Satkosia Wildlife Experince With Natural Beauty

Satkosia is a scenic and ecologically rich region located in the state of Odisha, India. It is primarily known for Satkosia Tiger Reserve, a biodiversity hotspot.

Satkosia, the 14-mile long gorge on River Mahanadi, is located in Angul district of Odisha. The name Satkosia is an amalgamation of two Odia words- ‘Sat’ meaning ‘seven’ and “Kos’ which is a unit distance measure for ‘two miles.
Housing two wildlife sanctuaries Satkosia and Baisipalli, the gorge is the meeting point of two bio-geographic regions of India – the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats. A biodiversity rich hotspot, Satkosia has been declared a Tiger Reserve since 2007.

Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary

Spreading over 796 sq km across four districts of Angul, Boudh, Cuttack and Nayagarh, Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary is truly a nature’s bounty. Adding to its beauty is the 21-km long gorge carved by the river Mahanadi as it cuts through the Eastern Ghats. The gorge is a unique feature in the geomorphology feature of India.

The sanctuary is popular for its deciduous, dry deciduous and moist peninsular Sal forests. It is home to a wide array of fauna like Tiger, Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Mouse Deer, Nilgai, Choushingha, Sloth Bear, Migratory Birds and Wild Dog.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Satkosia Tiger Reserve comprises two adjoining sanctuaries of central Odisha – Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and Baisipalli Sanctuary. Both these sanctuaries together cover an area of 964.87 sq km. Satkosia Tiger Reserve represents the endemic life forms of both Chhotnagpur Plateau and Eastern Ghats biotic provinces in the transitional zones.

Baisipalli Sanctuary

Spreading over 168.5 sq km, the Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Deccan Peninsula Bio-geographical Zone, Eastern Plateau province and the Eastern Ghats sub-division. The sanctuary is blessed with a well-wooded hilly terrain, making it a perfect abode for Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Herbivores like Chousingha and Water Birds, besides a few varieties of reptiles including Python and King Cobra among others. The sanctuary has got its name from the 22 settlements existing within its boundaries.

Tikarpada Crocodile Sanctuary

A Gharial Research and Conservation Unit at Tikarapada in the sanctuary is one of its distinctive features. It is mainly a breeding place for Gharials. The Tikarpada Crocodile Sanctuary is known for its amazing forest teeming with wildlife.

Kuanria
A picturesque getaway situated around 50 km from Nayagarh, Kuanria comprises a huge reservoir flanked by blue hillocks and a 1.5 km long dam over River Kuanria. Its top attractions include a large deer park spreading over 6 acres by the river basin. A large number of migratory birds also flock to this reservoir during winters. The tranquil beauty of the hills, river, forests, and the deer park makes the place a much sought-after retreat for tourists.

Tarava Nature Camp

Visitors can stay in Swiss Cottage Tents in Tarava Nature Camp within the greenery of Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary. Boat Rides, Jungle Trek, Water Sports on the Satkosia Gorge amidst the forested mountains are some of the attractions for the visitors. Fresh air with the sounds of many terrestrial and aquatic birds, which breeze through the cozy tents of Tarava is an exclusive luxury.

Satkosia Sand Resort, Badmul

Satkosia Sands Resort at Badmul is nestled in the foothills of the majestic mountains facing the Satkosia Gorge where the Mahanad River meanders through the golden sandbars. In winters, Badmul is the only place where hundreds of Indian Skimmers along with Brahminy Ducks, Pintails, Bar Headed Geese, Thick-knees, Pratincoles, Herons, Gulls and Lapwings can be seen on the sandbars.

The Eco-Resort has luxurious AC Cottages on the mountain slope facing the Satkosia Gorge. Besides, the eco-campus has 12 luxurious Swiss Cotton Tents pitched on the sandbar of River Mahanadi.

Tourists can spend evenings watching the local folk dance along with Stargazing, Bonfires and an open sky dinner on the sandbar. Sand Sports, Boating in Satkosia Gorge, Cycling in the Jungle, Sunbath and Swimming in Mahanadi and a trek through the hills with our veteran Eco-Guides make a trip to Satkosia a memorable one.

Chhotkei and Baghamunda

These two nature camps are situated on top of forested hills and hillocks flanked by green mountains and valleys all around.

While staying here, visitors can behold the mist sliding down the landscapes on winter mornings. A visitor can stay in cottages or luxury tents and spend the day by taking part in activities like boating and trekking.

How to Reach Satkosia 

Air : Nearest Airport Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar.

By Road : Bhubaneswar to Satkosia via Angul: 168 km
Bhubaneswar to Badmul via Khurdha: 118 km

Rail : Nearest Railway Station Bhubaneswar, Angul Nayagarh and Talcher