One of the most popular regions in Odisha to experience the birding culture is Mangalajodi Chilika Lake, which attracts a lot of bird lovers round the year. Herein exotic migratory birds from far off regions like Siberial, Baltic Sea, Caspian Sea and a lot more places visit. In fact, this paradise of birds host more than 3,00,000 birds, especially during the winter season. The ecosystem in Mangalajodi is also one-of-its-kind, and is one of the perfect destinations to spot the beautiful birds. You may have different accommodation options in and around here, and even an eco-tour resort which can let you enjoy the scenic beauty of Chilika even more.

Next is the Satkosia Tiger Reserve, situated in the Angul district, which is a natural habitat to two of the most endangered fresh water crocodiles, the Gharial and Mugger and is also home to many elephants, leopards, deer and its flagship species, as well as the tiger. Moreover, Satkosia is the meeting point of two bio-geographic regions of India; the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats. Here you can not only get a chance to sight the “big cat” in its natural habitat, but will also enjoy soaking in the rich & untouched biodiversity of the forest. Meandering through this forest will offer you some stunning sights, while you can catch the brilliant views of the sunrise & sunset. If you’re planning to stay here for the night, you can be at one of the guest houses provided by the forest department.

Apart from that, you can also visit “The land of crocodiles” in Odisha, which is the Bhitarkanika National Park. It’s a great place for reptile and crocodile enthusiasts. The two main entry points of Bhitarkanika are Khola and Gupti, and visitors are required to take entry permit from the forest check gate at these entry points. No doubt you’ll be amazed and totally mesmerized to witness the wilderness of this national park and the rich biodiversity it comprises of.

It’s advisable to be careful while touring on a boat through the Baitarni River, which is basically the home of the crocs. If you’re lucky enough, you can also get to see some large crocodiles, and be amazed to see what lies ahead of you. Besides, this place is also a sanctuary for migrating birds from all over world. That apart, the sanctuary also comprises of a mini museum and has small collection of reptiles. And there’s even an ancient temple of Shiva deep inside the forest, which belongs to the 5th century B.C.

Some of other best wildlife tours in Odisha where you can have a great time include Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary, Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary, Kotagarh wildlife sanctuary, Gahirmatha wildlife sanctuary, Simlipal wildlife sanctuary, Tikarpada wildlife sanctuary and many others.

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Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary – It is situated at an approx. distance of 20 km from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Backed with diverse natural habitat including reptiles, mammals, birds, and more, the major attraction is the white tigers. The sanctuary is open on all days except Mondays. The timings changes from 8 AM to 5 PM (October – March) to 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (April – September).

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary – It is one of the famous and widely visited wildlife sanctuaries of Odisha. Situated at the North Eastern part of Kendrapara district, the sanctuary is an important natural habitat for porcupines, wild boars, and others. The key attractions are the availability of largest number of saltwater crocodiles. Even these saltwater crocodiles hold a record in Guinness Book of World Record due to its 23 ft long size. It remains closed during the monsoon season, and people can visit it during other season in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Gahirmatha Wildlife Sanctuary – It is known to be spread from Dhamra River to that of Mahanadi. This marine sanctuary is popular for its Olive Ridley turtles that are supposed to spend about 6 to 8 months at the beach side and if you are one of those lucky ones, you can also see the spectacular sight of them. It is ideal to visit there during months of February to April and in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

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Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary – It is located at the Northern Western periphery of Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The elephant sanctuary wildlife reserve is the major attraction here to look out for along with other species. Your adventurous cum trip is going to worth every moment been spent here for sure. It remains closed during monsoon season. The timings to visit are in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

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Ushakothi or Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary – Located at an approx. 40 km distance away from Sambalpur district, the major attractions of the sanctuary are varieties of fauna, flying squirrels, racket tail drongos, sambar, and bison. There are watch towers placed to let visitors grab a nice view of the animals and the overall forest. In order to be there, it is must to have a permit card issued by the Forest Range officer. The sanctuary is closed during the monsoon time, and the timings to visit are in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Similipal Tiger Reserve – It is been located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. The attractions are an elephant reserve, a tiger reserve, a biosphere reserve, varieties of fauna, etc. Tourists can check out the natural splendid biodiversity of animals from watch towers. It remains closed during monsoon time and the timing to pay a visit is in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary – Located in between Konark and Puri, it is been entitled to coastal dunes, sandy beaches and a large variety of cashew and casuarina plantation. The major attractions are spotted deer/cheetahs and black bucks, such rare species that could simply change your time into thrilling and adventurous one. It remains closed in between June to October and the timing to visit is in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

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Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary – Located in the Nuapada district of Odisha, this proposed tiger reserve is famous for its unique eco system and bio diversity attracting tourists from all around. The attractions are barasingha/swamp deer and wild water buffaloes. It remains closed in between June to October and the timing to visit is in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary – This spectacular wildlife sanctuary is been located in the Bargarh district in Odisha. The major attractions are the possession of flora and fauna varieties, four horned antelope/chausingha, and magnificent migratory birds. It remains closed in between June to October and the timing to pay a visit is in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary – In 2007, the area was recognized to be as Satkosia Tiger Reserve spread over the Mahanadi River in Odisha, India, constituting two adjoining sanctuaries including Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and the other is Baisipalli sanctuary. In Satkosia Gorge Wildlife sanctuary, visitors can check out a large number of leopards, elephants, Gharial breed of crocodiles and other animals. In Baisipalli wildlife sanctuary, the prime attraction is the bison along with other wildlife animals and creatures. It is open in between November to May and the timing to visit is in between 6 AM to 6 PM.

Chilika Nalabana Wildlife Sanctuary – This bird paradise or sanctuary is been located at the heart of the Chilika Lake in Odisha. It is been reckoned as a home of numerous local birds, migratory birds, including White bellied sea eagle, Flamingo, Spot billed pelican, avifaunal species and others. Adding to this, visitors can even find if they are lucky enough Irrawaddy dolphins at Satapada that is about at an approx. 50 km distance from Puri, at the Southern region of Lake Chilika. The bird sanctuary remains closed during monsoons and the best time to be there is during winter months.

In case, you are seeking for an offbeat destination to explore, or get a thrilling cum splendid lifetime wildlife moments, do make sure to visit these wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha, India. Certainly, these would be great options to discover and have a look at the numerous animals, birds and varieties of fauna and flora. Planning a trip to Odisha? Let Best Choice Holiday get a chance to manage your accommodation, tickets and everything of your tour and you will not regret it for sure. Have a memorable experience that could be cherished ever!

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