Looking for a break into the wild away from the hustle and bustle of city life? Then, head to Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha’s Balasore district and witness nature and wildlife at their best.
Connected to Simlipal National Park through the Sukhupata and Nato hill ranges, Kuldiha is covered with dense forests and perennial streams and is home to several rare species of flora and fauna. Spot wild animals like tigers, elephants, leopards, sambar, bison, gaur and giant squirrels. The forest also boasts of a variety of birds like hornbills, hill myna and peacocks while the streams provide shelter to different kinds of reptiles.
Go on a trek from Nilgiri amidst the forests comprising dense sal, shimul, rosewood and parasitic trees - you won’t regret it. Spot elephants bathing and drinking water from the watch tower located in Garsimulia. Catch a glimpse of birds like Malbar Trogan, Cuppersmitha Barbet, Orange Brested Thrush, Indian Pitta, Common Hoppe, Asian Paradise FlyCatcher and Indian Niguljan among others from the Rissia Dam. Located nearby, Panchalingeswar is a stunning picnic spot with a Shiva temple on a hilltop and a pond surrounded by dense forests.
Stay overnight at the sanctuary - Jadachua and Rissia make for perfect accommodation in tents and huts. There’s also a rest house inside the forest where you can stay. Sign up for the nature education camps conducted in Rissia - go for boating, animal sighting and guided tours. The sanctuary also does scientific surveys and research on the environment and animals here.
