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Odisha is rich in its heritage, natural beauty, and biological diversity with a range of some of the most attractive national parks in India. The diversity ranges from dense forests and rolling hills to wetlands and coastal lagoons. Each of these parks is home to several other wildlife species such as majestically striped tigers, playing dolphins, and other vibrant bird species, making it an ideal abode for both adventure seekers and nature lovers. This blog will take you through the must-visit national parks in Odisha with essential tips that will come in handy to enhance your experience.
12 National Parks In Odisha
Check out the best national parks in Odisha for an amusing getaway.
1. Simlipal National Park
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Simlipal National is considered one of the best national parks in Odisha which is spread over an area of about 2,750 square kilometres, making up one of the country’s largest national parks. It was a former notability for its rich biodiversity holdings of the Bengal Tigers, elephants, and numerous deer species in its tiger reserve. It has dense forests with rolling hills and many waterfalls, like Joranda and Barehipani Falls. Apart from this, the sanctuary is also a haven for different species of birds. The place is, hence, regarded as a paradise for nature lovers.
Best Time To Visit: October and March
2. Bhitarkanika National Park
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The Bhitarkanika National Park, popularly known as the “Amazon of India,” appears to be located in the Kendrapara district of the state, covering a total land area of 145 sq. km. It has a varied and unique kind of ecosystem, ranging from mixed habitats to mangroves, rivers, and estuaries, so it becomes a very good domicile for saltwater crocodiles and different species of birds. Boating amid the park would bring the visitors in closer contact with the flora and fauna of the place, in addition to its beautifully magnificent mangrove forests.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
3. Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary
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Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary forms part of the famed Saltwater Chilika Lake, which is the largest coastal lagoon in India and the second-largest in the world. It is a 1,100-square-kilometre sanctuary, one that has been open to many numbers of migratory birds, especially during winter. Of interest, this sanctuary supports homes for different kinds of species like dolphins, not to forget Irrawaddy dolphins; different birds visit the area, fishing and boating are also possible. Full of flora and fauna species, this sanctuary has several islands and fishing villages.
Best Time To Visit: November and February
4. Satkosia Tiger Reserve
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This list of best national parks in Odisha continues with Satkosia Tiger Reserve which is located in Angul district and has scenic landscapes and biodiversity. It is 988 sq km with the Mahanadi River feeding into the reserve from a beautiful gorge. This reserve is the home ground of tigers, leopards, elephants, and many varieties of birds. Lush green forests with scenic beauty make this place perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Best Time To Visit: From October to March
5. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
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The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary spans across the Bargarh district with an area of around 346.91 square kilometres. It comprises diversified flora and fauna. More than 40 species of mammals and 200 species of birds can be found. Made of hillocks, rugged terrains, dense forest with good vegetation, and fascinating water bodies. This scenic abode is a good destination for trekking and wildlife photography.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
6. Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary
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Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the district of Kandhamal and covers about 400 square kilometres. With so many species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, the biodiversity that covers it is astoundingly vast. The sanctuary is marked by rolling hills with dense forest and is suited for trekking and nature walks. It also hosts a whole lot of tribal communities, hence giving a glimpse of the locals, adding to the cultural quotient of the visitors.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
7. Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
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Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of more than 600 km² in Nuapada District and has some exotic wild animals including wild tigers, leopards, different species of deer, etc. The sanctuary boasts fine landscapes with rolling hills, rugged terrains, and lush greenery. This place is an ideal destination for both wildlife lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
8. Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary
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Hadagarh Sanctuary which is one of the top national parks in Odisha is situated in Keonjhar District, which covers an area of roughly 191 square kilometres, and is said to contain a rich biodiversity with a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. This national park offers perfect hiking and wildlife shooting locations with its rolling hills and woodlands. If you love wildlife then this national park near Odisha is a perfect abode for you.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
9. Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary
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Located in the Kalahandi district, Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of more than 400 square kilometres. This sanctuary is mainly famous for its various wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, and other species of deer. The landscapes that characterise this sanctuary are of a hilly type, characterised by thick forests and beautiful landscapes. This, therefore, will be rated as one of the best national parks in Odisha for wildlife lovers.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
10. Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary
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The Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary extends over an area of approximately 150 square kilometres on the Odisha coast. It is a normal coastal ecosystem characterised by sandy beaches, mangroves, and forests that support a diversity of species of birds, reptiles, and mammals. This sanctuary is particularly renowned for its methods of observing bird species and the scenic beauty of the serene coastline.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
11. Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary
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Incorporating an area of more than 193 square km, Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary is situated close to Bhubaneshwar. It is one of the serene wildlife sanctuaries in the area. The total biodiversity over here is very wide-ranging from elephants, and leopards, to different types of birds. With heavy dense forests along with picture-postcard views, it has now become the perfect abode for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
12. Nandankanan Zoological Park
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Interaction with Nandankanan Zoological Park is worth the time, even though it is not a national park but just exactly a good combination of a zoological park and a botanical garden. The park stretches across around 400 hectares off Bhubaneswar and inhabits quite a number of wildlife, which includes white tigers, lions, and a couple of varieties of birds. The park also has beautiful lakes and gardens, which make the milieu perfect for picnics, family outings, and so on.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Other Factors To Consider
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Tips For Travellers
- Make prior arrangements to determine the best months to visit the particular park, considering good weather and peak animal activity.
- Booking in advance will ensure you have a nice place to rest—and you could avoid the hassle in the very last moment and get good deals on national parks Odisha ticket price.
- Adhere to the rules and regulations set by the authority of the park.
- Pack comfortable clothes, appropriate shoes, weather-appropriate protective gear, binoculars, a camera, and a reusable water bottle that can help make your visit more comfortable and enjoyable.
- Get a local guide that will give you an in-depth understanding of flora and fauna.
National parks in Odisha have a blend of nature’s breathtaking allure, soothing tranquillity, and heart-pounding adventures. From the lush green Simlipal National Park and the serene Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, these national parks are ideal destinations for nature lovers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Book your trip with TripXL to Odisha and get ready to explore these Odisha national parks for an unforgettable experience.
Cover Photo: Frida Lannerström / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
