Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The Debrigarh Wildlife sanctuary finds a special place in the national map because of its historic association with the state’s renowned freedom fighter, Surendra Sai. It is believed that he took shelter in this dense jungle while planning his rebellion against the British.
The sanctuary is home to tigers, leopards, bison, hyena, spotted deer, Indian hare, monitor lizard and chameleons, among other animals. There are a large number of migratory birds that visit the sanctuary as well. Diving ducks are a common sight in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is also home to the endangered species of four-horned antelope. A third of the sanctuary’s area is bound by the Hirakud Dam, thus forming a mini catchment for the reservoir. While most wildlife sanctuaries in Orissa comprise of wet deciduous forests, the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a dry forest. Today, the sanctuary is a popular tourist destination attracting a lot of tourist round the year especially from neighbouring areas. While the winter months attract the maximum number of tourists, summers are moderately less crowded. As the sanctuary has started becoming popular with tourists, the forest authorities have ensured proper accommodation facilities at strategic locations. Departmental motor boats are also available to facilitate tourist movement in water bodies of the protected area. You have to take prior permission from the forest dpartment for accommodation facilities within the sanctuary. The nearest railhead is Sambalpur.