SATKOSIA GORGE WILD LIFE SANCTURY, ORISSA – 568 KMS. FROM KOLKATA

• Weekend Tour

Satkosia Tiger Reserve, popularly known as Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Odisha’s famous wildlife sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves. The Gharial Breeding Project, the latest venture of the wildlife reserve has attracted a lot of attention and contributed to its popularity. The idyllic green sanctuary spans an area of 1330 square kilometers and was established in 1976. The entire area is divided into two parts by the River Mahanadi and is situated between the districts of Budh, Angul, Nayagarh and Cuttack. The sanctuary is valued by wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, scientists and adventure freaks, in a similar manner. The region under the Angul sub division is comparatively hilly and houses dense groves, moist and dry deciduous forests and vibrant flowers like Khalsi and Genwa.

In its secluded premises, it houses a variety of wildlife such as elephants, tigers, leopards, gaur, nilgai, mouse deer, wild goats, sloth bears, sambar, spotted deer, giant squirrels and four-horned antelopes. It is also home to the gharials (Indian Crocodiles), fresh water turtles, mugger crocodiles and snakes of different species. Its most distinctive feature is the Gharial Research and Conservation Unit, which is situated at Tikarapada.

Places to see at Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary: Tourism is permitted only across 269 square kilometers of the total area. You can explore the wild side of the sanctuary by visiting Baghmunda, the residential area of the tigers. The Athamallik-Chhendipada-Telkoi corridor, Satkosia-Khalasuni corridor and Kapilas-Rebena corridor are the three main corridors through which the elephants travel and can be mainly seen by the tourists. The Gorge of Mahanadi River is the main attraction of this Sanctuary.

Nearby attractions of Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary: Apart from the main part of the sanctuary, you can tour places like Tikarpara that offers beautiful view of the gorge and meandering river. Hati Girga, known for the watch tower; Labangi, which is situated on a hill top, Purnakot – renowned for offering hiking trails and Kandhaida, known for its intense jungles; completes the list. The places that are popular for its stream and waterfall are Sitalpaani and Bheemdara, respectively.

Things to do in Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary: Besides exploring the forests for various kinds of animals, you can also enjoy the panoramic vistas and opt for activities like boat ride on the Satkosia Gorge of River Mahanadi in between the forested mountains. You can also enjoy Jungle Trek, Birding, Cycling, Star Gazing and sports like Volley Ball on the sandbank of River Mahanadi.

How to reach Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary: There are six different camps for tourists located within the Satkosia Wildlife santuary at Chotkei, Tikarpada, Tarava, Baliput, Baghamunda and Badmul. The major Entry point to all these Nature Resorts at Satkosia are through Angul. From Kolkata, you need to travel to Cuttack in Odisha by rail. From Cuttack, travel to Angul (which is 115 kms away), via bus, in order to reach Satkosia. Tourists are advised to hire a vehicle from Cuttack or Angul for both traveling and sightseeing purposes. There is also a train from Howrah to Angul (via Bhadrak) that runs only on Saturdays from Howrah and takes around 10 hours.

Best time to visit Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary: Though the sanctuary can be visited during the months of October to February, the months of December and January are considered to be the best time to visit the place. However, tent accommodations located on the Sandbar of Badmul and Baliput are only operational from 15 November to 31 March every year.

Lodging and dining facilities at Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary: Tourists can stay in the eco cottages and tents spread over 06 different locations throughout Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, like:

BADMUL: Here you will find 12 Non AC tents with attached bathrooms on the sandbar of Mahanadi River and 04 Swiss Cottage Tents and 03 AC Cottages on the Hill slopes of the Gorge facing the river. Accommodation Charge includes Night stay for two persons and selected activities like Camping, Boating in Satkosia-Mahanadi River Cruise, Dance Festival, Sand Sports, Eco Cycling, Swimming, Jungle Trek, Camp Fire and Bird watching. Food is included in the Tariff and is served in the Dining Hall.

BALIPUT: Here you will find 05 Non AC Standard tents and 04 Non AC Swiss tents with attached bathrooms on the sandbar of Mahanadi River. Accommodation Charge includes Night stay for two persons and selected activities like Sand Sports, Jungle Trek, Camp Fire and Bird watching. Food is included in the Tariff and is served in the Dining Hall.

TIKARPADA: Here you will find 10 Non AC tents with attached bathrooms surrounded by the forest. These eco resort has a view of the Mahanadi River and Gorge. A few minute’s walk from the eco resort would take you to the riverside. You would also find a Crocodile Park in Tikarpada. Accommodation Charge includes Night stay for two persons and selected activities like Camping, Sports, Jungle Trek and Birdwatching. Food is included in the Tariff and is served in the Dining Hall.

CHOTKEI: Here you will find 05 Non AC Swiss tents and 05 Non AC cottages with attached bathrooms on the hilltop amidst the forest. The eco resort is surrounded by hills on all sides and the accommodation Charge includes Night stay for two persons and selected activities like Jungle Trek and Birdwatching. Food is included in the Tariff and is served in the Dining Hall.

TARAVA: Here you will find 10 Non AC Swiss tents with attached bathrooms located within the forest area. The eco resort is surrounded by hills on all sides and the accommodation Charge includes Night stay for two persons and selected activities like Jungle Trek and Birdwatching. Food is included in the Tariff and is served in the Dining Hall.

BAGHAMUNDA: Here you will find 05 Non AC Swiss Cottages with attached bathrooms located within the forest area. The eco resort is surrounded by hills on all sides and the accommodation Charge includes Night stay for two persons and selected activities like Jungle Trek and Birdwatching. Food is included in the Tariff and is served in the Dining Hall.