Reflecting the natural beauty of an era gone by, Simlipal National Park in Odisha is in a beautiful and scenic town. Situated in Mayurbhanj, it once used to be a hunting ground for the rulers of the province. Simlipal is the largest national park in Odisha and is also considered as one of the principal tiger projects in India. The area is rich with dense forests, striking meadows, startling waterfalls and beautiful rivers. It is blessed with great bio-diversity and huge varieties of fauna that make it a great place to engage in wildlife sightseeing! Simlipal Reserve is home to more than 1000 varieties of plants and a large variety of wildlife.
This national park in Odisha is regarded as one of its kind in Asia and is home to one of the rarest species of flora and fauna. It is spread on a sprawling area of 650 sq. kms and has rich marine vegetation, salt tolerant varieties of trees and plants, rivers and creeks. The Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary attracts myriad of migrant species like the Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, Asian Open Bill, Black Ibis, Egrets, Darters and many other species from Central-Asia and Europe. Various other animals which call this sanctuary their home are Indian Python, King Cobra, and Rhesus Monkey etc.
The Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha spreads across 795.52 square kilometers and does not fail to enthral its visitors with its overwhelming beauty and lush green surrounding. The ever cherished rambling of River Mahanadi besides the very famous Satkosia gorge and vast variety of species of wild animals, birds and plants.
Best Time: October to March
The Chilika wildlife sanctuary, which is a paradise on Earth for bird watchers and nature lovers, is the largest internal salt water pond that can be found in Asia. The pear-shaped lake is dotted with a few small islands and has fisheries and salt pans around its shore. This wildlife sanctuary in Odisha is nestled in the heart of the coastal state and extends from Puri district in the north to Ganjan district in the south, and is separated from the Bay of Bengal by a 60 kilometres long narrow strip of sand-flats and marshy islands.
Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary in Odisha, India, is located in the valleys of the Koraput region. The place has lush valleys which attracts tourists towards its natural landscape. Moreover, an Aero-Engine Factory has been established at this place. The national highway 43 which runs over the mountains offers an unforgettable experience while travelling to Sunabeda.
Which of these nationals parks in Odisha and wildlife sanctuaries do you wish to visit to catch your favourite wildlife? Let us know in the comments below!