Belghar Sanctuary:-158 kms from Phulbani
are the thick tropical forests of Belghar. The dense vegetation of the
area is a host to a variety of flora and fauna. Wild elephants abound in this
area which is inhabited mainly by tribal peoples.
Ambapani Sanctuary:-Located 77 kms from Bhawanipatna and 45 kms from Nowrangpur, Ambapani is famous for the deity of Budharaja installed in a small temple at the foot of a hill. The picturesque Ambapani hills present a panoramic view of nature. A frolicking valley called Haladigundi in this range of hills exhibits some peculiar features due to the reflected rays of the sun. The whole area abounds in Spotted Deer, Sambar and Black Panthers which can be seen at the Behera reservoir. 5 kms away are the pre-historic cave paintings at Gudahandi.
Bhitar Kanika Sanctuary:-Located slightly away fom the Gahirmatha Sanctuary, and in the second largest mangrove forest in the country, the Bhitar Kanika Sanctuary has protected the estuarine crocodile and its habitat since 1975. The mangroves support a large variety of birdlife such as storks, egrets, white ibis, six species of Kingfishers, as well as migratory ducks from Siberia and Hungary.This sanctuary can be visited only with special permission so thatthe eco-system of the place is not disturbed. PIC 1 PIC 2 PIC 3
Chandaka Sanctuary:-The fascinating dense Chandaka forest,
just a few kilometers from Bhubaneswar, is the only one of its kind, and is
perfect for eco-tourism. As the elephants generally venture out at night,
a long evening within the reserve, on one of the watch towers built by the
Forest Department close to the water-holes, is a thrilling experience and
one gets the feeling that one is millions of miles away from civilization.
These majestic animals have made the Chandaka Forest their home, and can be
seen quite frequently. They are however completely wild, and on occasion be
dangerous. In addition to
elephants, the Reserve boasts of cheetal, bears, pea-fowl, sambhar, and various
other species. The Forest officials have also spotted pug marks of cheetahs
within the forest.
Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary:-Close to the Bhitar Kanika Sanctuary is another of Orissa's special sanctuaries - the Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary. This stretch of beach is the breeding ground for the giant Olive Ridley Turtles, who travel all the way from the Pacific Ocean to mate and lay their eggs here. Every year, thousands of these wonderous creatures can be seen here. In order to protect the turtles, special arrangements have been made by the Government of Orissa. PIC 1
Karlapat Sanctuary:-About 35 kms from Bhawanipatna, the district headquarters of Kalahandi, on the Bhawanipatna-Thuamula-Rampur road is Karlapat, famous for its enchanting wildlife. Tigers, leopards,sambars, gaur and cheetal have a rich presence in these forest tracts.
Lakhari Sanctuary:-This sanctuary located in the Lakhari valley
near Ganjam has a large concentration of elephants and other wildlife. Blackbucks
abound in this region.
Nandan Kanan Sanctuary:-Nandan Kanan means '"garden of pleasure", and this combination of zoo, botanical garden and sanctuary 20 km from Bhubaneswar, in the splendid environs of the Chandaka Forest, along the rippling waters of the lake. PIC 1 PIC 2 PIC 3
Padmatala Sanctuary:-The little hamlet of Padmatala, located
37 kms from Phulbani, is famous for the presence of a pond which is used by
the wild animals of the area as a watering hole. During most evenings one
can spot an amazing variety of wildlife at the pond.
Simlipal Tiger Reserve:-The Mayurbhanj district of Orissa is the home of one of the most important National Parks not only of Orissa, but also in the country. Spread over an area of 2,750 sq. kms.,the park was specially chosen by Project Tiger for continuing the task of conserving the country's depleting tiger population. This tiger reserve has over 95 Royal Bengal Tigers within its lavish bounds. Leopards, elephants, mugger crocodiles and numerous reptiles abound here.Over 230 species of birds people the forest and waterways in the park.The vast expanse and changing topography as well as the vegetational and climatic variations in Simlipal have been the major reasons for the succesful breeding of the flora and fauna. PIC 1 PIC 2
Tikarpada Sanctuary:-The site of one of the most fabulous vistas
of river and forest, the Satkosia Gorge where the great Mahanadi river crashes
with monumental force is an enervating, if dizzying, experiance. The meandering
pace of the sensuous river through 22 km of thick forest offers scenic delights
of the frothing, boiling water as it wends its way through the awesome gorge
is considered to be one of the most enchanting spots in the world. It is an
idealplace for white
water rafting and other adventure sports. Located in these wonderous surroundings
is the Gharial Sanctuary where Gharial crocodiles are breed. A success story
of conservation, this crocodile breeding farm is a must
for all wildlife enthusiasts.
Ushakothi Sanctuary:-One of Orissa's smaller sanctuaries, Ushakothi,
situated 45 kms from Sambalpur, offers visitors a
perfect opportunity to see elephants, tigers, panthers, sambars etc. from
the strategically placed watch towers or from on board a jeep.
