Orissa – The Wonderland of Wildlife

From the evergreen forests of the Eastern Ghats to the shrubs and herbs of the highlands, fertile plains and beaches on the eastern coast, Orissa has all that a nature lover may ask for. With variations of ecological diversity from region to region and audacious wild life makes jungle ventures in Orissa quite a thrill to experience.

Experiencing the abundance of Nature /wilderness unfolding its rich treasure of flora and fauna is something quite extraordinary to experience. Jungles and mountains murmur marvelous stories of life – only that you need is heart of an explorer to realize that.

A trek to the wilderness may bestow you an opportunity to confront with sighting of tigers, leopards or a horde of wild elephants at sanctuaries, colossal crocodiles in Bhitarkanika or go friendly with Olive Ridley turtles, roam along with the blackbucks in Aska and Puri or native and migratory birds at the tranquil blue expanse of Chilika lagoon.

Preserving precious natural treasures, numerous large and small sanctuaries dotted around the state attracts wildlife enthusiasts. Most of these areas are still safe from the devastating manners of man. Out of 155,707 sq. km of geographical area, has 52,472 sq. km. of recorded forest area, 18 sanctuaries (Protected Areas) that includes Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuary, one National Park (Bhitarkanika), one Tiger Reserve (Similipal), one Biosphere Reserve (Similipal), one closed area (Chilika), one Game/ Wildlife Reserve (Bppadar - Bhetnoi), one Zoological Park and eight deer parks (mini zoos).

Satisfying the quest of wildlife enthusiasts, Similipal tiger reserve, Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary and Nalaban bird sanctuary, Gahirmatha and Chilka along with Sunabeda, Kotagarh,Karlapat, Debrigarh, Baisipalli, and Hadgarh sanctuaries are regarded highly on the international wildlife map for excellent attempt to preserve their wild inhabitants for you to explore.

Spreading over 2750 sq kms land, Similipal sanctuary and national park in Mayurbhanj district enjoys a good population of tigers, Leopards, elephants, mugger crocodiles and numerous reptile and bird species. Apart from the wonderful wild life, picturesque such as; Lulung, Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls and mugger crocodiles at Joshipur also attracts tourists.

Located in India’s second largest mangrove ecosystem Bhitarkanika Sanctuary and national park in orissa's coastal belt is famous as estuarine crocodile protection center since 1975. Further down, next to it is Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary and marine reserve well known as another unique phenomenon, the mass nesting site of Olive Redley turtles. Along with olieve Ridley turtles, the mangrove islands in Bhitarkanika Biodiversity also hosts numerous migratory bird species for nesting.

Spreading over an area of 1100 sq. kms, Chilka Lagoon, Asia's largest brackish water lake, is a favorite travel attractions to migratory birds flying from far off places to Nalabana, Mangalajodi and other islands in the lagoon. Playful Dolphins and Chitals are other attractions of this area.

The gigantic spread of Satkosia gorge sanctuary, spreading across majestic Mahanadi river offers extraordinary experience for boating and trekking.

While Tikarpada Gharial Sanctuary overlooks Orissa's most awe-inspiring Satkosia Gorge perfect for white water rafting and angling, the wildlife sanctuaries at Nandan Kanan and Chandaka are the green lungs of the cities that were nearly deforested and where most of the species had nearly gone extinct from the history of Orissa's diverse wildlife.

Trip to Ambapani, Belghar, Balukhand, Badrama (Usakothi) sanctuary in Sambalpur, Karlapat and Kotgarh along with many other forests and sanctuaries provide enormous opportunities to experience wilderness in its natural form the nature reveler and adventurer to enjoy the deep forest covers and incredible wild life.