Wildlife, Nature & Eco Tourism

Wildlife Destinations in Odisha

Odisha is a biodiversity hotspot, home to dense forests, exotic wildlife, rare bird species, and coastal ecosystems. Whether you're looking for tiger safaris, crocodile spotting, birdwatching, or marine life exploration, Odisha offers some of the best wildlife destinations in India.

Here are the top wildlife destinations in Odisha for nature lovers and adventure seekers:

1. Simlipal National Park – Odisha’s Tiger Reserve

✅ Why Visit? One of India’s largest tiger reserves, home to Bengal tigers, elephants, waterfalls, and lush greenery.

✔️ Bengal Tiger & Elephant Safaris – Spot tigers, elephants, leopards, and deer.
✔️ Barehipani & Joranda Waterfalls – Among India’s highest waterfalls.
✔️ Birdwatching & Trekking – Over 300 bird species in dense forests.

Location: Mayurbhanj District
 Best Time to Visit: October - June
How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Balasore (110 km)

2. Bhitarkanika National Park – India’s Crocodile Kingdom

✅ Why Visit? The second-largest mangrove forest in India, home to giant saltwater crocodiles and rare birds.

✔️ Boat Safari & Crocodile Spotting – See India’s largest saltwater crocodiles (up to 23 feet long!).
✔️ Gahirmatha Beach – The world’s largest nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles.
✔️ Birdwatching Paradise – Home to kingfishers, herons, and migratory birds from Siberia.

 Location: Kendrapara District
 Best Time to Visit: November - March
 How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Cuttack (100 km)

3. Chilika Lake – The Largest Coastal Lagoon in Asia

✅ Why Visit? A Ramsar Wetland Site, famous for dolphin spotting and birdwatching.

✔️ Satpada – Dolphin Watching – Home to rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
✔️ Nalabana Bird Sanctuary – Over 230+ migratory bird species, including flamingos and pelicans.
✔️ Kalijai Temple Island – A spiritual and scenic attraction in the lake.

 Location: Puri, Ganjam & Khurda Districts
 Best Time to Visit: November - February
 How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Balugaon (15 km)

4. Satkosia Tiger Reserve – The River Gorge Adventure

✅ Why Visit? A stunning tiger reserve and deep river gorge along the Mahanadi River.

✔️ Wildlife Safari & River Safaris – Spot tigers, leopards, and wild boars.
✔️ Mugger & Gharial Crocodile Spotting – See rare crocodiles in their natural habitat.
✔️ Trekking & Eco-Tourism Stays – Stay in jungle cottages & river-view camps.

 Location: Angul District
 Best Time to Visit: October - March
 How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Angul (60 km)

5. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary – The Gharial Conservation Hub

✅ Why Visit? One of India’s best crocodile conservation centers, surrounded by forests and river valleys.

✔️ Gharial Breeding Center – Protects rare gharials (fish-eating crocodiles).
✔️ Mahanadi River Boating – Enjoy a scenic boat safari through gorges.
✔️ Trekking & Rock Climbing – Best for adventure lovers.

 Location: Angul District
 Best Time to Visit: October - March
 How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Angul (90 km)

6. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary – A Hidden Gem

✅ Why Visit? A less crowded wildlife haven, home to elephants, tigers, and migratory birds.

✔️ Indian Elephants & Leopards – Perfect for wildlife safaris.
✔️ Hirakud Dam Views – Scenic water reservoir with wildlife.
✔️ Camping & Nature Walks – Stay at eco-tourism cottages.

 Location: Bargarh District
 Best Time to Visit: November - February
 How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Sambalpur (40 km)

7. Nandankanan Zoological Park – The White Tiger Safari

✅ Why Visit? A unique zoo inside a natural forest, famous for its White Tiger Safari.

✔️ White Tigers & Lions – One of the few places in India to see white tigers.
✔️ Safari Rides – Explore the zoo in an open safari vehicle.
✔️ Reptile Park & Aviary – See rare snakes, birds, and turtles.

 Location: Bhubaneswar
 Best Time to Visit: October - March
 How to Reach: 15 km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station

8. Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary – The Leopard Reserve

✅ Why Visit? A lesser-known wildlife sanctuary home to leopards, elephants, and deer.

✔️ Leopard & Deer Spotting – Great for wildlife photography.
✔️ Salandi River & Dam – A scenic landscape inside the sanctuary.
✔️ Trekking & Camping – Perfect for nature lovers.

 Location: Keonjhar District
 Best Time to Visit: October - March
 How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Bhadrak (110 km)

9. Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary – The Green Hills & Forests

✅ Why Visit? A scenic sanctuary with dense forests, waterfalls, and rare wildlife.

✔️ Leopard, Tiger & Bison Spotting – Best for wildlife photography.
✔️ Phulijharan Waterfall – A hidden natural paradise.
✔️ Trekking & Birdwatching – Ideal for nature enthusiasts.

 Location: Kalahandi District
 Best Time to Visit: November - March
 How to Reach: Nearest railway station – Bhawanipatna (15 km)

10. Chandaka-Dampara Elephant Reserve – The Urban Jungle

✅ Why Visit? A wild elephant reserve, close to Bhubaneswar.

✔️ Elephant & Leopard Spotting – One of the best places to see wild elephants.
✔️ Deras Dam & Jhumka Lake – Scenic picnic spots within the reserve.
✔️ Night Stay at Eco-Tourism Cottages – Best for weekend nature retreats.

 Location: Near Bhubaneswar
 Best Time to Visit: October - March
 How to Reach: 20 km from Bhubaneswar Railway Station

Explore Odisha’s Wild Side!

Odisha’s wildlife destinations offer everything from tiger reserves, crocodile sanctuaries, birdwatching spots, and river safaris. Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, or adventure seeker, these destinations will give you a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

 Plan your Odisha wildlife adventure and witness nature at its best!