KULDIHA FOREST, BALASORE – 350 KMS. FROM KOLKATA

• Weekend Tour

Kuldiha Forest covers a total area of 282 square kilometers. It is a dense forest mostly covered with thick growth of sishu, sal, piyasal, mango, bahera, jamun and simul trees that make it the perfect home to a wide number of animals like wild cats, elephants, long tailed monkeys, cheetals, gaur, leopard, giant squirrel as well as some bird species like peafowl, hill myna and hornbill. Kuldiha is located in Balasore district and is known for supporting wide varieties of reptiles too.

Places to see at Kuldiha Forest: The forest of Kuldiha is the best attraction to watch out for. The forest is also home to an Elephant Sanctuary. The Rissia Dam and the lake is just a few minute’s walk from the eco resort. The Kuldiha forest area merges into the Similipal Forest through the Nato Hill and Sukhupada Hill ranges. There is a hilly stream that flows along the forest and a watch tower that is tactically built at Garsimulia on the bank of the river. You can also visit the Jodachua Range within the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary for bird watching.

Nearby attractions at Kuldiha Forest: Among the nearest destinations, you can definitely visit Panchalingeshwar Hill and the famous Shiva Temple perched on a hilltop. The Shivalingas are said to have been enshrined by Sita, the wife of Lord Rama during their exile. Another story holds that King Banasura worshiped the Swayambhu Lingas at this place too. A perennial stream, which is the main attraction of the area, regularly washes the Shivalingas as it flows over them.

To reach to the temple pilgrims need to climb a few hundred stairs and lie flat on the rock parallel to the stream to touch and worship the lingas inside the water stream. Another major nearby attraction is the Chandipur Beach, just 16 kms. from Balasore. The most unique feature of Chandipur beach is that the water recedes up to 05 kms. over here during the ebb tide.

Things to do in Kuldiha Forest: You can go for an exciting wild life spotting journey in the forests of Kuldiha and explore the Kuldiha Sanctuary along with the Elephant Sanctuary. You can also enjoy boating in the nearby waterbody and go for bird watching.

How to reach Kuldiha Forest: The nearest railhead to Kuldiha Sanctuary is Balasore, which is around 45 kms. away. The nearest airport is located around 200 kms. away at Bhubaneshwar. You can hire cars straight from the airport or railway station to reach the Kuldiha.

Best time to visit Kuldiha Forest: You can visit the forest of Kuldiha during anytime of the year except for rainy season when the forest becomes inaccessible.

Lodging and dining facilities at Kuldiha Forest: You can avail tent accommodation at Rissia Nature Camp in Gohirabhola beat within the Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary. This eco camp offers 09 Non AC Double bedded tents with attached western bathrooms and all standard facilities to the guests. It is powered by solar lights and fans. There is a small children park area, a garden and parking area in this eco resort too. Food is essentially Indian cuisine and is served in the Dining Hall.