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. 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.
Situated just 35 kilometers from Sambalpur, the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary unfolds its scenic beauty nestled between the Hirakud Dam and Reservoir. This picturesque setting holds historical significance, notably linked to the valiant freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai. During his rebellion against the British, ‘Barapathara,’ located within the sanctuary, served as
Truly a hidden gem for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary is located against the beautiful landscapes of Sambalpur, Odisha. The sanctuary spreads over an area of 304 square kilometers, making up for a soothing refuge due to the diverse flora and fauna inhabiting the place. With
The Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary, lying in the heart of Kalahandi, Odisha, is a lesser-known paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. Encompassing an area of 175 square kilometers, this sanctuary is a biodiversity hotspot offering magic with its combination of lush greenery, rocky hills, and dozens of amazing fauna and flora.
Exploring the enchanting landscapes and diverse wildlife is a captivating experience. In the eastern state of India, Odisha, several wildlife sanctuaries offer a haven for various species of flora and fauna. These sanctuaries, nestled amidst nature’s beauty, provide a glimpse into the rich biodiversity and serve as crucial conservation areas.
Similipal Tiger Reserve is part of the Central Indian landscape. Similipal is more than just a Tiger Reserve; it is also a National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, and part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve. Similipal gets its name from the profusion of Semul or Red Silk Cotton trees that
The Kotgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is 140 kilometers from Phulbani. The majority of the people who live here are Kutia Kandha and Adivasi. The sanctuary is surrounded by hills and forests and spans 399.5 square kilometers. This area’s vegetation is made up of dense deciduous forests and grasslands. Kotgarh Sanctuary is
Located in the heart of Odisha, the Deer Park in Papadahandi, Nabarangpur is a gem for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is a tranquil sanctuary that is not only a refuge for deer but also strives to preserve the region’s natural heritage. The family-friendliness of Deer Park papadahandi of
This tourist spot is located near Bhubaneswar in which the state government has introduced flexibility programs for exploring the sanctuary in the Bharatpur area. A forest jungle safari enables spectators to observe various species of birds, peacocks, deer, jackals, foxes, wild cats, elephants, hummingbirds, deer, wild fowl, and snakes. The
Bagagahan Bird Sanctuary is an undiscovered birding paradise in the Bhitarakanika National Park within Kendrapara, Odisha, along the eastern coast of India. This wetland sanctuary supports both resident and migratory birds and is a draw for birdwatchers, ornithologists, and nature-loving people alike. This sanctuary is another spot of birding in
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 situated 58 kilometers from Angul and 180 kilometers from Cuttack. It is positioned along the banks of the Mahanadi River. The sanctuary is spread across a 22-kilometer-long gorge that attracts many visitors. Its dense forests, rich wildlife, and crocodile sanctuary are some of the area’s