Odisha is among the states that have kept India’s rich culture and customs. Hundreds of ancient historical sites may be found across the state. Their tourist board uses the phrase ‘India’s best-kept secret’. The capital city of Bhubaneshwar alone contains hundreds of historical heritage monuments. There are also majestic mountains, tranquil beaches, stunning animals, and one-of-a-kind arts and crafts.
It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna too. Odisha’s abundance of wildlife sanctuaries demonstrates this. It also boasts numerous distinguishing features, including the state’s sole turtle refuge and the only lagoon with a bird sanctuary. Odisha’s wildlife reserves are not unique but also a treat for every nature enthusiast.
Check Out the List of Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in Odisha:
1. Similipal National Park
Similipal National Park, located in a picturesque and beautiful town in Odisha, reflects the natural splendor of a past era. It was previously a hunting place for the kings of the province and is located near Mayurbhanj. Similipal is India’s largest wildlife sanctuary and one of the nation’s most significant tiger conservation projects.
The area is abundant in lush woods, stunning meadows, breathtaking waterfalls, and gorgeous rivers. It is endowed with a high level of biodiversity and a wide range of species, making it an ideal location for sightseeing! Simlipal Reserve is home to around 1000 plant species.
Wildlife to See: Tigers, elephants, deer, leopards, and rare orchids.
Things to Do:
- Go on a jungle safari for a chance to spot tigers and elephants.
- Visit Barehipani and Joranda Waterfalls within the park.
- Explore the tribal villages around the park for cultural insights.
Best Time to Visit: October to June, with safari timings usually between 6 AM to 3 PM.
Nearby Attractions: Devkund Waterfall, an ideal spot for nature lovers.
2. Bhitarkanika National Park
The Bhitarkanika Wetland, which covers an area of 145 square kilometers, is divided into three protected areas: Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhitarkanika National Park, and Marine Gahirmatha Sanctuary. This area is regularly inundated by Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, & Pathsala, transforming it into a marshy wetland.
This national park, surrounded by mangrove vegetation, is home to seawater crocodiles, estuary turtles, and other aquatic creatures and birds. There have also been sightings of a king cobra, an Indian python, a spotted deer, a wild boar, a black ibis, and a water monitor lizard. This marshy wetland of Bhitarkanika is India’s second biggest mangrove environment after Sundarbans & undoubtedly one of the best national parks in Odisha.
Wildlife to See: Saltwater crocodiles, king cobras, olive ridley turtles, and migratory birds.
Things to Do:
- Take a boat ride through the mangrove creeks for wildlife spotting.
- Visit the crocodile breeding center at Dangamal.
- Go birdwatching during the winter months for migratory species.
Best Time to Visit: October to March for ideal weather and migratory birds.
Nearby Attractions: Gahirmatha Beach, known for the nesting of olive ridley turtles.
3. Chilika Lagoon
Chilika Lake is a highly saline water lagoon. It is spread across the Odisha districts of Puri, Ganjan & Khurda. Chilika is India’s largest coastal lagoon and the world’s largest brackish water lagoon. The lagoon is around 1,100 square kilometers in area. It is the subcontinent’s most excellent wintering site for migratory birds. Several endangered plant and animal species live in the lake.
During the peak migration season, the lagoon is home to around 160 bird species. Microalgae, fish, grasses, aquatic weeds, and crabs thrive in the Chilika Lagoon’s salty water. It is among the best Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks in Odisha.
Wildlife to See: Dolphins, migratory birds, and various fish species.
Things to Do:
- Take a boat ride to spot Irrawaddy dolphins and explore Nalabana Bird Sanctuary.
- Visit Kalijai Temple, situated on an island within the lagoon.
- Explore Satapada, a popular area for dolphin spotting.
Best Time to Visit: November to February for migratory birds and pleasant weather.
Nearby Attractions: Rambha and Barkul, scenic areas along the lagoon.
4. Tikarpada Wildlife Reserve
A total area of 795.52 square kilometers is covered by Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary It never fails to enthrall visitors with its breathtaking beauty, lush green surroundings, the much-loved rambling of the River Mahanadi, the world-famous Satkosia gorge, and a diverse range of wild birds, animals, and plants.
Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is home to leopards, tigers, gaurs, simbal, four-horned antelopes, spotted deer, sloths, gharial, and a variety of other animals. The Gharial Sanctuary breeds Gharials to boost their numbers and provide them with the proper environment and care. Wildlife Sanctuary Chandaka Dampara is situated in Cuttack’s southern area. The sanctuary covers an area of 193.39 square kilometers in the upland of the North-Eastern Ghat. The location is more often known as the Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary.
Six types of plants fill the 194 square kilometers: moist, semi-evergreen woods, coastal Sal forests, Kangada forests, prickly bamboo brakes, planted teak, and Eupatorium scrub. Leopards are more commonly seen here, apart from elephants. Chital, common langur, deer, rhesus monkey, wild boar, tiny Indian civet, mongoose, sloth bear, pangolin, ratel, Indian wolf, & hyena are all common in the forests.
Wildlife to See: Gharials, crocodiles, spotted deer, and a variety of bird species.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Gharial Breeding Center to learn about the conservation efforts.
- Enjoy river rafting on the Mahanadi River.
- Trek through the reserve’s trails for wildlife sightings and scenic views.
Best Time to Visit: October to February for comfortable weather.
Nearby Attractions: Satkosia Gorge, a beautiful canyon formed by the Mahanadi River.
5. Kotgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary is among Odisha’s largest wildlife sanctuaries, including five reserve forests, three proposed reserve forests, and a few deemed woods. Kotagarh Animal Sanctuary is surrounded by pisal, sissoo, and sal woods.
It is home to various wildlife species such as tiger, antelope, leopard, barking deer, jackal, civet cat, wild boar, and nilgai. Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which covers 400 square kilometers, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.
Wildlife to See: Tigers, leopards, elephants, and various bird species.
Things to Do:
- Trek through dense forests to explore the sanctuary’s plant and wildlife diversity.
- Visit local tribal villages to learn about traditional medicines and forest resources.
Best Time to Visit: November to March when the weather is favorable for trekking.
Nearby Attractions: Baliguda, a town known for its tribal markets and handicrafts.
6. Satkosia Tiger Reserve
Satkosia Tiger Reserve is located in the Angul district of Odisha and covers an area of around 988.30 square kilometers. The largest river in Odisha, the Mahanadi, divides the Tiger Reserve & forms a 22-kilometer-long canyon known as Satkosia Gorge. The forest’s central area is approximately 523.61 square kilometers.
The forest is composed of mixed deciduous woods, including Sal and riverine woodland. The leopard, Indian wild dog, wild boars, sloth bear, striped hyena, leopard cat, and jungle cat are all found here. The reserve is home to a large number of Asian elephants. There are also crocodiles & gharials in the canyon.
Wildlife to See: Tigers, leopards, elephants, gharials, and a wide range of bird species.
Things to Do:
- Take a boat ride in the Satkosia Gorge to enjoy the view of the surrounding cliffs and wildlife.
- Go on a jeep safari to explore the core areas of the tiger reserve.
- Visit the crocodile conservation center to see gharials up close.
Best Time to Visit: October to March for pleasant weather and active wildlife.
Nearby Attractions: Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, which offers river rafting and adventure activities.
7. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Debrigarh Animals Sanctuary, formerly home to the legendary freedom fighter Surender Sai under British dominion, is now home to some unique wildlife. This sanctuary is home to various animals, including tigers, leopards, hyenas, monitor lizards, and many others.
This may be a dry forest, but the feeling it provides is everything. But, If you want to utilize the sanctuary’s accommodations, you must first get authorization from the forest department. Debrigarh is among the top Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks in Odisha.
Wildlife to See: Leopards, wild boar, sambar, bison, and migratory birds.
Things to Do:
- Take a jeep safari to spot various wildlife species.
- Visit Hirakud Dam, one of the longest dams in the world.
- Enjoy birdwatching, especially around the reservoir area, which attracts many migratory species.
Best Time to Visit: November to February for migratory birds and cool weather.
Nearby Attractions: Hirakud Reservoir and Sambalpur town, known for its vibrant handloom sarees.
Conclusion
Odisha is well-known for its rich historical and cultural history and has numerous popular tourist spots that appeal to both local and international visitors. Many people must understand that Odisha has an equally excellent wildlife tourist experience. Nature has blessed us with a plethora of flora and wildlife. We have listed above the top 7 Famous Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks in Odisha. Thank you for reading our article thoroughly.
Find out more about Odisha by visiting:
- Top 20 Odisha Tourist Places to See
- 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Odisha
- Odisha’s Top 10 Popular Waterfalls
- 10 Most Popular Temples in Odisha
- Odisha Famous Honeymoon Romantic Places
- 6 Buddhist Heritage Sites In Odisha
- Odisha 7 Popular Hill Stations to Visit
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha?
Some popular wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha include Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Chilika Lake Sanctuary, Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary, and Simlipal National Park.
2. What is unique about Simlipal National Park?
Simlipal National Park is known for its tiger population, lush forests, waterfalls, and varied wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and rare bird species.
3. Can I go on a boat safari at any sanctuary in Odisha?
Yes, Chilika Lake Sanctuary offers boat rides where visitors can spot Irrawaddy dolphins and migratory birds.
4. When is the best time to visit Odisha’s wildlife sanctuaries?
The ideal time is between November and February when the weather is cooler, and animals are more active.
5. Are there tiger reserves in Odisha?
Yes, Simlipal and Satkosia Tiger Reserves are known for their tiger populations.
6. Is there a sanctuary dedicated to reptiles?
Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its saltwater crocodiles and other reptiles, making it a unique place for reptile sightings.
7. What types of birds can be seen in Chilika Lake?
Chilika Lake is a paradise for birdwatchers, especially during winter, where one can spot flamingos, pelicans, herons, and storks among many migratory species.
8. Are there eco-friendly accommodations near these parks?
Yes, many parks and sanctuaries in Odisha offer eco-friendly lodges and guesthouses that provide a comfortable stay while being close to nature.
9. Can I go on a jungle safari in these parks?
Jungle safaris are available in parks like Simlipal and Satkosia, allowing visitors to explore the forests and spot wildlife.
10. Are guides available for wildlife tours in Odisha?
Yes, most parks and sanctuaries offer guided tours to help visitors understand the area’s wildlife, flora, and fauna better.
