Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Odisha

If you are looking for a retreat from the bustling metropolises, this wildlife sanctuary of Orissa can be the ideal location to serve your purpose. Spending time amid virgin forests can rejuvenate your body instantly. Besides tranquil nature, you can enjoy spotting wild animals. You will be glad to know that the sanctuary houses 40 mammal species and 243 bird species among other animals. Also, you can enjoy boating here while watching birds and clicking photographs. An entry fee of Rs 40 will let you enjoy the entirety of the forest. Accommodations are also available within the compound if you want to stay overnight and enjoy the wildlife after sunset. And to reach here, you can book a cab from Raipur airport or Bhubaneswar airport. Whichever you find convenient!

In our Odisha wildlife sanctuary list, this is the best place for watching tigers as it’s a renowned tiger reserve. Besides, you can spot numerous animal species and migratory birds. Another attraction is its variegated naturescapes, including 11 waterfalls, canyons and a wide plateau. Take your camera along to click photographs in such wonderful locations. You can come here by car from Raipur airport. And try to avoid the monsoon season as rain makes exploring the forest a tedious task.

If you are a nature lover, this Orissa sanctuary will be no less than a paradise to you. Just, fly to Bhubaneswar airport and then a car ride of 3 hours will bring you to this abode of nature. The entire forest is dotted with dense sal woods and vast verdant fields that will soothe your eyes. The Salandi river running through the forest will be another treat to your eyes. If you look closely, you might spot mugger crocodiles floating in the river. And yes, you can opt to stay in the forest rest house when you get tired after taking a stroll here.

For those who love indulging in bird watching, this is the best bird sanctuary to visit in Odisha. You can spot a myriad of bird species when you visit this place, including flamingo, white-bellied sea eagle, spoonbill and brahminy kite. Even varied wild animals and fishes can be spotted here. Take our advice and go boating in the Chilika Lake to explore the sanctuary in the best way. Also, stay back till sunset to watch the golden and orangish hues of the sky. If you are wondering how to reach here, we suggest you fly to Bhubaneswar and then hire a car.

Another great wildlife sanctuary Odisha for bird lovers is this one. You can spot numerous beautiful peafowls among many other species of birds residing here. If you are lucky enough, you might even get to see them spread their gorgeous wings and dance around. Apart from birds, a wide variety of animals and reptiles live here. To reach here, take a cab from Bhubaneswar airport. A quick reminder! You will be charged Rs. 40 to enter here.

Comprising four reserve forests, Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary has plenty of flora and fauna to charm you. If you ask any local, they might refer to it as Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary. So, don’t get confused! This place is accessible from Raipur and Bhubaneswar airport. So, you can hire a car from there to reach this Odisha sanctuary. Pay Rs. 10 entry fee and then head to explore its rich biodiversity. Here’s some advice! Visit this place in the spring season because then you will get to see numerous seasonal flowers bloom here.

Do you wish to see white tigers with your naked eyes? Then, plan your trip to this sanctuary in Orissa. You can easily reach this sanctuary from Bhubaneswar airport via bus. Once you are here, go on a white tiger safari to spot these rare beauties. Other than tigers, you can also spot many gharials and lions. Go for a lion safari if you want to see them from close vicinity. While you can enter the sanctuary with a fee of Rs. 50, you will be charged another Rs. 30 for the safari. And you can stay overnight in the forest rest houses and cottages if you want.

Among the places to visit in Odisha, this sanctuary is a must-visit for you if you love both beaches and wildlife. You can board a flight to Bhubaneswar and then book a cab to reach this marine sanctuary. The largest Olive Ridley turtles will welcome you. If you are planning to visit this place specifically for watching turtles, we suggest you come here in the months of November and January when the turtles can easily be spotted on shores as they come for mating. You can also have fun in the sea or relax on the beaches while observing those lazy creatures stroll around. But for that, you have to pay a nominal entry fee of Rs. 10.

Activity enthusiasts can have a fun time in this wildlife sanctuary. Trekking, hiking, river rafting, fish angling or boating, whatever be your choice, you can do it here. Obviously, plenty of animals and reptiles reside here that you can spot. Aiming to preserve crocodiles, this place houses Gharial crocodiles as well. If you feel tired after an activity-packed day, the best option is to lodge in the forest guest house. Before we forget, you can access this sanctuary from Bhubaneswar airport via car.

Last but not least on our list of wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha is the Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara. You can find a large population of reptiles in this park. From king cobra and python to crocodiles, there are plenty of attractions for you to explore. The largest saltwater crocodiles found here will surely make your spine freeze when you spot them. Fly to Bhubaneswar and then hire a car to reach this location conveniently. With an entry fee of Rs. 20, you can get access to the entire park. The best way to explore the park is by boat safaris for which you have to pay additional charges.

Our task to give you a glimpse of the national parks in Odisha ends here. Now, it’s your turn to plan a trip to these wildlife sanctuaries to know their beauties inside out. Chalk out a travel itinerary with the help of this travel guide to Orissa wildlife sanctuaries and get going!