The Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary spreads across approximately 795 square kilometres. The scenic beauty of the wildlife sanctuary does not fail to enthral its visitors. It is situated near the Satkosia gorge that flows along the River Mahanadi. The place captures the beholders with its overwhelming beauty and lush green surrounding. Tikarpada is the hope to a large variety of species of wild animals and birds.
While you are here, one gets to witness the untainted form of lush green nature. With serenity prevailing all around, the luxuriant greenery leaves the mind and soul enchanted. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary: Wild but Serene The very thought of wild animals co-existing in the jungles is enough to leave the soul enthralled.
Flora and Fauna
Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is the abode for tigers, leopards, gaurs, simbal, spotted deers, four horned antelopes, sloths, gharial.
The wildlife sanctuary is known to be the proud house of numerous species of fauna such as tigers, pangolins, Indian pitta, red jungle fowl, Indian adjutant stroke etc. Apart from this, some of the other species found here are rhesus macaques, leopards, spotted deer, wild cats. Moreover, one can also easily spot various species of birds and enjoy bird watching here.Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary: Wild but Serene
Other Activities to Do
Adventure lovers can bask some activities here such as water rafting, angling, game sighting etc. One can plan to trek around the lush green Sal forests as the unexplored treks are one of the best and finest ways to explore the true beauty of Tikarpada.
Visitors can also take the joy of boat riding in the sometimes thunderous and sometimes calm river Mahanadi. Amid the boating facility the tourists can also render the opportunity for fish angling, or to motor-boat or river rafting across it. This a one stop and perfect destination for the lovers of nature, wildlife and adventure.
Gharial Sanctuary
The main attraction of Tikarpada is the Gharial Sanctuary that undertakes the process of breeding of the Gharial to increase their numbers and give them the right atmosphere and treatment for their survival. The gharials are later released into the Mahanadi river which is their natural ecosystem.
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Best Time to Visit
Since Tikarpada has a tropical climate, September to March are the best months regarding weather to visit this place. Additionally, the camp remains shut for some period. Hence it is advisable to make a proper check before planning a trip.
Nearest Places of Attraction
Labangi: The place is closely situated neat Tikarpada and also considered as one of the best places in Odisha for trekking. It’s the place where Takarsingha Waterhole is located and is also known to be the abode for many different types of animals. This water hole is located at a close proximity to Labangi.
Binkei Temple: Devoted to Goddess Binkei, this temple is about 8 km from the sanctuary. It lies on the banks of the river Mahanadi and is very important to the locals.
Badamul: Around 20 km from Tikarpada, Badamul is a beautiful picnic spot on the banks of the Mahanadi. You can reach it via road through the nearby town of Baliput.
Accommodation
There is a guest house where you can book and stay in Tikarpada. No matter what time of the day you are arriving at this place, it’s all set to welcome you. The scenic beauty of this place has always attracted visitors from across the globe. This tourist location has a few important places that you need to access during your visit. You do need the permission of the local DFO for the stay though.
You can also stay at Satkosia Nature Camp which is part of the Tikarpada reserve. There are also nature camps in nearby Purunakote and Chhotkei.
How to Reach
By air: Nearest airport to this sanctuary is the Biju Patnaik Airport of Bhubaneswar that is around 114 kms away.
By road: One can also travel by roads easily as there is good connectivity from Angul, Dhenkanal, and the other main cities of Odisha.
By rail: Angul is the nearest station located at a distance of 42 kms. Another major railway station is Bhubaneswar railway station.
By bus: There are a lot of buses which commute from the main cities of the state to the wildlife sanctuary.
