From spellbinding lagoons to enchanting forests, Odisha welcomes you to an experience of a lifetime.
In addition to being a veritable gold mine of history and culture, Odisha is also home to some of the most diverse wildlife and forest reserves in India. The wildlife experience here is undoubtedly unique due to its wonderful abundance of flora and equally vast wealth of fauna. Both nature lovers and those who are not as keen on the outdoors can explore and enjoy Odisha's wildlife.
The state has 19 wildlife sanctuaries, a national park, and two tiger reserves. From trekking and camping to bird watching and safaris, sky's the limit when it comes to nature tourism options for tourists. Whether it is lush forests, pristine beaches or waters teeming with marine life, Odisha has something for everyone. Its natural beauty is one of India's best-kept secrets.
These are some of the popular national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha:
Chilika Lake Bird Sanctuary
Chilika lake, the largest brackish lagoon in Asia, is home to several islands like The Honeymoon Island and The Breakfast Island.
Chilika lake is also the largest Ramsar site in the country, attracting a huge number of migratory birds every winter – making it a haven for both bird lovers and ornithologists.
Two popular bird-watching destinations on the lake are Nalabana bird sanctuary and Mangalajodi.
Nalabana, a large island in the centre of the lake, is a designated bird- sanctuary under the Wildlife Protection Act. It attracts a large number of resident and migratory birds every winterSo, for the best experience, visit during the winter months.
Mangalajodi today is a community-owned wildlife venture in collaboration with Mangalajodi Ecotourism. Birdwatchers can count on seeing white-bellied sea eagles, greylag geese, purple moorhen, flamingo, jacana, and herons.
The dynamic sunrises and sunsets are also star attractions of the lake. The region has a moderate climate throughout the year, but the best time to visit the lake is from October to early March. The Chilika lake hosts more than a million migratory birds across 50 to 70 different species during its peak season. Depending on the visitor's preference several accommodation options are available, ranging from luxurious houseboats to nature camps.
Bhitarkanika national park
Bhitarkanika national park, spanning over 672 sq.km, is a breathtaking natural reserve with extensive mangroves, placid waterways, and an abundant wildlife. Very few parks in India offer the chance to explore via boat safari, and Bhitarkanika is one of them. Bhitarkanika is home to saltwater crocodiles, the largest living crocodile species in the world. Besides the crocodiles, the park is also home to a wide variety of other animals such as the Indian rock python, rhesus monkey, cobra, spotted deer, dolphin, hyena, and many others. Migratory birds like kingfishers, hornbills, and herons also frequent the reserve, making it yet another must-visit spot for birdwatchers. Thick mangroves and indigo bushes add to the luscious scenery of the park. The ideal time to visit Bhitarkanika is from October to February. The relatively moderate winter temperatures make it pleasant for tourists. Accommodation options range from nature camps to OTDC-owned hotels. For visitors seeking a more unique experience, the eco-retreat on Pentha Beach would make a great place to stay as well.
Similipal Tiger Reserve
In northern Odisha's Mayurbhanj district is the captivating Similipal tiger reserve. It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Odisha, spanning 2750 sq.km and is home to a huge variety of wild orchids, stunning waterfalls like Jornada and Bharepani, and the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. The reserve is one of the first nine designated tiger reserves established in 1973. It has recently gained more fame for being home to the rare melanistic tiger or black tiger. Similipal is a moist deciduous monsoon forest, watered by 12 rivers. These rivers cascade down the beautiful hills of Similipal creating the Baheripani waterfall with a fall height of 400m – making it the second-highest waterfall in India. The Joranda waterfall too stems from the same rivers and it drops from a height of 150m. For nature enthusiasts, Similipal is a complete package. The best time to visit Similipal is from November to March. A variety of accommodation options can be availed, from the luxury hotels of Aranya Nivas and the Royal Heritage Palace of Belgadia to nature camps run by members of the local community.
Satkosia Tiger Reserve and Gorge Sanctuary
Located in the heart of Odisha, the reserve spans four districts–Nayagarh, Cuttack, Angul and Boudh–and comprises two sanctuaries–the Baisipalli sanctuary and the Satkosia gorge sanctuary. The Satkosia tiger reserve, approximately 162km from Bhubaneswar, is a paradise for nature lovers. Nature camps in the reserve enable tourists to observe the wildlife in their natural habitat from the tranquillity of the camps, making it a thrilling experience for wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve has been divided into two parts: the northern side comprises Tikarpada, Purnakote, and Chhotkei, and the southern side comprises Badamul, Kuanria, and Sapapathar. Access to these regions is regulated and permission must be obtained from tourist counters at Pampasar, Kusanga, and Chhamundia. The luxurious tented suites at the Eco Retreat Satkosia offer a beautiful staycation with all modern amenities.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Located near the Hirakud dam in Sambalpur, the Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary is a popular destination in western Odisha. With an area of 347 sq.km, it serves as a vital water source for wildlife in the sanctuary. The unique natural habitat of Debrigarh sets it apart from other sanctuaries in the state. Debrigarh is home to a wide variety of wildlife such as Indian gaur, tiger, leopard, nilgai, sambar, peacock, and spotted deer. The sanctuary is also a haven for various migratory birds like the endangered crested serpent eagle, and four-horned antelope and freshwater turtles. The sanctuary is one of the few in the state supporting both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, making it a flourishing haven and an attractive shelter for migratory birds. The best time to visit Debrigarh is during the winter and pre-summer months. Accommodations can be sought in nature camps or if a more luxurious setting is preferred, at the Eco Retreat Swiss tents.
Odisha and its wildlife
Odisha is a state renowned for its sprawling greenery and natural beauty. It is the home to some of the most beautiful beaches, forests, and wildlife sanctuaries. The state has taken great initiatives to protect and preserve this abundant resource by building wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. These parks and sanctuaries are home to some of the most endangered and environmentally sensitive species. Protecting wildlife helps maintain the precariously balanced state of the environment. Tourism contributes to habitat restoration and promotes the local economy. So do not miss out on this otherworldly experience the next time you plan your trip. Odisha awaits you.
To plan a wildlife tour in Odisha, visit: https://odishatourism.gov.in/
For booking and travel-related details, visit: bookodisha.com and ecotourodisha.com
For package tours and hotel bookings, visit: www.bookodisha.com