Places to visit in Odisha for nature lovers

SIGHTSEEING, ORISSA Updated : Sep 8, 2015, 12.35 PM IST

Credit: ThinkStock Photos

Be it Asia’s largest brackish water of Lake Chilika, world’s second largest mangrove forest at Bhitarkanika or even the most picturesque gorge at Satkosia, there are several places to visit in Odisha for nature lovers. Odisha is actually a treasure trove of destinations for ecotourism, where people can get up close and personal with nature. From lush jungles to wildlife habitats, the state is home to several places of unique biodiversity, and a variety of plants, birds and animals. Also, experience the lifestyle of communities who are committed to sustainable tourism and ensure that these destinations remain beautiful for several years to come. Listed below are the best ecotourism destinations in Odisha that you would love to explore.
1
Nature

SIGHTSEEING, DARINGBADI

Daringbadi

Daringbadi—Odisha's very own Kashmir—is a hill station located in Kandhamal district of the state. Covered with pine forests and located at an altitude of 3000 ft, this is the only place in Odisha which gets snowfall dur...more

2
Nature

SIGHTSEEING, BHETNOI

Bhetnoi

Head to Bhetnoi, a small village in Ganjam district of Odisha and watch herds of the endangered black bucks (Antelope cervicapra) grazing playfully in verdant surroundings here. Every villager here lives with a purpose—c...more

3
Nature

SIGHTSEEING, BALASORE

Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread out in an area of 282 sq km, Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary in Balasore district is a pristine forest land where one can sight cheetals, elephant herds, and Malabar giant squirrels among various other species of wildl...more

4
Nature

SIGHTSEEING, MAYURBHANJ

Similipal Biosphere

The Similipal Biosphere in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha is a nature lover’s delight. With a reserve forest area of over 2750 sq km, Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the biggest in the country. Housing a variety o...more

5
Zoo

SIGHTSEEING, ORISSA

Nandankanan Zoological Park

The Nandankanan Zoological Park, nicknamed Garden of God, is a must visit for wildlife lovers. Located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, the 400-acre Nandankanan Zoo has around 1580 animals that include 634 mammals, 812 b...more

6
Nature

SIGHTSEEING, ORISSA

Satapada

Odisha is also home to around 100-odd endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins that can be seen at Satapada. At the Satapada Jetty, visitors can hire a boat and the boatman will take them into the endless blue expanse of Chilika La...more

7
Lake

SIGHTSEEING, ORISSA

Chilika Lagoon

Chilika, Asia’s largest brackish water lake, is a paradise for those interested in birding, fishing and boating. The lake spreads over 1000 sq km in the districts of Khurda, Puri and Ganjam and it houses a wide variety o...more

8
Nature

SIGHTSEEING, ORISSA

Satkosia

Satkosia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ecosystems in Odisha. It not only has a magnificent gorge over the River Mahanadi but is also a tiger reserve and a breeding centre for fresh water crocodiles, gharial an...more

9
National Park

SIGHTSEEING, KENDRAPARA

Bhitarkanika National Park

Cruise through snaking rivers with dark mangrove forests on both the sides and witness giant crocodiles basking in the sun on the river banks at Bhitarkanika National Park. Considered the second largest mangrove forest i...more

10
Nature

SIGHTSEEING, BARGARH

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. Am...more

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