................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Wildlife Sanctuaries & Parks in Orissa/Odisha
Copyright © visitindia.org.in 2011-12. All Rights Reserved.
Get online driving directions, route guides, weekend planners, and customised itineries. Check out a few of our favorite user road trips, then start an adventure of your own.
Explore India by Road......
One of the greatest benefits of Orissa's vast expanses of unspoilt natural landscape has been its ability to offer a protected yet natural habitat to the states incredible wildlife. Apart from the Nandankanan Zoo and Sanctuary and the Similipal National park, there are 18 smaller sanctuaries which house a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Orissa/Odisha - Land of Temples
..................................................................................................................................................................................
Ideal time to Visit - October - March
Capital - Bhubaneshwar
The migratory birds also flock the shores of Orissa in winter, the state is well explored any time of the year but summers March to June are hot and humid. The rainy season lasts from July to October, and the state receives heavy rainfall during the period. The Puri Jagannath Rath yatra takes place during the months of June/July. The Konark festivaL takes place in the winter month of December.
Road trip summary, time, kms and tolls and other information required to plan your road trip.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Planning a visit to Orissa read through travelogues to plan your trip
Nandankanan
The Nandankanan Zoo contains a Botanical garden and part of it has been declared a sanctuary. Over 67 kinds of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles and 81 species of birds coexist in the deeply forested boundaries.
The Chandaka Elephant Reserve
The only one of its kind, it is perfect for eco-tourism activities.
Similipal Tiger Reserve
One of India's tiger reserves Similipal has more than 95 tigers within the lavish bounds of the sanctuary. leopards, elephants, crocodiles and over 231 species of birds people the forest and waterways in the park.
Bhitarkanika Sanctuary
Located in the second largest mangrove forest in the country, the sanctuary has protected the estuarine crocodile since 1975. Located slightly further away is the coastal area of Gahirmatha, where the giant Pacific Ridley sea turtles, travelling annually from South America to nest by the millions.
Tikarpara
The Satkosia Gorge is the ideal place for boating, angling and other adventure sports. The Gharial sanctuary at Tikarapara is a must for wildlife fans. Located about 211 kms from Bhubaneshwar, it offers forest bungalow accommodation at strategic places.
Ushakothi
Ushakothi offers visitors the perfect opportunity to see elephants, tigers, panthers and sambars.
Other sites
The White tiger and the Lion Safaris, Lakhari valley sanctuary and Karlapat.