7 Great Wildlife Sanctuaries To Explore In Odisha

Odisha is one of the states that have preserved India's rich culture and traditions. The state is home to countless ancient historical sites, and its tourism board proudly refers to it as "India's best-kept secret." Bhubaneswar, the capital, alone boasts hundreds of heritage monuments. Additionally, Odisha offers majestic mountains, serene beaches, captivating wildlife, and unique arts and crafts.

The state is also rich in diverse flora and fauna, as reflected in its numerous wildlife sanctuaries. Odisha stands out with distinct features such as the country’s only turtle sanctuary and a lagoon that also serves as a bird sanctuary. Its wildlife reserves are a true delight for nature lovers.

# Similipal National Park

Nestled in a scenic town in Odisha, Similipal National Park showcases the natural beauty of a bygone era. Once a hunting ground for the region's kings, it is located near Mayurbhanj and stands as India's largest wildlife sanctuary, as well as one of the country’s premier tiger conservation projects. The park is rich in lush forests, picturesque meadows, stunning waterfalls, and beautiful rivers. Its high biodiversity, with around 1,000 plant species, makes it a perfect destination for nature lovers.

# Bhitarkanika National Park

Spanning 145 square kilometers, the Bhitarkanika Wetland is divided into three protected areas: Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, and the Marine Gahirmatha Sanctuary. The wetland is regularly flooded by the Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and Pathsala rivers, creating a rich marshy environment. Surrounded by mangrove forests, the park is home to various species, including seawater crocodiles, estuary turtles, king cobras, Indian pythons, and many birds. Bhitarkanika is the second largest mangrove habitat in India after Sundarbans, making it one of Odisha's most exceptional national parks.

# Chilika Lagoon

Chilika Lake, the largest coastal lagoon in India and the largest brackish water lagoon in the world, spans 1,100 square kilometers across the districts of Puri, Ganjam, and Khurda in Odisha. It serves as the subcontinent's premier wintering site for migratory birds. During migration, the lagoon is home to around 160 bird species. Chilika’s salty waters are rich in microalgae, fish, aquatic plants, and crabs, contributing to its status as one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Odisha.

# Tikarpada Wildlife Reserve

Covering 795.52 square kilometers, the Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary captivates visitors with its stunning natural beauty, including lush green landscapes, the winding Mahanadi River, and the famous Satkosia Gorge. The sanctuary is home to various wildlife, such as tigers, leopards, gaurs, spotted deer, sloths, gharials, and more. The Gharial Sanctuary within focuses on breeding and protecting gharials in their natural habitat. Tikarpada offers a fascinating wildlife experience in Odisha.

# Kotgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

As one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha, Kotgarh encompasses five reserve forests, three proposed reserve forests, and several deemed woods. Surrounded by Pisal, Sissoo, and Sal forests, it is home to a diverse range of species, including tigers, antelopes, leopards, barking deer, jackals, and nilgai. The sanctuary, covering 400 square kilometers, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

# Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Situated in the Angul district of Odisha, Satkosia Tiger Reserve spans around 988.30 square kilometers. The Mahanadi River divides the reserve, creating the 22-kilometer-long Satkosia Gorge. The reserve features a variety of ecosystems, including Sal forests and riverine woodlands. It is home to a wide array of wildlife, such as leopards, wild dogs, wild boars, sloth bears, and numerous elephants. The reserve also has crocodiles and gharials in its canyon.

# Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Once the residence of freedom fighter Surender Sai during British rule, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is now a haven for various species, including tigers, leopards, hyenas, and monitor lizards. Despite being a dry forest, the sanctuary offers a unique atmosphere. Visitors wishing to stay at the sanctuary must first obtain permission from the forest department. It is considered one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha.