One of the greatest benefits of Orissa ‘s vast expanses of unspoilt natural landscape has been its ability to offer a protected yet natural habitat to the state’s incredible wildlife.There are many wildlife sancturies which are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna ,bird life reptiles and water creatures.Some of the most important experiments of wildlife conservation are taking place in these natural habitat, giving the tourists an excellent opportunity to see nature’s bounty, propagated.
 

Similipal Tiger Reserve

Thick and green forests, extensive grassy lands and meadows, cloud kissing peaks, precipitous and sparkling waterfalls, meandering rivers, roaring tigers and trumpeting tuskers, fleeing deer and flying squirrels, talking myna and dancing peacocks et al make Similipal a dreamland of Nature in the wilderness and an irresistible destination.

Spread over an area of 2750 kms.the park was specially chosen by project tiger for continuing the onerous task of conserving for the country’s deteriorating tiger population.One of India’s tiger reserves Similipal has over more than 95 tigers within the lavish bounds of the sanctuary.Leopards,elephants, Mugger crocodiles and numerous reptiles abound here. Over 231 species of birds people the forest and waterways in the park.
 

Nandankanan

A short distance from the capital city, Bhubaneswar, the Nandankanan zoo lies in the splendid environs of the Chandaka forest, along the rippling waters of the Kanjia lake.It also contains a botanical garden and part of it has been declared as sanctuary.

Famous for its white tiger population ,Nandankanan or the Garden of Gods has become a hot family favorite, with visitors getting an excellent opportunity to enjoy seeing these regal animals in their natural glory - in an environment conductive to their growth. Over 67 kinds of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles and 81 species of birds coexist in the deeply forested boundaries.

The zoo enjoys an excellent reputation internationally, forsuccessfully breeding black panthers,gharial crocodiles and white tigers in captivity.

Currently Nandankanan is home to over 34 white tigers. Endangered species such as the Asiatic lion, Indian Crocodiles, Shanghai lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur,Indian pangolin, mouse,deer and countless birds, reptiles and fish have been breeding successfully at Nandankanan.

Some of the other attractions of Nandankanan are the 34 aquaria which are home to a large variety of fresh water fishes. The reptile parks cave like entrance is guarded by a lifesize dinosaur,Inside, numerous species of crocodiles, lizards turtles and snakes share the park with natural ease.

The rope way connecting the zoo with the botanical garden over the lake, the boating facilities and the toy train for children have added new features.
 

Bhitarkanika Sanctuary

Located slightly further away is the coastal area of Gahirmatha, where the giant Pacific ridley sea turtles, traveling annually from as far away from South America nest by the millions. Special arrangements were made to ensure their protection as the turtles were preyed upon by the local folk many years ago.

Located in the second largest mangrove forest in the country, the sanctuary has protected the estuarine crocodiles since 1975.

 

Bhitarakanika is a natural habitat of a lot of wild creatures like Crocodiles, King Cobra, Pythons, Wild Pigs, Rhesus Monkey, Sambars, Spotted Deer etc. There. is a Crocodile Breeding Farm at Dangmal. The pride possession of this Farm is the White Crocodile Sankhua, a rare species in the World.

Over 170 species of resident and migratory birds of different hue enhance the beauty of the wild. Prominent among them are King Fisher, Open billed Storks, Sea Eagles, Kites, Sand Pipers, Darters, Whistling Teals, Sea Gulls, etc. The chirping of birds nesting at Baga Gahana is sure to leave an indelible impression in any body's mind. Watching the wildlife in their natural habitat while cruising through the creeks is a thrilling experience. A trek on the laid out routes will also be equally rewarding.