gaurs, sambars sloth bears, wild boars, langurs, and over 150 species of resident and migratory birds.
Reaching Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary is easy via road and rail. The nearest airport is Raipur in Chhattisgarh located around 158 km away. Khariar Road railway station on the Mumbai – Howrah rail route is the nearest railhead at 50 km from the sanctuary. Daily buses connect Nuapada town to Sunabeda located merely 23 km away.
For wildlife lovers and photographers, Sunabeda’s main attractions are sightings of the big cats – tigers and leopards in addition to sloth bears, wild boars, sambars, and barking deer among other animals. The vibrant avifauna, intimidating gaur herds, and scenic views of nature from machaans and watch towers also enthrall visitors. The stunning Khairmal waterfall located inside the park is yet another must-visit attraction.
After wildlife safaris, one can also extend their Odisha tour by visiting the nearby Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary and waterfalls like Jirakud and Sapagaranda. The ethnic tribal villages located on the periphery of Sunabeda sanctuary provide a peek into the native culture and traditions.
The ideal time for a wildlife tour is between March to June when sightings are higher aided by the dry deciduous forest cover. Visiting post-monsoon between October to January gives you a chance to experience the sanctuary at its greenest best. Winters are quite pleasant and conductive even for day hikes.
Stay options in Sunabeda are currently limited but comfortable forest cottages and rest houses operated by the forest department are available for overnight stays. More resorts and hotels are coming up in the neighboring tourist hub of Khariar Road. For a truly local experience, consider the humble village homestays operated by the locals.
While Sunabeda offers raw and relatively untouched wilderness, remember to follow basic precautions like carrying binoculars, wearing comfortable shoes, carrying mosquito repellants, etc. With its emerald green hills, sparkling streams, and royal tigers, the sanctuary makes for an offbeat and adventurous attraction for ecotourism in Odisha. It can be easily clubbed as part of the key Odisha tourist circuit spanning wildlife sanctuaries and scenic landscapes.
Tourist Facilities, Transportation, Tourist Attractions, How to Reach, Accessibility
Best Time to visit Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit Sunabeda Sanctuary is from October to June and the winter season.
Closest Bus Stand
The Closest Bus stop is Komana, which is located around 37 KM distance from Sunabeda Sanctuary
Closest Railway Station
The Closest Railway Station is Harishankar Road, which is located around 60 KM distance from Sunabeda Sanctuary
Closest Airport
The Closest Airport is Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda which is located around 463 KM distance from Sunabeda Wildlife
