Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Odisha, India

1. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Welcome to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is an immensely crucial site for the state’s wildlife conservation! It is home to a variety of fishes, butterflies, spiders, and more. The sanctuary houses many animals such as leopards, chameleons, tigers, and bison, among others. Bird lovers will love the place as a huge array of migratory birds make this sanctuary their home. The four-horned antelope, which is one of the most endangered species, can also be spotted here. A part of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is in proximity to the famous Hirakud Dam.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Right Dyke Road, Odisha 768030

Website: Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Opening hours: 6am - 4pm (daily)

2. Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary

Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 15 km (9.32 mi) from the town of Bhawanipatna in Odisha’s Kalahandi district. Home to a wide variety of wild animals such as deer, nilgai, leopard, reptiles, and birds, the sanctuary also features a breathtaking waterfall. This is a favorite destination for locals to enjoy a cozy picnic together. People from different parts of the country also come here to enjoy the wildlife and beautiful scenery. October to April is the best time to visit. Bhawanipur Railway Station is the nearest train station from this sanctuary.

Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Kalahandi, Odisha

Website: Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

3. Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary

Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary is famous for housing a plethora of species and it has managed to conserve elephants successfully for years now. Situated in close proximity to the bustling city of Cuttack, Odisha, elephants are the most famous attraction of this wildlife sanctuary. It was declared as a sanctuary in 1982 and it also houses several rare birds and endangered animals. The ideal months to come to Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary are between October and May.

Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary

Address: Chandaka Reserve Forest Rd, Gadajit, Odisha 754007

Website: Chandaka Elephant Sanctuary

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)

4. Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary

Set up in 1981, Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary is located in a district in Odisha called Nayagadh, and it is in proximity to another prominent sanctuary called the Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary features a terrain, which is ideal for sheltering many wild animals including leopards, tigers, etc, and reptiles such as king cobra among others. The sanctuary is an ideal place to explore with your friends and family. If you wish to visit this sanctuary properly, come here any time between December and February.

Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Daspalla, Odisha 752084

Website: Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary

5. Satkosia Tiger Reserve

One of Odisha’s most renowned sanctuaries, Satkosia Tiger Reserve should be on your bucket list if you are fond of nature. Located close to the Mahanadi River and featuring a stunning gorge, the reserve was set up way back in 1976. You will be mesmerized by the scenic beauty of this reserve. Its name is made of two words - the word “sat” means seven while “kos” means two miles. Thus, the entire name indicates that the gorge’s length is about 22.53 km/14 miles. In 2007, the sanctuary was designated as a new tiger reserve. The reserve is situated in the state’s Angul District and it should be visited in the months of December and January.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Address: Badmula, Nayagarh, Odisha

Website: Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

6. Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary

You will come across Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary near the famous Satkosia Tiger Reserve in Odisha. The sanctuary accommodates a plethora of wild animals including tigers, elephants, and black bears. Situated about 60 km (37.28 mi) from a district in the state called Angul, the river gorge that cuts through the forest is truly breathtaking and exudes unadulterated natural beauty. The reserve is full of hills and lush greenery. If you are an outdoorsy person, do not miss the chance of enjoying a boat ride or a leisurely stroll here. The months of December and January are the best time to come here.

Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary

Address: Dist Angul, Tikarapada, Odisha 752084

Website: Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary

7. Similipal National Park

Another renowned tiger reserve in the state, Similipal National Park is the country’s seventh-biggest national park. Apart from its incredible collection of wild animals, the park also boasts some of the most stunning waterfalls. You will spot a wide array of animals here, such as tigers, elephants, deer, and peacocks among others. Tourists from all over the country, as well as the world, visit this national park when they are traveling to Odisha. An ideal site for wildlife enthusiasts, it is a great destination to spend a relaxing vacation with your family. Winter is the most appropriate season to visit Similipal National Park.

Similipal National Park

Address: Dist, Bhanjpur, Baripada, Odisha 757002

Website: Similipal National Park

8. Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are fond of birdwatching, you should definitely visit Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the state’s major wetlands. The sanctuary allures with different kinds of migratory, as well as, local birds. The sanctuary spans across two districts in Odisha called Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar, and it is near a reservoir called Hadgarh. Visitors will come across different types of wild animals here, including jungle cat, tiger, hyena, etc. and can also spot a variety of reptiles in Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary. If you want to enjoy your visit, make sure to visit the place during winter.

Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Odisha 758023

Website: Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

9. Bhitarkanika National Park

Get ready to spot plenty of giant saltwater crocodiles as well as reptiles such as king cobra and lizards in this amazing national park! Bhitarkanika National Park also happens to be the country’s second-largest mangrove forest, the largest being Sundarbans in West Bengal. Winters are the perfect time to visit this national park because you can come across innumerable migratory birds at that time. The visit to this park is a memorable one as there is an opportunity to catch glimpses of so many other interesting wild animals like monkeys, deer, sambar, and so on.

Bhitarkanika National Park

Address:Paramanandapur, Odisha 754248

Website: Bhitarkanika National Park

Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)

10. Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary

A unique sanctuary, Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary is an immensely popular tourist hotspot in the state of Odisha. It features a beach that is the largest nesting ground in the world for Olive Ridley sea turtles. If you are visiting Bhitarkanika National Park, you will find it convenient to explore this wildlife sanctuary as both of them are in proximity to one another. Enjoy a fantastic boat ride on the river as it meets the sea. Many tourists have been fortunate enough to have spotted the turtles hatching their eggs, which is a unique experience for sure.

Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary

Address: Kendrapara, Odisha 761026

Website: Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha

Odisha is an Indian state with plenty of pleasant surprises for its travelers - both international and local. The state boasts several beautiful wildlife sanctuaries that never fail to amaze the visitors who explore these places. If you can visit even some of these top wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha, India, it would be an unforgettable experience for you.