Ambapani

Ambapani Sanctuary is one of the popular sanctuaries of Orissa. The Ambapani Sanctuary is established in the vicinity of the Bay of Bengal. Situated near the coastline of Orissa, the Ambapani Sanctuary is a picturesque place to visit for the nature lovers. It is well-known for the idol of Budharaja established in a temple at the foot of a hillock. The famous Ambapani sanctuary provides a picture-perfect view of the flora and fauna. It is well-known for its bio-diversity. It is in fact the second largest habitat of the mangrove trees after the great Sunderban with a variety of more than sixty types of mangrove trees. It is consider as both Sanctuary and National Park. Its beauty is reinforced by the presence of the famous Eastern Ghats.The majesty and splendor of the panoramic landscapes of the East Indian state is further highlighted by the variegated species of wildlife and the lush foliage that envelops the landscape of the sanctuary. The Ambapani Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 77 km from the quaint little town of Bhawanipatna and 45 km from Nowrangpur, a town that exudes oodles of old world charm. There is a valley in the range of Ambapani hills, by the name Haladigundi that exhibits certain erratic shapes due to the reflected sunrays. The region of Ambapani is famous for the idol of Budharaja, which has been established in a small temple at the base of a hill.

The Ambapani Sanctuary in Orissa is generally much-admired for its biodiversity – its rich flora and fauna. The Ambapani Sanctuary is the second largest dense mangrove ecosystem in India. Ambapani is considered as both a Sanctuary and National Park. The entire area of the Ambapani Wildlife Sanctuary extends for more than six hundred square kilometers. It is one of the very few evergreen repositories of the luxuriant mangrove vegetation in the world. In this sanctuary, more than sixty varieties of mangrove plants are found, which provide homes to a variety of pretty rare and unusual species of the plants. The breathing roots, which are known as the pneomatophores, stand like the sentinels of the land of Ambapani.

The whole area abounds in Spotted Deer, Sambar and Black Panthers, which can be seen at the Behera reservoir.

Major Wildlife Attractions

The Ambapani Sanctuary shows a great variety of flora and fauna. The major flora found in Ambapani Sanctuary includes Teak, hair, Bamboo, Salaia, Bel, Terminenalia Hiwar, Tendu, Casia, Zizphus, Kauriculata, Helicteres, Dhawda, Sal, Babul, Bija, species, Palas, etc.

The fauna in Ambapani Sanctuary is also quite remarkable. The most famous species found here is the deer, celebrated for their curved antlers. The most commonly found species include Leopard, Samber, Sloth Bear, Wildbore, Four-horned antelope, Jungle Fowl, Barking deer, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Chinkara, Blue Bull, Hyaena, Bear, Crocodile, etc.

Other Attraction in – 

Wildlife Sanctuary Pre-historic cave paintings at Gudahandi Situated 5-kms away from the Sanctuary.

Best Time to Visit – 

The best Time to visit Ambapani Sanctuary is from the month of October to the month of May. The climate during this period remains predictable and comfortable.

How to Get there

Air: The nearest airport to Ambapani Sanctuary is the Bhawanipatna airport which is at a distance of only 77 kilometers.

Rail: The nearest railway station is the Nowrangpur Railway Junction. It is located some 45 kilometers from Ambapani Sanctuary.

Road: The Ambapani Sanctuary is well connected to major cities of Orissa such as BHuvaneswar, Bhawanipatna, Nowrangpur, Bhawanipatna and many more.

General Info / Tips – The climate in Ambapani Sanctuary is wet due to the proximity of the Bay of Bengal. It receives quite a bit of rainfall during the monsoons, which ranges form mid-June to September.