Debigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Sambalpur

The Debigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has the distinction of having a high density of wild animals within wildlife sanctuaries in India. The flora and fauna in the sanctuary have flourished since the construction of the Hirakud Dam. The close proximity of the dam has ensured a near consistent water supply, contributing to the number of wild animals.

Apart from the wild animals that call the sanctuary home, a large number of migratory birds visit the sanctuary during the cold winter months. A large number of diving ducks migrate as the reservoir water is nearly stagnant. The great crested grebe and the red crested pochard are other migratory birds that contribute to the diversity of the sanctuary.

The six eco-tourism cottages within the sanctuary offer a chance to call nature your own backyard, even if only for a few days. Stay in the cottages requires a fee apart from the regular tariff and permission from the Divisional Forest Officer’s office in Sambalpur.