Tikarpada

Orissa is a wonderful place that offers a considerable variety of things for the visitors. Amongst others, the Wildlife in Orissa plays a key role in attracting tourists from every nook and corner of the globe. A wide variety of fauna is huddled in the various wildlife sanctuaries and parks of Orissa. All these sanctuaries and parks are significant tourist destinations for many. So, if you fancy a date with the magnificent wildlife of the state, you can pay a visit to the Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary. Tikarpada Wildlife sanctuary is enclosing the mighty Satkosia George where meandering River Mahanadi plunges into the Eastern Ghat. Located at distance of 200 kms from the temple city of Bhubaneshwar, nature unfolds some its most beautiful mysteries in form of Tikarpada. The Tikarpada wildlife sanctuary derived its name from the name of towan Tikarpada. Tikarpada is a small beautyful town located on the banks of Mahanadi. The sanctuary lying amidst the thick covers of forest has the gusty Mahandai crisscrossing the Eastern Ghat and the forming a 22 km long mighty George named Satkosia. The sanctuary presents one of the most splendid views of landscapes nurtured by rivers.

The Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for the Gharials. The sanctuary was established to preserve these endangered species. The ecosystem of Mahanadi was perfect for the survival of these animals.

Geography of Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary

The Tikarpada Wildlife sanctuary is one of the largest sanctuaries of the state that encompasses a total area of 795.52 sq km. It is located in the Angul district that is almost 160 km from the capital city, Bhubaneswar.

The Tikarpada wildlife sanctuary has a number of Gharials and other animals. The sanctuary is thus also known as Gharial sanctuary. It also houses other animals like snakes, crocodiles and fresh water turtles and tigers. Other faunal species include Indian adjutant stroke, Indian pitta, rhesus macaques, elephants, leopards, wild cats, spotted deer, neelgai, sambhar, mouse deer, antelope and sloth bear, pangolins and red jungle fowl. The avian like Hornbill, Racket Drongo and Serpent Eagle also flocks around the woods of this wonderful sanctuary. A number of migratory birds can be found here. Hence bird watching in this sanctuary becomes the favorite pass time of many.

Boating, white water rafting, fish angling and treks through the lush forest are activities one can indulge in at the sanctuary. Many effective steps are taken to preserve the endangered species of crocodiles in Tikarpada. The Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre is actively conserving and breeding the endangered species of the crocodiles in the Mahanadi eco system in Tikarpada. Apart from these the Tikarpada wildlife sanctuary is also covered with dry and moist deciduous forests as well as peninsular Sal Woods.

Tikarpada town is known to be the paradise for tourists for the presence of some breathtaking sceneries. Hills, rivers and dense green forests surround this town. These virgin natural beauties are still far from the reach of the humans and holds charismatic charms which reenergize your soul with positive energies. The uneven terrain of this location suits many adventurous activities and the thrills promised by them can run shivers beneath your spine. Boating, angling, trekking and rock climbing exemplifies few such activities.

For those who have a passion to accommodate in camps very close to wild animals, it is the best place for them in Odisha (Orissa). Every year, a large number of tourists from different parts of the world come to explore the beautiful place and prefer to accommodate here for some time. For them camping would be the best option.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit this sanctuary is between the months of October to March.

How to reach

The nearest cities to Tikarpada are Angul 58 kms, Talcher 78 kms and Dhenkenal 120 kms.

The nearest airport is Bhubaneshwar which if 160 kms from the Tikarpada town and 200 kms from the Tikarpada Sanctuary.

What to Carry

Some of the must itineraries to be carried while visiting Tikarpada include mosquito coils, water, first aid box and food.