Into the Wild: Complete Guide to Every Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha (With National Parks List)

Odisha, formerly known as Orissa, is not just a land of temples and coastal charm—it’s also a thriving paradise for nature and wildlife lovers. Home to lush forests, vast wetlands, and unique ecosystems, the state houses a diverse range of flora and fauna protected in its many sanctuaries and national parks.

If you’ve ever wondered how many wildlife sanctuary in Odisha exist or want a ready Odisha wildlife sanctuary list, you’ve landed at the right place. This detailed guide covers everything from the total wildlife sanctuary in Odisha to the most famous parks and reserves—perfect for planning your next nature escape.

How Many Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha?

As of 2024, there are 19 wildlife sanctuaries and 2 national parks in Odisha. These protected areas serve as safe havens for many endangered species and are crucial for ecological balance.

List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Odisha

Here’s the complete Odisha wildlife sanctuary list you’ve been searching for:

1. Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary (Mayurbhanj)

2. Chilika (Nalabana) Wildlife Sanctuary (Khurda, Ganjam, Puri)

3. Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary (Angul, Nayagarh)

4. Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary (Sambalpur)

5. Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (Keonjhar)

6. Kapilash Wildlife Sanctuary (Dhenkanal)

7. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary (Bargarh, Sambalpur)

8. Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary (Kandhamal)

9. Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (Gajapati)

10. Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary (Kendrapara)

11. Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary (Sambalpur)

12. Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary (Nayagarh)

13. Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary (Kalahandi)

14. Narayani Wildlife Sanctuary (Puri)

15. Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary (Puri)

16. Tikarpara Wildlife Sanctuary (Angul)

17. Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary (Balasore)

18. Megha Wildlife Sanctuary (Cuttack)

19. Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary (Bhubaneswar)

Each sanctuary in Odisha offers something unique—ranging from marine biodiversity and wetland birdlife to dense forests housing tigers, elephants, and leopards.

Odisha National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Overview

In addition to the sanctuaries, Odisha is also home to 2 major national parks:

1. Similipal National Park – Part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, this massive park in Mayurbhanj spans over 2,750 sq. km and is home to Royal Bengal tigers, elephants, and Indian bison.

2. Bhitarkanika National Park – A unique mangrove ecosystem known for saltwater crocodiles, it’s the second-largest mangrove forest in India after Sundarbans.

Together, these national parks and wildlife sanctuary of Odisha represent the state’s strong commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism.

Top 5 Must-Visit Wildlife Sanctuaries in Odisha

1. Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Mayurbhanj

• Best For: Tigers, elephants, waterfalls, forest trails

• Highlights: Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls, diverse bird species, and tribal communities.

2. Chilika (Nalabana) Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Chilika Lake (Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon)

• Best For: Migratory birds, Irrawaddy dolphins

• Highlights: Flamingos, pelicans, and the famous Makar Sankranti bird festival.

3. Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary

• Location: Kendrapara

• Best For: Olive Ridley sea turtle nesting

• Highlights: One of the world’s largest mass nesting beaches for sea turtles.

4. Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary

• Location: Along the Mahanadi River

• Best For: Crocodiles, elephants, birdwatching

• Highlights: Stunning river gorge, boat safaris, nature camps.

5. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Near Hirakud Dam

• Best For: Leopards, sloth bears, migratory birds

• Highlights: Forest trails, lake views, adventure tourism.

Map Your Adventure: Wildlife Zones Across Odisha

• North Odisha: Similipal, Kuldiha, Hadgarh

• Central Odisha: Chandaka-Dampara, Satkosia, Baisipalli

• Western Odisha: Debrigarh, Ushakothi, Karlapat

• Southern Odisha: Kotagarh, Lakhari Valley

• Coastal Odisha: Gahirmatha, Chilika, Balukhand-Konark

This regional spread ensures every corner of the state offers a glimpse into wild Odisha.

Best Time to Visit Odisha's Wildlife Sanctuaries

• October to March: Ideal for birdwatching, pleasant weather, and spotting large mammals.

• Avoid June to September: Monsoon season can lead to restricted access due to flooding and closed trails.

Why Visit a Sanctuary in Odisha?

• Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to endangered species like Olive Ridley turtles, Royal Bengal tigers, and Irrawaddy dolphins.

• Eco-tourism: Many sanctuaries have eco-cottages, guided treks, and community-run camps.

• Unique Ecosystems: From mangroves to marine coasts, grasslands to dense sal forests, Odisha has it all.

Tips for Wildlife Explorers

1. Hire a Local Guide: Gain deep insight into local flora, fauna, and tribal culture.

2. Be Silent and Patient: Wildlife sightings often come to those who wait.

3. Carry Binoculars and Camera: Essential for birdwatching and photography.

4. Stay Eco-Friendly: Don’t litter or disturb animals in their natural habitat.

How to Reach Wildlife Sanctuaries of Odisha

• By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport (Bhubaneswar) is well-connected.

• By Train: Major cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Berhampur are rail hubs.

• By Road: Odisha has a good network of highways connecting major sanctuaries.

Odisha's Commitment to Wildlife Conservation

The government of Odisha is deeply involved in the protection and development of its sanctuaries and national parks. Initiatives like eco-tourism camps, community involvement, anti-poaching squads, and awareness programs are helping preserve the fragile ecosystems for generations to come.

Quick Recap: Odisha National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Facts

 Final Thoughts

If you're planning your next nature trip, don’t overlook Odisha. This eastern Indian state is a dream destination for wildlife lovers, birdwatchers, and eco-tourists. From the wildlife sanctuary of Odisha in the dense forests of Similipal to the peaceful lagoons of Chilika, there’s something magical about every corner of this land.

So whether you're a traveler, student, or wildlife enthusiast, bookmark this Odisha national park and wildlife sanctuary guide—and get ready to explore nature at its purest!