Odisha Wildlife - Satkosia Gorge and Tiger Reserve

The Satkosia Gorge along the river Mahanadi, passes through Angul, Boudh, Cuttack and Nayagarh districts in central Orissa and is the natural habitat for the two endangered fresh water crocodilian species, the Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and Mugger (Crocodylus palustris). In order to protect the dwindling crocodile population, the Forest Department of the Government of Orissa with technical support from the UNDP and FAO decided to start a breeding programme of crocodiles during March 1974.

As a part of this joint conservation initiative, the Gharial Research and Conservation Unit (GRACU) was started during March 1975. The GRACU had done pioneering work in crocodile conservation in India. The activities include Conservation Breeding; releasing of reared crocodiles into the wild and its rehabilitation had been some of the challenging activities carried out by the centre.

Thereafter in 1976 due to the immense biodiversity values, the dense forest lands on both sides of the river Mahanadi along the gorge was declared as the Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary. Subsequently the two adjoining sanctuaries namely the Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and Baisipalli sanctuary were combinly and declared as Satkosia Tiger Reserve during December, 2007.

Core area of the Tiger Reserve lies within Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary. The reserve is spread over 4 districts; Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh. The tiger reserve has an area of 964 sq km with 524 sq km as core area.

Tikarpada: Enclosing the mighty Satkosia gorge where the Mahanadi plunges into the Eastern Ghats, the Tikarpada Sanctuary is a very popular sanctuary visited by tourists. The Mahanadi cuts through 22 km of the multi-hued collage of sal trees in Tikarpada, and a visit to the sanctuary is an awesome experience.

Boating, white water rafting, fish angling and treks through the lush forest are activities one can indulge in at the sanctuary. The Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre is actively conserving and breeding the endangered species of the crocodiles in the Mahanadi eco system in Tikarpada. Though tigers are rarely sighted now, the wildlife within the sanctuary includes the Indian adjutant stroke, red jungle fowl and Indian pitta.

Located at a convenient distance of 120 kms from Dhenkanal and 58 kms from Angul, tourists can proceed to Saptasajya, a scenic picnic spot. The Saptarshi and Raghunath temples in the vicinity are also frequented by tourists visiting the sanctuary.

While the forest lodge is located within the forest, you can choose to camp out in the open with the special permission of the forest office.

Access:

The main entry gate of the Tiger reserve at Pampasar, is 30 Kms from Angul. One can approach, the southern portion of the reserve from Nayagarh, which is 80 Kms from the State Capital. From Nayagarh, the Tiger reserve can be approached through the entry gate at Chhamundia, which is 60 Kms from Nayagarh. One can also approach from Angul side via Village Ogi and reach directly to Tikarpada via land route. The nearest Railway station is Angul and the nearest Airport is at Bhubaneswar.

Accommodations

1. Nature Camps

Camping facilities are available at Tikarpada and Purnakote. At Tikarpada, the camp is pitched on the middle of the breathtaking gorge along the pristine sand banks of river Mahanadi. An overnight stay is fascinating and unforgettable.

Camps have double bedded tents with toilets and water supply. Camps are run by local community groups. Visitors are advised to book the facilities in advance.

2. Reservation:

For reservations contact Ecotourism Cell, Satkosia Wildlife Division, Hakimpada, Angul, Orissa 759143, India. Phone: 08763102681 Email:dfosatkosiawl@yahoo.co.in

For reservations at the Nature camp, Tikarpada, Chhotkei, Purunakote, the Guests can sent the reservation charges in the form of a Demand Draft drawn in favour of Ecotourism Cell, payable at Angul, Orissa.

Reservations at Nature Camp, Purnakote can be made directly at the Ecotourism Cell, Satkosia Wildlife Division, Hakimpada, Angul.

Note: Guests need to produce photo identify cards (PAN card, voter ID card etc) of any of the team members during reservation.