The vast tracts of Odisha’s forestlands offer visitors exceptional experiences of spotting wildlife, birdwatching, and exploring its great botanical wealth. You can use one of the many nature camps as a base for your quests. These have been created by the Odisha government to promote non-invasive, eco-friendly, sustainable living practices to support the local economy for the communities residing in this wilderness. The Forest Department offers a range of eco-tours with which you can enjoy some rewarding wildlife explorations.
Simlipal National Park and Tiger Reserve
One of the oldest and most popular game parks in the state, Simlipal is located in the picturesque setting of the Mayurbhanj district. It draws scores of wildlife buffs looking for memorable tiger-spotting safaris in the park which has the highest population of tigers in the state. Spread across 2,750 sq km it has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani. The park surrounds are home to the Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia and Sahar tribesmen.
Bhitarkanika National Park
This beautiful landscape offers three distinct areas for exploration—Bhitarkanika National Park, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. Visitors come seeking sightings of nesting Olive Ridley turtles, crocodiles, and the wealth of avifauna. A boat ride along the mangrove-fringed waterways of this important wetland is one of the many high points of the park.
Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary
This marine sanctuary plays a critical role in the annual migration of the nesting Olive Ridley turtles. The only marine sanctuary in Odisha, its beaches are one of the top global nesting sites for these turtles, half a million of which make the epic journey from the South Pacific Ocean to breed here.
Chilika Lake & Mangalajodi Bird Sanctuary
Its massive sprawl over three districts offers visitors a host of opportunities to explore the many attractions of Chilka Lake. Major jump-off points are Satpada from Puri District, Barmul from Khordha District and Rambha in Ganjam District. The annual birding festival is held at Nalbana Island, which is off-limits the rest of the year to tourists. Boat rides for dolphin-spotting and birding can be enjoyed from Satpada Island. One can stay at a houseboat at Barmul; Rambha offers birding tours and leisurely boat rides. Manglajodi attracts hordes of avifaunal enthusiasts.
Satkosia Tiger Reserve and Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary
The Satkosia Gorge serves as the junction for two bio-geographic regions—the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats. This bio-diverse hotspot is home to the Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary and the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. In 2007, the Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary and the neighbouring Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary were brought together as the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. This sanctuary is one of the few riverine sanctuaries in India. Tourists can base themselves at the Satkosia Sands Resort, and enjoy jeep safaris, short treks in the sanctuary, and even a river safari.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread along the waterline of the Hirakud Dam reservoir, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary offers both aquatic and terrestrial explorations. A guided jungle safari and customised trek offer interesting explorations of the sanctuary which is home to over 40 species of mammals, 234 species of birds, 41 species of reptiles, 12 species of amphibians, and around 150 varieties of spiders. Safaris are good for spotting leopards, chousingha, Indian Bison, wild boars, and sambhar deer. You can use the Hirakud Eco-Retreat as a base.
