The Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary located in the village of Tikarpada, Angul district, Orissa is a famous sanctuary that houses a varied species of fauna and flora. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most important tourist sites in Odisha and spreads across an area of 795.52 sq km. It is located on the banks of River Mahanadi, about 140 km from Bhubaneswar. The sanctuary is famous for its gharial or crocodile species. The Gharial Sanctuary located in Tikarpada is the breeding place for Gharials that are later released into the Mahanadi River (their natural ecosystem). The Sanctuary also comprises species of snakes, turtles, crocodiles etc.
About Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Soumyadeep Chatterjee for Wikimedia Commons
Various flora, fauna and wildlife are present in the Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary of Odisha, India. The wildlife sanctuary houses numerous species of fauna, such as tigers, pangolins, Indian pitta, red jungle fowl, Indian adjutant stroke, etc. Some other species found here are rhesus macaques, leopards, spotted deer, and wild cats. Moreover, one can spot various bird species and enjoy bird watching here. Adventure lovers can do some activities here, like water rafting, angling, game sighting, etc. One can also spot a variety of snakes and turtles in it. There is also a preservation centre here to help preserve the gharial population. On the left side of the gorge lies the Tikarpada Crocodile Sanctuary, known for its amazing forest and teeming wildlife. One can also take part in various adventure sports here, like river rafting, trekking, fish angling, boating, etc.
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Things To Do At Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Rajani3737 for Wikimedia Commons
Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most important tourist sites in Odisha. It covers an area of 795.52 sq km and is located on the banks of the River Mahanadi, about 140 km from Bhubaneswar. The sanctuary is famous for its gharial or crocodile species.
Wildlife Safari
At Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, a wildlife safari is an option to explore the sanctuary from a nearby location. Safari is only permitted for about 343 sq km. Two exciting safari options are available to you when visiting Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary: the jeep safari and the elephant safari.
Boating on the Mahanadi River
One of the most popular activities in Tikarpada is boating on the River Mahanadi. Visitors can enjoy a serene boat ride through the gorge, surrounded by the lush greenery of the forests and the towering cliffs on either side.
Trekking
A trek around the lush green Sal forests and environs is the best way to explore the true beauty of this region. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary has several nature trails and trekking routes that allow visitors to explore the sanctuary’s diverse ecosystems. These trails take you through dense forests, grasslands, and hilly terrains, providing opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Explore the Flora and Fauna
The flora of this place amazes its tourists. The sanctuary’s wide variety of fauna includes tigers, leopards, Asiatic elephants, langurs, rhesus monkeys, mouse deer, etc. Avid bird watchers can also get to see avian hornbill, racket drongo, serpent eagle, etc. This sanctuary has become the home for different animals like crocodiles, gharial, snakes and turtles.
Places To Visit Near Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary
Here are some amazing places that you can visit near Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary:
1. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Amudha HariHaran for Wikimedia Commons
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Bargarh district in the Indian state of Odisha, covering a total area of 346.91 km². The beautiful sanctuary is known for its easy sightings of animals, particularly Indian Bison, Wild Boars, Sambhar and Peacocks. The dry deciduous forest attracts a host of winged visitors during the winters. Dibrugarh is famous for Wild Indian Gaur and Wild Boar. The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has two gateways to enter the sanctuary; the one at the southern part is known as Dhodrokusum, which is closer to the Hirakud Reservoir and is located at a distance of 40 km from the city of Sambalpur and the other one at the northern part which is also known as Lakhanpur.
Location: About 50 km from Tikarpada.
Entry Fee: INR 40 per head.
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2. Satkosia Tiger Reserve
Image Credit: Arturo de Frias Marques for Wikimedia Commons
Satkosia Tiger Reserve is located in the heartland of Odisha and is spread over four districts, viz. Angul, Cuttack, Boudh and Nayagarh. The terrain is hilly with moderate to steep slopes and narrow valleys. It is located where the Mahanadi River passes through a 22 km long gorge in the Eastern Ghats mountains. Satkosia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ecosystems in Odisha. It has a magnificent gorge over the River Mahanadi, a tiger reserve, and a breeding centre for freshwater crocodiles, gharial and muggers. The major plant communities are mixed deciduous forests including Sal (Shorea robusta), and riverine forest.
Location: Adjacent to Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary.
Entry Fee: INR 100 per head.
3. Chilika Lake
Image Credit: Government of Odisha for Wikimedia Commons
Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia and the second largest coastal lagoon in the world spread over the Puri, Khordha and Ganjam districts of Odisha state on the east coast of India. The lake also supports other flora and fauna, such as dolphins, turtles, birds and fishes. Chilika Lake is the largest saltwater lake in India. Chilika supports some of the country’s largest congregations of migratory birds, particularly during the winter. Flocks of migratory waterfowl arrive from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea, remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and South East Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas, to feed and breed in its fertile waters. In 1989-90 an estimated two million birds visited the Lake.
Location: Approximately 120 km from Tikarpada.
Entry fee: Free of cost. Boating charges extra depending on the time spent on the boat.
Further Read: Offbeat Places In Odisha
Now that you have a list of things to keep in mind for your next adventure to Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary make sure you plan your trip to Odisha to explore these incredible spots for an unforgettable experience. From breathtaking gorges to serene camping sites, there’s something for every nature enthusiast. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and book your tickets now!
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Cover Image credit : By Soumyadeep Chatterjee for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary
How do I reach Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary?
Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Angul district of Odisha. The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, approximately 160 km away. The nearest railway station is in Angul, about 60 km from the sanctuary. From these points, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the sanctuary.
Do I need permits to visit Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary?
Yes, visitors need permits to enter the sanctuary. These can be obtained from the local forest department or at the sanctuary's entrance gate. Additional permits may be required for specific activities like camping or boating.
Can I hire a guide at the sanctuary?
Yes, hiring a local guide is recommended. Guides are knowledgeable about the area and its wildlife, which can enhance your experience and ensure you do not miss any key highlights of the sanctuary.
Is Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary suitable for children?
Yes, the sanctuary is suitable for children. However, ensure they are supervised at all times, especially during activities like trekking and boating.
What is the entry fee for Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary?
The entry fee to the Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is free of cost for Indians. Foreigners may be required to pay a token amount to enter the Sanctuary. There may also be a separate fee if you are carrying a professional camera.
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