Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled along the Hirakud reservoir, the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary houses a varied flora and fauna. It comprises Debrigarh and Lohara reserve forests under the Barapahad hills of Bargarh district in Western Odisha. Among all kinds of animals found here, Indian gaur (bison) and four-horned antelope or chousingha can be easily seen in the sanctuary, which was established by the government in 1930. There are around 500 endangered four-horned antelopes in the Debrigarh forests. Tourism inside the sanctuary is entirely managed by people of four villages. Boating facility can be availed in the protected area of the sanctuary. One of the popular sites within the sanctuary is the waterfall named Ushakothi. There is a historical side to Debrigarh sanctuary as well. During the freedom struggle, freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai hid himself in the forests on the hilltop of Barapahar and fought a war against the British. He was captured by the British from his hideout inside the sanctuary. The total sanctuary area is 353.81 sq km and best time to visit is from November to April. Entry point to the sanctuary is Dhodrokusum.
There are six eco-tourism cottages in the sanctuary at Barkhandia and each cottage would cost Rs. 1600 per night, which would include breakfast, lunch and dinner. Accommodation is available at the Forest Rest Houses in Dhodrokusum and Dechua at Rs. 200 per day. There is however, no specific provision of guides in the sanctuary. Other places of interest nearby the sanctuary are the Hirakud Dam (15 km away) and the Leaning Temple of Lord Bimaleswar at Human (65 km away). Hirakud Dam is the largest manmade water body in Asia and covers one third of the landscape boundary on the eastern side of the sanctuary. During winter, a large number of migratory birds flock the reservoir.