Satkosia Tiger Reserve:

 

Satkosia is a popular Tiger Reserve located in the heartland of Odisha covering an area of 963.87 sq. km (core area – 523.61 sq. km and buffer area – 440.26 sq. km). Satkosia Tiger reserve mainly comprises of two adjoining sanctuaries of Central Odisha namely Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and Baisipalli Sanctuary. Satkosia Tiger Reserve is spread over four districts of Odisha including Nayagarh, Cuttack, Angul and Boudh. The name Satkosia derived from the word ‘Sat Kos’ – ‘Sat’ meaning seven and ‘Kos’ meaning two, apparently indicated the 14 miles length of the gorge of River Mahanadi that crosses this wildlife region. Satkosia Tiger Reserve covers two biotic regions namely the Eastern Ghats and the Deccan Peninsula those contributes to its vast biodiversity. The terrain of Satkosia Tiger Reserve is mainly hilly with moderate to steep and narrow valleys. The elevation of Satkosia Tiger Reserve varies from 37 meters (121.40 feet) to 932 meters (3057.74 feet) with the lowest point being Katrang and the highest at Sunakhania. Satkosia Tiger Reserve is the second largest tiger reserve in Odisha after Simlipal National Park. Satkosia Tiger Reserve also forms a part of Mahanadi Elephant Reserve. Tourism activities are permitted to 269 sq. km of Satkosia Tiger Reserve by the Forest Department of Odisha. Satkosia was once a part of Abhaya Aranya (Unending Forest range) which connected Odisha to Central India.

 

History of Satkosia Tiger Reserve:

The history of Satkosia dates back to the early 20th century when it was recognized as a potential area for wildlife conservation. In May 1976 Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary was notified as a habitat of rich diversity and mosaic landscape of fascinating floral and faunal composition. The forest area to the south of Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary in Nayagarh was notified as Baisipalli Sanctuary in 1981. Later in December 2007, these two sanctuaries were amalgamated and declared as Satkosia Tiger Reserve.  In the year 1975 on March The Forest Department of Orissa started ‘Gharial Research and Conservation Unit (GRACU) at Satkosia.

 

Flora and Fauna of Satkosia Tiger Reserve:

Satkosia Tiger Reserve has a rich diversity of flora and fauna throughout the forest area.

 

Flora species in Satkosia Tiger Reserve:

The Northern Tropical dry deciduous forest of Satkosia comprises of mixed forests interspersed with open forest and riparian zones. At Satkosia more than 126 trees, 98 shrubs, 125 herbs and 561 climber species are recorded to be found at Satkosia Tiger Reserve. Satkosia Tiger Reserve is home to numerous trees like Sal, Bamboo, Asan, Dhaura, Simul and other deciduous trees. Apart from these other floral species found at Satkosia are Hinjala, Kochila, Rosewood, Patal Garuda, Gila, Mirigachara, Kangada, Patuli and others.

 

Fauna species in Satkosia Tiger Reserve:

Satkosia Tiger Reserve is a natural habitat of different species fauna including mammals, birds, reptiles and fish. Mammals species found at Satkosia are Elephants, Tigers, Leopards, Wild Dogs, Sloth Bears, Spotted Deer, Langurs, Macaques, Porcupines, Pangolin, Mouse Deer, Barking Deer, Sambar, Striped Hyena, Bison, Giant Squirrel and others. Birds species found at Satkosia include both native and migratory birds. Some of these are Malabar Pied Hornbill, Pea Fowls, Kingfishers, Egrets, Brahminy Duck, Bar Headed Geese, Pintails, Painted Francolin, Common Quail, Rain Quail, Red Spurfowl, Red Junglefowl, Lesser Whistling Duck, Ruddy Shelduck, Northern Shovelar, Red Vented Bulbul, Grey Breasted Prinia, Barn Swallow, Sand Martin and many other species. Reptiles include Mugger Crocodiles, Gharials and Indian Python, along with Turtles and Terrapins. The water bodies of Satkosia are home to numerous species of fishes including Cat Fish.

 

Things to do and see in and around Satkosia Tiger Reserve:

Satkosia Tiger Reserve offers tourists and enthusiasts with ampule options for local sightseeing and activities to experience.

 

Tikarapada: Tikarapada is one of the important tourist points on the Northern side of Satkosia Tiger Reserve. Here at Tikarapada River Mahanadi dives into the Eastern Ghats framing a 22 km long relentless Gorge named Satkosia. Tikarapada is nestled in Angul district of Odisha. There is a Nature Interpretation Center and Gharial Research and Conservation Unit at Tikarapada which are worth visiting. Boating is permissible on River Mahanadi in some areas of Tikarapada, during which tourists can witness majestic gorge and towering mountains on both the sides. Nature Trails are also set a Tikarapada. Tourists can also spot Crocodiles busking on the sand banks.

 

Baisipalli Sanctuary: Baisipalli Sanctuary lies close to Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and is spread over 168 km area. The name Baisipalli derived from the 22 settlements within its area. The Baisipalli Sanctuary is a part of the Eastern Ghat sub-division, the Eastern Plateau province and the Deccan Peninsula Biogeographic Zone.

 

Chhotkei: Chhotkei is another important tourist point within on the Northern side of Satkosia Tiger Reserve. At Chhotkei one can witness herds of Elephants wallowing in the mud in the forest. Chhotkei also offers a scenic view of the landscapes of Satkosia Tiger Reserve.

 

Purunakote: Purunakote is another tourist point on the Northern side of Satkosia Tiger Reserve. Purunakote offers immense scenic beauty and heavenly pleasures for nature lovers. At Purunakote tourists can often spot hers of Chittal thronging the meadows along with Hill Myna, Sambar and Giant Squirrel. At Purunakote tourists can also indulge in nature walks, boating in designated areas of Mahanadi River, bird watching and campfire.

 

Badamul: Badamul is another important tourist point of Satkosia Tiger Reserve in the southern side. The heavenly scenic landscape of Badamul offers tourists with herds of Gaur and Sambar. Apart from that boating on River Mahandi is an added attraction. Badamul is the starting point of the gorge in the downstream and an observatory is constructed here to watch the wildlife.

 

Sapapatthar: Sapapatthar is a massive rock bed of black granite surrounded by deep wilderness inside Baisipalli Sanctuary of Satkosia Tiger River on the southern part. At Sapapatthar one can opt for a nature trail while interacting with nature. One can also encounter Elephants, Leopards, Wild Boar, Jungle Fowl and many other wild life sightings.

 

Kuanria: Kuanria is a picturesque area in Nayagarh district. Kuanria is known for its Dam, Reservoir and Deer Park. The Kuanria Dam is 1.5 km long built over Kuanria River (a tributary of River Mahanadi). Kuanria Reservoir is flanked by blue hillocks from all sides and is a haven for migratory birds. Kuanria is located on the outskirt of Satkosia Tiger Reserve at a distance of 50 Km from Nayagarh on NH leading to Bolangir and 40 Km from Chhamundia through Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary and Baisipalli Sanctuary. There is a Deer Park and Nature Interpretation Centre at Kuanria. At Kuanria one can indulge in nature photography and nature trails. From Baisipalli Sanctuary one can visit Kuanria to enjoy the virgin nature with rich bio diversity.

 

Nilamadhav Temple: Nilmadhav Temple is a famous Vishnu Temple in Kantilo – Nayagarh, lies on the banks of River Mahanadi. Nilmadhav Temple is located at a distance of 98.2 km from Satkosia Tiger Reserve and the temple is surrounded by twin hills and forests.

 

Baidyanath Temple: Baidyanath Temple is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Baidyanath Temple is located near Satkosia Tiger Reserve and it attracts pilgrims and tourists alike.

 

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary: Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Bargarh district and is an important location for conservation of various local wild lives and their habitat. Although Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is not directly in Satkosia, but the sanctuary is a part of Satkosia landscape and is a place of worth visit.

 

Goddess Bhairavi Temple: Goddess Bhairav Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Durga and is located at 46.4 km from Satkosia Tiger Reserve via SH 23. This temple in Satkosia is known for its serene atmosphere amidst bamboo and mango trees. Goddess Bhairavi Temple is located Puruna Katak, Boudh district, Odisha within the Satkosia region.

 

Nature Trails: The nature trails passes through the dense wilderness of Satkosia Tiger Reserve are perfect for trekking. Satkosia Tiger reserve offers tourists with numerous trekking trails which are worth enjoying. During trekking through the hilly bridle paths one can spot numerous animals. Through these nature trails tourists can also opt to visit the nearby villages located in and around Satkosia and meet the local tribal people to get a deep insight of their daily life.

 

Photography: For bird photographers and landscape photographers Satkosia Tiger Reserve is a perfect destination. The forest area of Satkosia is home to about more than 250 species of both native and migratory birds and hence makes it ideal for bird photography.

 

How to Reach:

By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport at Bhubaneshwar is the nearest airport to Satkosia Tiger Reserve located at 186 km via NH 57. From Biju Patnaik Airport tourists can either opt to enter Satkosia through the northern gate at Angul (122 km) or through the southern gate at Nayagarh (98 km). From Bhubaneshwar Airport tourists will get vehicles on hire to reach Satkosia Tiger Reserve.

 

By Rail: Khurda Junction is the nearest railway station to Satkosia Tiger Reserve located at 88 km away. Apart from this Satkosia Tiger Reserve can also be approached from Bhubaneshwar Railway Station located at 130 km away and Cuttack which is 188 km away. Both Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack are well connected by regular train services with major parts of India. From these three known railway stations tourists need to avail vehicle service to reach Satkosia Tiger reserve.

 

By Road: Satkosia Tiger Reserve can easily be approached by good motor-able roads. Tourists need to reach at Bhubaneshwar and from there by bus service one can reach Angul. From Angul by reserved vehicles one can reach Satkosia Tiger Reserve. The easiest way to reach Satkosia Tiger Reserve by road is via Cuttack, Dhenkal and Angul. From Bhubaneshwar it takes about 03 hours to reach Satkosia Tiger Reserve. Satkosia Tiger Reserve can be reached by bus service from the nearby states. The inter-state bus terminal is the Baramunda Bus Stand from where regular buses ply from the nearby states. From here tourists need to avail reserved vehicles to reach Satkosia Tiger Reserve.

 

Best time to Visit:

Satkosia Tiger Reserve is best visited during the winter season (November to March) or just after the monsoon (September to October). Tourists are advised to avoid the summer season due to extreme temperature. But during summer season wild animal sightings are much higher.

 

Things to know before visiting Satkosia Tiger Reserve:

  • Tourists need to obtain prior permission to enter Satkosia Tiger Reserve at tourist counters at Pampasar, Kusanga and Chhamundia. Tourists need to present valid photo id proof to obtain the permission.
  • Tourists should give an undertaking to abide by the rules and regulations of Satkosia Tiger Reserve, failing which will lead to strict punishment.
  • Tourist vehicle entries are only allowed at Pampasar, Kusanga and Chhamundia gates.
  • Tourists need to check all their belongings along with the vehicles by the forest personnel at all entry and exit gates.
  • Vehicles found violating the rules and regulations will be barred from entering Satkosia Tiger Reserve from the second time.
  • All visitors should vacate Tikarpada area on or before 05.00 pm positively.
  • Day visitors at Satkosia Tiger reserve need to exit the gate by 06.00 pm of the same day positively.
  • Tourists with confirmed booking tickets at Tikarpada, Chhotkei, Purunakote and Tarava camps are allowed to stay inside Satkosia Tiger Reserve.
  • Limited numbers of vehicles are only allowed to enter Satkosia Tiger Reserve per day at Pampasar (24), Chhamundia (10) and Kusanga (6).
  • Tourists and visitors with confirmed booking reservation from Divisional Forest Officer Mahanadi Wildlife Division, Nayagarh at allowed staying at Kuanria and Chhamundia area.
  • Satkosia Tiger Reserve remains open from 06.00 am to 06.00 pm.
  • Tourists need to pay charges separately for still cameras, video cameras, Trekking/ Nature Trail, Jeep and Individual.

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