Satkosia - Phulbani

Satkosia: A Picturesque Wildlife Hotspot

One of the leading wildlife destinations of Orissa much famed for its deciduous forests and dry deciduous forests, apart from moist peninsular Sal forests, and, of course, the Gharial Research and Conservation Unit (Tikarapada), the Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1976 in Orissa.

Picturesquely located in the four districts of the state, namely, Angul, Budh, and Cuttack, besides Nayagarh, the Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary covers a total area of more than 796 square kilometers. The USP of the sanctuary is the Satkosia Gorge which is actually a 22-km long gorge formed by the slicing through of the Eastern Ghats by the Mahanadi River.

Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary is the habitat of several varieties of fauna, including Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Spotted Deer, Gaur, Sambar, Mouse Deer, Choushingha, Nilgai and Sloth Bear, apart from Wild Dog. This lovely wildlife destination is also home to several types of resident and migratory birds and reptilian species, including Gharial, Mugger Crocodile, Fresh Water Turtle, not to mention Poisonous and Non-Poisonous Snakes.

Trekking and boating facilities are available at the sanctuary.

How to Reach

Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary is located 220 kms from Bhubaneshwar and is well connected by rail with the nearest railway station which is just 76 kilometers away from it.

Phulbani: the Kashmir of Orissa

Phulbani is a beautiful natural wonder located close to 211 km away from Bhubaneswar, in the Kandhamal District. This stunningly beautiful place with virginal dense forests, rustic tribal culture and rich historic origins is surrounded with hills. It has numerous small and big waterfalls around it even while the Salunki River surrounds this enchanting tourist place.

Phulbani has a rich history which goes back to the time of the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka. During those days, it was known as Kalinga. The Jaugada edict talks about the people of Atavikas, who then followed their own religion. During those days, the district was a transit region for salt trade.

Even today, the Khonda tribes live in the dense forests and mountains around Phulbani. But, over the years, Phulbani has also made much progress and has developed as an important township of the region with a growing focus on eco tourism -- thanks mainly to its serene environment, incredible forest reserves, natural resources and untouched beauty.

It has also emerged as a much loved tourist destination for those who wish to spend a few days of their holidays amidst peaceful and beautiful surroundings. A large credit to this development also goes to the many travel agents involved with the business of tourism who chalk-out interesting travel itineraries for the visitors to Orissa that help them explore this and other tourist destinations of the region in the best possible way.

How to Reach

The nearest airport is at the Bhubaneswar City while Berhampur station located nearly 155 kilometers away from Phulbani is the nearest rail head.