BHITARKANIKA SANCTUARY

Located in the second largest mangrove forest in the country, the sanctuary has protected the estuarine crocodile since 1975, located slightly away is the coastal area of Gahirmata, where the giant pacific ridley sea turtles come from south america nest by the millions.The mangrove support a large variety of birdlife......storks,egrets,white ibis and six species of king fishers.

 Distance:- 230 kms from Bhubaneswar by road.

GAHIRMATA TURTLE SANCTUARY

Close to the Bhitar Kanika Sanctuary is another of Orissa's special sanctuaries -the Gahirmata Turtle Sanctuary. This stretch of beach is the breeding ground for the giant Olive Ridley Turtles, who travel all the way from the Pacific Ocean to mate and lay their eggs here. Every year, thousands of these wondrous creatures can be seen here. In order to protect the turtles, special arrangements have been made by the Government of Orissa .

 Distance:- 245 kms from Bhubaneswar by road.

SIMLIPAL TIGER RESERVE

The Mayurbhanj district of Orissa is the home of one of the most important National Parks not only of Orissa, but also in the country. Spread over an area of 2,750 sq. kms. , the park was specially chosen by Project Tiger for continuing the onerous task of conserving the country's depleting tiger population. This tiger reserve has over 95 Royal Bengal Tigers within its lavish bounds. Leopards, elephants, mugger crocodiles and numerous reptiles abound here. Over 230 species of birds people the forest and waterways in the park. The vast expanse and changing topography as well as the vegetational and climatic variations in Simlipal have been the major reasons for the successful breeding of the flora and fauna.

 Distance:- 370 kms from Bhubaneswar by road.  

NANDANKANAN

Nandan Kanan means '"garden of pleasure", and this combination of zoo, botanical garden and sanctuary in the splendid environs of the Chandaka Forest, along the rippling waters of the Kanika lake. Within a short distance from the Capital city, this is famous for its white tiger population. This has become a hot family favorite, with visitors getting an excellent opportunity to enjoy seeing these regal animals in their natural glory – in an environment conductive to their growth.

 Distance:- 20 kms from Bhubaneswar by road.

AMBAPANI SANCTUARY

Located at a distance of 77km from Bhawanipatna & only 45km from Nawarangpur, it is famous for the deity of Budharaja. This deity has been installed in a small temple at the foot of a hill. The Ambapani hills present panoramic view of nature. A frolicking valley called Haladigundi in this range of hills exhibits some peculiar features due to the reflected rays of the sun.

The entire area abounds in spotted deer, sambar, & black panther, which can be seen at the Behera reservoir.

BELGHAR SANCTUARY

The forest of belghar are located at a distance of 158 km from Phulbani. This dense vegetation of the area is a host to a variety of flora & fauna. Wild elephants abound in this area.

KARLAPAT

Nearly 35km away from Bhawanipatna, on the Bhawanipatna-Thuamula-Rampur road is Karlapat. This area is famous for its charming wildlife. Tigers, Sambars, leopards, gaurs & chitals are abound in these forest tracts.

Other regions such as Debrigarh, & Sunabeda are also rich in wildlife.

LAKHARI VALLEY SANCTUARY

Located in Ganjam, it has a huge concentration of elephants & other blackbucks. The later abound in the Bhetnai region.

PADMATALA SANCTUARY

The hamlet of Padmatala is located at a distance of 37km from Phulbani. It is famous due to a pond, which is used by wild animals of the area as a watering hole. During most of the evenings, once can spot an amazing variety of wildlife at the pond.

CHANDAKA ELEPHANT SANCTUARY

Chandaka forest is a perfect place for eco-tourism activities. As the elephants generally venture out at night, a long evening within the reserve, on one of the watch towers close to the water holes, is a thrilling experience.

Apart from the fabulous elephants, Chital, Bear, Pea-fowl, Sambar, & numerous other animals roam about doing their daily business unhampered. Forest official have also spotted pugmarks of Cheetahs within the forest.

TIKARAPADA

The Satakosia Gorge is the site where the great Mahanadi river crashes in with monumental force. The meandering pace of the sensuous river & 22km of thick forest, offer scenic delights of the frothing boliing water as it wends its way through the fabulous gorge. It is the ideal place for boating, angling, & other adventure sports. The forest and hills around the village have varieties of fauna to fascinate the visitors.

GHARIAL CROCODILE SANCTUARY

The Gharial sanctuary at Tikarpada must be visited by wildlife lovers. It is located at a distance of 211km from Bhubaneswar and 58km from Angul. It offers forest bungalow accommodation at strategic places. If one wants to camp inside the sanctuary then he has to take special permission to do so.

USHAKOTHI

One of the Orissa's smaller sanctuaries, it still offers visitor a perfect opportunity to see elephants, tigers, panthers & sambars from the watch towers places strategically near the watering holes or board a jeep. It is located at a distance of nearly 45km from Sambalpur.