Odisha is home to numerous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, which safeguard the state’s rich flora and fauna. Lush green forests dotted with waterfalls and crisscrossed by rivers provide the perfect habitat for tigers, elephants, gaurs, and sambars as well as some rare and exotic birds. The main wildlife attractions in Odisha are the Similipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park, and Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary.
Tourist Places Similipal National Park is the pride of Odisha spanning over 2,750 sq km featuring a breathtaking landscape, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to 95 tigers along with elephants, gaurs, sambars, and a variety of birds like hill mynahs, hornbills, and peafowls. The best time to visit is November to June.
Bhitarkanika National Park spread over 650 sq km is a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. The lush mangroves and wetland ecosystem harbor estuarine crocodiles, pythons, king cobras, deer, and wild boars along with olive ridley turtles, herons, and storks for bird watchers. December to July is the ideal period to visit.
Nearby Areas Two popular wildlife sanctuaries near Bhitarkanika are Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary near Bhubaneshwar protecting endangered elephants and Nandankanan Zoological Park exhibiting a rich collection of flora and fauna over 860 acres. Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary stretching from Bhitarkanika National Park is world famous for olive ridley turtles.
Similipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park, Chandaka Forest, Nandankanan Zoo, Wildlife Century, Exotic Flora & Fauna, Endangered Animals, Great Hornbill, Peacock, Asiatic Elephants, Estuarine Crocodiles, Olive Ridley Turtles.
In summary, Odisha provides wonderful wildlife experiences through its national parks and sanctuaries, which protect indigenous flora and fauna, including endangered species. The verdant forests, calm waterfalls, and turtle-nesting beaches captivate nature lovers from India and throughout the world. Â The verdant forests, calm waterfalls, and turtle-nesting beaches captivate nature lovers from India and throughout the world. So plan your next wildlife holiday in Odisha for a memorable rendezvous with wildlife.
The Butterfly Nature Park is situated almost 3 km from Daringbadi, closely located to Hill View Park, 102 km from Phulbani. The butterfly park is the second in order after Nandankanan Zoological Park in Bhubaneswar. It has approximately 20 to 30 species of butterflies, all of them spring or winter
Nested within the vast Satkosia Tiger Reserve in the Angul district, Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary showcases one of Odisha’s untouched ecosystems. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is not merely a sanctuary where the mighty Mahanadi river traverses through tropical deciduous forest to form a heavenly gorge, but it imbues at its heart a
Tikarpada Crocodile Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most fascinating eco-tourism destinations in Odisha. Located along the banks of the majestic Mahanadi River, this sanctuary sits within the breathtaking Satkosia Gorge and is known for its dense forests, diverse wildlife, and successful crocodile conservation programs. Situated about 58 km from
Nestled in the forested landscapes of western Odisha, Turekela Wildlife Sanctuary is a lesser-known natural habitat that offers a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the region. Located in the Balangir district, this wildlife sanctuary is gradually gaining attention among nature lovers, birdwatchers, and eco-tourists seeking unexplored destinations. Unlike some
Ambapani Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most scenic and unexplored wildlife destinations in Odisha. Located near the border of Kalahandi and Nabarangapur districts, the sanctuary is surrounded by lush green forests, majestic hills, and beautiful waterfalls that create a mesmerizing natural landscape. Known for its rich biodiversity, dense vegetation,
Deer Zoological Park, Sakhipara, Sambalpur, Odisha is a zoological park located in Sambalpur town, Odisha. The park is spread across a sprawling area of 35 acres and is home to several species of deer, such as Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, and others. The park houses over 288 animals and around
The Satkosia Tiger Reserve is situated in Odisha’s Angul district. The Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary has a 988.30 km² total area. Satkosia Gorge, covering 796 km2, was formed in 1976. The Reserve was named the Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary and the Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary in 2007. It is situated in the
Escape into nature with a thrilling jungle safari through Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary, a treasured sanctuary near Bhubaneswar where elephants, deer, birds, and other exotic wildlife roam free. As you bounce along the remote forest paths in a specialized open-air jeep, keep your eyes peeled to spot the sanctuary’s diverse inhabitants,
Nestled in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha is a lesser-known wildlife sanctuary that is making waves in the world of eco-tourism, the Ramatirtha Crocodile Project. This government-protected wetland habitat is home to over 300 mugger crocodiles, a vulnerable species dependent on these fragile river ecosystems. As part of your Odisha
Dampara Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, located on India’s eastern coast, is blessed with a rich natural heritage of forests, rivers, and wildlife. As part of its efforts to conserve this precious biodiversity, the state government has established several protected wilderness areas for endangered animal and bird species. One such critical
Tucked away in the heart of Odisha’s largest coastal lagoon, Chilika Lake lies a bird watcher’s paradise – the Nalbana Bird Sanctuary. This protected wetland area is home to over 160 species of migratory and resident birds, making it one of Asia’s largest sanctuaries for our feathered friends. As part
Nestled on the northern banks of Chilika Lake – Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, lies a bird watcher’s paradise – the Mangalajodi Bird Sanctuary. This small wetland is located in the Khordha district of Odisha and is an integral part of Chilika Lake. Covering an area of around 67 hectares,
