Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary

Sprawling over an area of 500 square kilometres, the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary is a Proposed Tiger Reserve. With a vast plateau, canyons and 11 waterfalls—the sanctuary is home to a wide variety of wildlife. It also forms the catchment area of the Jonk River. A dam has been constructed on the river to be able to navigate irrigation. Among all major sanctuaries of Odisha, it can be said that the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary has definitely seen better days in terms of wildlife. One can spot a host of wildlife here including Indian mammals such as tigers, swamp deer, leopards, gaurs, sloth beer, barking deer and more. You can also spot the common langur and rhesus monkeys. Among the birds, the sanctuary is home to vultures, hill mynah, patridge, and pea fowls. Interestingly, a rare species of wild buffaloes often enter from a neighbouring forest in Chhatishgarh. If you are the kind of traveller who is looking for an offbeat destination to explore, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary is a great option.