Spread
over 796 square kilometers, Satkosia
Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary was established
in 1976 in Orissa. Spread out in four
districts of Orissa namely Angul, Budh,
Cuttack and Nayagarh, Satkosia Gorge has
an exclusive geomorphology feature as
Mahanadi cuts it through the Eastern
Ghats thus forming a wonderful gorge
around 22 kms long.
The sanctuary is popular for its
deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests
and moist peninsular Sal forests. A
varied array of fauna such as Tiger,
Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted
Deer, Mouse Deer, Nilgai, Choushingha,
Sloth Bear, and Wild Dog can be spotted
here.
The sanctuary is also home to a wide
variety of resident and migratory birds
and reptilian species like Gharial,
Mugger Crocodile, Fresh Water Turtle,
Poisonous and Non-Poisonous Snakes etc.
A Gharial Research and Conservation Unit
at Tikarapada in the sanctuary is one of
its distinctive features.
220 kms from Bhubaneshwar, Satkosia
Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary is well
connected by rail with the nearest
railway station at 76 kilometers from
it.
Satkosia
gorge is a unique feature in
geomorphology in India. Here Mahanadi
has out right across the Eastern Ghats
and has formed a magnificent gorge.
Located
in the districts of Angul, Cuttack,
Nayagarh and Boudh, Satkosia gorge
sanctuary (795.52 sq. km.)(with sylvan
beauty and excellent natural features
is an attractive destination for
scientist and nature lovers.
The major attraction of the area is 22
km. long gorge (known as Satkosia
gorge) of the river Mahanadi which
divides the area into a two distinct
parts accessible respectively from
Angul and Nayagarh or Boudh.
The area supports moist deciduous forest, dry deciduous forests and moist peninsular sal forests and is stronghold of tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, mouse deer, nilgai, choushingha, sloth bear, wild dog etc., varieties of resident and migratory birds and reptilian species (gharial, mugger crocodile, fresh water turtle, poisonous and non-poisonous snakes etc.). Major attraction df the sanctuary is the gorge, river Mahanadi, the Gharial Research and Conservation Unit at Tikarapada, hill slopes, various tracking routes and boating.
In the
heart of Orissa has the potential of
becoming one of the finest protected
areas in the country.This sanctuary
alongwith Baisipalli spread on either
side of Mahanadi boasts of tigers,
leopard, elephant, gaur etc. A gharial
research center and interpretation
centre are located close to the Forest
Rest House at Tikarpada. A cruise
through the Satkosia gorge is an
unforgettable experience.
Wildlife Sanctuaries and
National Parks in Orissa
Bhitar Kanika National Park
Simlipal National Park
Nandankanan Park
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
Chilika ( Nalaban) Wildlife Sanctuary
Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary
