Bhitarkanika National Park, Kendrapara

Bhitarkanika National Park - Considered one of the most impressive wildlife sanctuaries of Asia, the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha (Orissa) is special due to reasons more than one. Housing the dynamic and salt tolerant species of trees, the Mangroves that generally grow in tropical and sub-tropical inter-tidal regions; Bhitarkanika has a luxuriant green, rich and pulsating eco-system.

Located in the estuarial region of Brahmani-Baitarani, in the north-eastern place of Kendrapara district of Odisha (Orissa), the sanctuary covers an area of 672 square kilometers of mangrove forests and wetland. Crossed by a thick network of brooks, with the Bay of Bengal on the east, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is home to over 215 species of birds, including winter migratory birds from Europe and central-Asia.

Apart from the Mangroves, another rarity that the sanctuary has to its account is the inhibition of its ecosystem by the Giant Salt Water Crocodiles and numerous varieties of other animal species. It is because of these specialties only that a vast expanse of forest around 145 square kilometers has been officially declared as the Bhitarkanika National Park. This park including mangrove forests, creeks, estuaries, rivers, accumulated land, backwater and mud flats is very significant for the ecological, biological and geomorphologic background of Odisha (Orissa).

Chandaka Elephant Reserve, Bhubaneswar

Chandka Elephant Sanctuary is a wildlife reserve located in north western fringe of Bhubaneswar in the Indian state of Odisha. Nestled on Khurdha uplands of 'Eastern Ghats' biotic region, Chandaka forest spread over 175.79 square kilometres (67.87 sq mi) of rolling table land and small sprawling hillocks of Khurdha and Cuttack Districts. It was designated as an elephant reserve in December 1982.

Elephant is the flagship species and indicative of the potential productivity of the habitat. Leopard is in the apex of biological pyramid. Chital, Barking deer, Mouse deer, Wild pig, Common langur, Rhesus monkey, small Indian civet, Common Indian mongoose, Small Indian mongoose, Ruddy mongoose, Pangolin, Sloth bear, Ratel, Indian wolf and Hyena are other mammals of the area. Chital or spotted deers are commonly encountered in groups of 3-7 on forest roads, forest openings, grass lands, foreshore of water bodies and even near guard camps.

For visitors there are a number of watch towers to observe wild life. While Kochilaberana, Pitagadia and Charichhak watch towers are excellent for observation of birds and animals, the ones at Kumarkhunti and Ambilo have the comfort of rest houses where one can make a night halt.

There are two water reservoirs - Deras Dam and Jhumka Dam, situated within the reserve. The cottages near Deras provides breathtaking view of the Chandaka reserve and a chance to see wildlife.

The revived Chandaka forest reserve is popular amongst eco-tourists and nature researchers.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Bargarh

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary comprises of Lohara & Debrigarh Reserved Forests of famous Barapahad hills of Bargarh District. The sanctuary is famous for its sylvan beauty and also for offering easy sighting of wildlife. The dry deciduous forests with varied flora and fauna attract the tourists of Orissa and neighboring states. The tract lies in the Chhatisgarh-Dandakaranya region of Decan Peninsular. The Ushakothi water fall is visited by a number of tourists and nature lover.

The Debrigarh area is like an emerald nestled in the serene blue waters of Hirakud reservoir. The reservoir is the largest manmade water body in Asia and flanks about one third of the landscape boundary on the eastern side. The vast water body of the Hirakud reservoir attracts thousands of Ducks, Geese and Waders for feeding and roosting in the winter months. As per the estimate, this is the third largest water bird congregation in the state.

Among herbivores the Indian Gaur or Bison is one of the prominent animals in the protected area. The terrain and the climate of Debrigarh forests provide abode to about 500 numbers of endangered four horned antelope or Chousingha Debrigarh is one of the few sites where ecotourism is being managed with the involvement of local people. The Sanctuary is becoming popular year after year as it is offering easy sighting of wild animals, and better accommodation facilities at strategic locations. To facilitate movement of tourists in the water body of the protected area, Departmental motor boats are available.

Similipal National Park, Mayurbhanj

Similipal is known as the land of the roar of the tiger and the trumpet of the elephant. Dense forest, rugged hilly terrain and wild animals combine to shape its wilderness. Certainly, a place for nature-sensitive visitors who can rough it out. The Similipal hill ranges have connectivity with Satkoshia and Nato reserve forests in the Mayurbhanj district and Baula reserve forest in Keonjhar district.

Similipal retains some of the best Sal forests of India and Sal constitutes about 50% of the total forest habitat of Similipal. The landscape is beautifully studded with numerous small and high hills densely covered with vegetation. The highest hill Khairiberu is 1168m and next to it is Meghasini, standing at 1163m.

The network of several perennial streams and rivers that interlace the deep folds of Similipal forests remain wet even during the peak summer in April-May. Come May-June, a large number of Orchids bloom, exotically coloured and wondrously shelved. Similipal holds 94 species of these epiphytes. Three endemic orchids of Similipal occur in Meghasini and Jenabil area.

Nandankanan National Park, Bhubaneswar

Nandan Kanan National Park is at distance of 20 kms from the temple city of Bhubaneshwar which is also the capital of Odisha(Orissa). Located on the banks of Kanjia River, this national park boasts to be the largest tiger safari of India. The unique park for nocturnal animals, the botanical garden and the reptile park all amalgamates together to justify the literal meaning of the park which means the garden of pleasures.

Magazine after a wild tigress has wandered into the protected enclosures meant for the tigers and stayed there by choice. The act was astonishing in itself as the wide believed theory was that these royals of the wilds will not prefer staying within the fences. This led to the emergence of the Nandan Kanan national park. The park today proudly flaunts its white tiger population infront of the visitor which has now reached to 34. These rarest species once facing the threat of extinction were saved because of the extensive research and studies conducted by the zoo authorities. The ray of hope and waves of celebrations have engulfed Nandan Kanan when the successful mating of Deepak and Ganga, two normal twany tiger and tigress has resulted to the birth of 1st three white tiger cubs. This national park also boasts to be the 1st captive breeding centre for gharials in the country. It is also the first Indian zoo to carry out the breeding for pangolins.

Wildlife Attractions in Nandan Kanan National Park

The Flora
The park is spread amidst the Chandaka forest of Odisha(Orissa). The botanical garden of the park houses many exotic and resident species of flora. The glass house meant for the indoor plants like Aglaonema and calathea, the cacti house for the cacti and succulents, 400 numbers of Bonsai, the nursery and the medicinal, Japanese and landscape gardens make it a favorite destination for tourists. The orchid house is spread over 460 sq meters and has around 130 species of orchid blooms in this garden.

The Fauna
The endangers species of Asiatic lions, 3 Indian crocodilians, Sangal lion-tailed macaque, mouse deer, Indian pangolin, and Nilgiri Langurs are the prominent mammals of the park. The park also supports a huge volume of aquatic population. The 34 aquaria of the zoo is the home for many fresh water fishes. The reptile park is the habitat for many snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles. There is a separate Reptile-park in the zoo, which is dedicated to conservation of reptiles. A botanical garden is also in the compound of the zoo.

Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, Sambalpur

Ushakothi or Badrama Sanctuary in Yavatmal, Odisha (Orissa) has a population of tigers, leopards, panthers, sloth bears and elephants in addition to the sambal, gaur, chital and nilgai. The dense deciduous forest flanked by the Wardha and Penganga rivers covers 130 sq. km and is one of the smaller sanctuaries of Odisha (Orissa).

Established in 1962 over a forest area of about 304.03 square kilometres, the Ushakothi Sanctuary is situated at a distance of about 22 kilometres from Sambalpur. To the west of the Sanctuary lies Hirakud Dam. Principally dry deciduous forest type, floral species like sal, sandalwood, arjun, neem, acacia, casuarinas are of frequent occurrence. The fauna includes, amongst others, tigers, elephants, sambar leopards and bison. Presently there are about 15 tigers and 35 elephants in the sanctuary. It is rich in avifaunal wealth and the main attraction of this sanctuary are racket tail drangos and flying squirrel. For night halts there is one two roomed forest rest house inside the sanctuary. The reservations can be done through the Divisional Forest Officer of the same sanctuary, Sambalpur.

Tikarapada Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha

Tikarpada wildlife sanctuary adds a new line of popularity in the land of wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha (Orissa). It is a beautiful place encloses the Satkoisa Gorge – a place where Mahanadi Plunges into Eastern Ghats. Visiting the amazing wildlife in Tikadpada Odisha (Orissa) is truly a memorable experience that is a home to a number of water-creatures, reptiles, wild animals and different birds. Tourist and wildlife tour enthusiasts come to Tikadpada wildlife Odisha (Orissa) India to enjoy boating, white water rafting, fish angling, trekking, and spending more and more time in lush green forest ranges.

During your tour to the wildlife sanctuary, you will also explore rehabilitation and rescue centres that are conserving and at the same time gaining popularity as breeding centres of a number of endangered species of animals, especially crocodiles. The most commonly seen wild creatures in the wildlife sanctuary are adjutant stroke, red jungle fowl and Indian Pitta. The beautiful wildlife sanctuary is located close to Angul and Dhenkanal where you will also see tourist places like Saptasajya along with Saptarshi and Raghunath temples.

For those who have a passion to accommodate in camps very close to wild animals, it is the best place for them in Odisha (Orissa). Every year, a large number of tourists from different parts of the world come to explore the beautiful place and prefer to accommodate here for some time. For them camping would be the best option.