6 Wildlife Sanctuaries And National Parks You Can Visit In Odisha

Odisha has numerous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that have many distinctly unique features. These places of wildlife are not only unique for the immense presence of a varied range of fauna but are also a delight for nature lovers. Talk about the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Similipal National Park, Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, or Nandankanan National Park, Odisha is known to astonish every wildlife lover. Read below and check out some of the best wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Odisha.

# Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary (Kendrapara District, Odisha)

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is the most popular wildlife sanctuary in Odisha that is located in the Kendrapada district of the state. Here you can find the largest living reptile. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is home to the largest saltwater crocodiles, The Indian python, King Cobra, and many other animals. Here you can also witness the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India.

So, if you are planning to spend quality time amidst wildlife and nature in Odisha then plan a trip to Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. It is ideal for everyone who loves wildlife.

# Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary (Sambalpur District, Odisha)

Another amazing wildlife sanctuary in Odisha is the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Sambalpur district. This wildlife sanctuary in Odisha comprises 234 species of birds, 40 species of mammals, 12 amphibian species, 41 species of reptiles, 42 species of fish, 39 odonates species, 85 species of butterflies, and 8 species of spiders. Apart from this, it also has 250 different species of plants that are surely fascinating to witness.

# Tikarapada Wildlife Sanctuary (Anugul District, Odisha)

Tikarapada Wildlife Sanctuary is an amazing wildlife sanctuary in Odisha that you should visit at least once when you are in Odisha or when you are planning a wildlife tour in the state. It is situated in the Anugul District in Odisha. This majestic wildlife sanctuary in Odisha is spread around an area of 795. 52 sq. km and is situated on the banks of the Mahanadi River. You can spot Gharial crocodiles at Tikarapada Wildlife Sanctuary. Moreover, you can also find different types of snakes, turtles, and animals like leopards, pangolins, elephants, tigers, and spotted deer in this sanctuary.

The best thing about this wildlife sanctuary in Odisha is that it offers you a great scope to indulge in various adventurous activities like trekking, hiking, boating, river rafting, and fish angling. It will take around 2-3 hours to spend in this sanctuary.

# Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary (Mayurbhanj District, Odisha)

Odisha is a blessed state in terms of wildlife and nature. Mayurbhanj district in Odisha is a picturesque town and Similipal is known to be one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in India. Similipal was once a hunting ground for rulers of Mayurbhanj in the early period. Today Similipal has become one of the major sanctuaries listed under the “Save the tiger project” in India. The area of this wildlife sanctuary is enriched with dense forests, beautiful meadows, startling waterfalls, and amazing rivers.

It is a safe paradise for an infinite number of animals and birds, including spotted deer, langur, elephant, leopard, gaur, flying squirrel, sloth bear mongoose, monitor lizard, turtle, porcupine, antelope, grey hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill, Indian pied hornbill, hill mynah, red jungle fowl, Alexandrine parakeet, and Indian trogon.

# Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary (Kendrapada District, Odisha)

Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Kendrapada district is an exclusively marine sanctuary that is home to numerous species of fish. However, it is well known as the largest nesting beach of Olive Ridley Turtles in the world. Thousands of marine lovers visit this sanctuary every year. The Olive Ridley Turtles mate in November and January and during these times, they come out of the coastal waters and can be easily spotted on the beaches. This sanctuary is considered a paradise for turtles and you can find numerous turtles with other adorable creatures on the beach here.

# Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary (Kandhamal, Odisha)

This is another famous wildlife sanctuary in Odisha. It is located in the Baliguda subdivisions of the Kandhamala area. Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in biodiversity and a broad range of animals and reptiles can be found here. Some of the significant species found in this wildlife sanctuary are spotted deer, gaur, sambar, elephant, red fowl, peafowl, and many reptiles. Koagar wildlife sanctuary is also known for being enriched with a variety of vegetation, including thick deciduous woodlands along with grasslands.

With so many varieties of animals, reptiles, and also green trees, Kotagarh wildlife sanctuary is surely a blessed place for people who are attracted to nature and wildlife.