8 Places to Visit in Odisha for an Amazing Wildlife Experience!
A state extremely rich in historical and cultural heritage, Odisha is also home to a huge number of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that appeal to domestic and foreign tourists alike. What many do not realize is that Odisha offers an equally rich experience when it comes to wildlife tourism. This makes the state a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to go for nature sightseeing and experience wonderful wildlife holidays.
There are abundant places that you cannot miss viewing the natural magnificence of Odisha. But the next question that will strike your mind is - how to explore these beauties?
Transportation plays a crucial role when people planning for a holiday tour package or any other travel program. They search for an affordable and comfortable vehicle that would fulfill their purpose.
When it comes to choosing the right car rental for your family, then ODCAR is the obvious choice. Our fleet of well-maintained and luxurious cars are perfect for your travel needs. We offer a variety of taxi services at affordable prices. You can book online and choose from our range of AC 4-seater hatchbacks to sedans. Take your journey to the lap of nature with us in our clean, comfortable, and sanitized cabs,
We ensure a stress-free car rental experience by providing superior services with an excellent drive that cater to our customer’s individual needs. At ODCAR we have become the top brand in car rental services in Odisha. We provide car rental for outstations, and exclusive railway and airport transfers catering to visitors’ pickup and drop facilities.
Mentioned below are some of the best wildlife sanctuaries that Odisha offers as an enriching experience to the visitors.
Popular National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries in Odisha
1. Bhitarkanika Nature Camps
Located in the northeastern part of the Kendrapara district, Bhitarkanika is an important habitat for wild boars, porcupines, and many other animals. The primary attractions here are the estuarine crocodiles residing in the sanctuary. This place holds a Guinness Book of World Records for its largest number of saltwater crocodiles that are 23 ft long in size. The sanctuary is closed during the Monsoon season. One can visit the sanctuary on any other day or season between 6:00 am-6:00 pm.
2. Chandaka Nature Camp
Chandaka, located in the northwestern periphery of Bhubaneswar is a wildlife reserve designated for elephants. This sanctuary is known for the successful conservation of elephants, as Indian elephants are considered to be one of the chief species representing the potential productivity of the habitat. The sanctuary is closed during the Monsoon season. One can visit the sanctuary on any other day or season between 6:00 am-6:00 pm.
3. Debrigarh Nature Camp
Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary is located in the Bargarh district of Odisha. The site holds the attraction for its vividness which it possesses in its flora and fauna conservation. Chausingha or four-horned antelope is the main attraction in this sanctuary. Apart from that, the visitors will also get to witness an array of beautiful birds. Moreover, you can also enjoy the breathtaking views of nature with waterfalls tumbling down the hillsides during the monsoon. The sanctuary is closed from June to October, however, one can visit it any other day or month between 6:00 am-6:00 pm.
4. Satkosia Nature Camps
It’s one of the best ecosystems found in the country. And it was in 2007 that the region was declared as the Satkosia Tiger Reserve. It constitutes of two adjoining wildlife sanctuaries - the Baisipalli Sanctuary and Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary. In Baisipalli sanctuary, bison is the main attraction here apart from other wildlife creatures residing therein. Visitors also encounter numerous leopards, elephants, and other animals at the Satkosia Gorge sanctuary. The best time to pay a visit is from November to May between 6:00 am-6:00 pm.
5. Chilika Nature Camps
The Chilika Lake is located in the Nalabana bird sanctuary or the bird paradise. Home to thousands of local as well as migratory birds, you can spot White-bellied sea eagle, Flamingo, Spot billed pelican, and many more during the migratory season. The sanctuary acts as a treat for the bird-watchers during winters. You can also visit Satapada, which is located at a distance of 50 km from Puri on the southern parts of Lake Chilika, and find Irrawaddy dolphins in their playful mood. Visiting the sanctuary during winters is highly recommended. It remains entirely closed during monsoons.
6. Daringbadi Nature Camp
Popularly known as the ‘Kashmir of Odisha,’ Daringbadi is the only place in the state where snowfall is recorded in winters. Tourists from all over the world visit this place to explore its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The place will truly awaken all your senses with its beautiful looking valleys, thick forest with wild animals, Plateaus dotted with Black pepper, Turmeric, and Coffee Gardens. Tourists find this destination a perfect holiday spot with true flavours of local Odiya and Indian cuisine. Winter is the ideal time to explore this hill station. Book a trip during December and January to enjoy it to the fullest.
7. Phulbani Nature Camp
Known as "The Green Paradise" of Odisha, Phulbani is blessed with natural beauty. It was in the year 2008 when the Eco-Tourism site at the Mandasaru Phulbani Nature Camp announced by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Odisha. Visitors can trek in Mandasaru Gorge inside Landrikia Reserve forest and pay a visit to the waterfalls. The place can be traveled from Bhubaneswar which is 211kms from Phulbani along N.H 224 or from Berhampur which is 165kms from Phulbani along NH 157. Visiting this place between October to June will be the best.
8. Satkosia Sand Resorts
SatkosiaSands Resort at Badmul is a perfect holiday destination for nature lovers and those who seek solitude. The place is surrounded by the jungles of Satkosia Tiger Reserve and is located on the foothills of striking mountains facing the Satkosia Gorge. Enjoy the sight of the Crocodiles basking on the river bank on a wintery morning with the rising sun on the horizon. Also, do not miss bird watching, getting up close and personal with nature on organized treks, and enjoying breathtaking views of the Gorge while Boating. Bhubaneswar is well connected with the road network. You can travel hassle-freely from Bhubaneswar to Satkosia Sand Resorts covering a distance of 113kms approx. by hiring ODTravels car rental.
There is a lot to do in Odisha's wonderlands! So if you are a traveler who seeks an offbeat destination to explore, visiting these wildlife sanctuaries would be an excellent choice.