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Explore the Wildlife of Odisha – Part 1

The state of Odisha which constitutes a part of the Eastern Ghat ranges of India has quite a diversified topography consisting of hills, valleys, dense evergreen forests, scrub jungles, estuaries and man-made forests. If you are an admirer of nature and prefer to experience natural beauties at their best, the sancturies of Odisha is the ideal place.

From a wide coastline with deep blue sea surging over sun basked golden beaches to the dense forests of Eastern Ghats filled with vivid species of flora and fauna, tourists can enjoy all the shades and gestures of nature that Odisha has to offer. The unspoilt dense forests serve as an ideal home to these wild beasts.

Read on to know more about the rich flora and fauna of the Wildlife Sanctuaries in Odisha

Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary

Nandankanan was established as a sanctuary in 1979 around 20 km from Bhubaneswar. Nandankanan also runs a Lion Safari and White Tiger Safari. Near to Nandankanan is the Chandaka Elephant Reserve. Nandankanan can be explored by the visitors throughout the year.

How to Reach The Sanctuary

The Sanctuary is located just 20 kms from Odisha's capital Bhubaneswar and one can use bus, taxis, auto-rickshaws to reach Nandankanan as per individual convenience and preference. Bhubaneswar is well connected by air, rail and road.

Where to Stay

Visitors to Nandankanan can stay in Bhubaneswar, which has a large range of luxury and budget hotels. Government owned hotels, guest houses and lodges are the ideal choice for visitors to have a comfortable stay.

Bhitarkanika National Park

Bhitarkanika is the country's second largest mangrove forest in Odisha and was converted into a National Park in 1998. Numerous migratory birds come to nest amongst the large mangrove islands. The best time to visit the National Park is from October to March.

How to Reach The Park

The nearest railhead is Bhadrak which is about 60 km from Bhitarkanika. Bhitarkanika can be approached only through waterways. The most convenient entry point being Chandbali which is 60 km from Bhadrak and about 190 km from Bhubaneswar.

Where to Stay

Tourists can avail economical and comfortable accommodation within the Sanctuary. The Forest Rest House at Dangmal, Ekakula and Gupti are ideal staying options for travellers visiting the National Park.

Nalbana (Chilka) Sanctuary

This brackish water lake attracts around 150 species of migratory birds every year during winter and hence is a bird-watcher's paradise. The best season to visit Chilka Lake is from October to February.

Chilka Lake

How to Reach The Sanctuary

Travellers can visit the Sanctuary through many points but the most convenient ones are Balugaon, Barkul, Rambha (all on NH 5 between Bhubaneswar and Berhampur) and Satpada close to Puri. The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar, 98 kms. from Balugaon, 105 kms from Barkul and 130 kms from Rambha, 108 kms from Satapada. The nearest railhead is at Balugaon for Barkul (6km), Puri for Satapada (50kms). Rambha is also a railhead. Bhubaneswar is yet another convenient railhead for visiting Chilika Lake. Regular buses ply between Berhampur and Bhubaneswar, which stop at Rambha and Balugoan. Tourists can avail auto rickshaws and taxi from both these places to reach the lake.

Where to Stay

There are many staying options available to travellers. One can choose Patro Lodge and Narayani Lodge which is located very close to the Sanctuary.

Simlipal Tiger Reserve

This tiger reserve is located in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha and has about 90 tigers and several other wild animals. Besides the wonderful wildlife, tourists get an excellent bonus of lush valleys and forest lands. The other places of tourist attraction in Similipal are Barehipani Waterfall, the Joranda Fall and Lulung. The best time to visit Similipal is from November to June.

Simplipal Tiger Reserve

How to Reach The Sanctuary

Baripada is the nearest railhead to Simlipal. The other Nearest railhead is Balasore (60 km from Baripada), served by major trains running on the South-Eastern sector. The nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (270 km) and Kolkata (240 km). By road, Baripada, on the junction of NH 5 and 6, is 270 km from Bhubaneswar, 240 from Kolkata and 60 km from Balasore and 22 km from Pithabata, which is an entry point. The other entry point Jashipur is 94 km from Baripada on N.H. 6. Both the places are well connected by regular bus services. Taxis and Jeeps are available.

Where to Stay

There are a number of economical and comfortable accommodations are available in and around Simlipal Tiger Reserve. Travellers have the options to stay at the Forest Rest House which is located very close to the reserve.

Read more about: bhubaneswar wildlife
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