Forests are blessings for wild animals and wildlife sanctuaries are safe home for wild animals. All of
those who have thought that leopards can only be seen in television and four horned antelope in photos
then visit Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary.This sanctuary is located on the banks on hirakud dam in
sambalpur district. This sanctuary covers an area of 353.8q sq Kms and a home of more than 1000 wild
animals and endangered animals.The forest area of Debrigarh and barapahad hills completes this
sanctuary.
This sanctuary help in the conservation of wild animals and endangered species. This sanctuary was
established by the Odisha government in 1930. In the year 1985,this sanctuary was declared as the
sanctuary of the year.The beauty of nature and cold atmosphere welcomes the visitors at the entry
point Dhodrakusum. This place is a hub for nature lovers because of the beauty of the forest and warm
hospitality. The whole route is covered with Saal and bamboo trees all around which gives it a cold
atmosphere.This sanctuary is managed by the forest department and authorities and also by the local
people.
ANIMALS
Some animals like bison, spotted deer,sloth bear,sambhar, elephants,nilgai,jacket,fox,Langer,wild dogs
and sometimes leopards can be seen.
REPTILES
Some reptiles like cobra,python,krait,mugger crocodile,turtles etc.
BIRDS
Birds:-Black partridge, peacock, superfoul,peafoul,bluejay,kite etc. During winters some are migratory
birds like pintail,shoveller,Bramtiny duck,gadwall,seawall,black tail godwit.
ACTIVITIES
There are lots of activities which the visitors can enjoy like wild tracking, camping, jungle safari and
boating facilities are also available in the forest.
JUNGLE SAFARI
To promote the wildlife tourism in Odisha the forest department has introduced the jungle safari in the
sanctuary . Dhodrakusum Eco development committee has taken the responsibility of the jungle
safari.Each camper vehicle has a sitting capacity of 3 to 12 person provided with driver and a guide. booking can be done online in OFDC ECO-TOURISM.
Timing for jungle safari are:-
1)-06:15-08:45 AM
2)-09:00-11:30 AM
3)-11:45-14:15 PM
4)-14:45-17:15 PM
ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation facilities are also available inside the sanctuary.Cottages,villas,rest room are made
are the visitors. There are 5-6 cottages inside the sanctuary and modernly designed are best and clean
comes with attached bathroom and for luxury stay villas are also there and for low budget stay forest
rest house is best situation at Dhodrakusum and Dechua.
BEST TIME FOR VISIT
November to April is the best time to visit the Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary.
Summer season is best for spotting wild animals on the other hand winter season is best for spotting
local birds as well as migratory birds.
Morning time is best for bird photography due to favourable lighting conditions and birds are more
active in the morning time while the evening time for animals near the water bodies.
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS
1-During monsoon one can find the waterfall.It is a hidden waterfall which is till now unaffected by the
people.It has no proper road a bit of trekking but it is very adventurous. This place is heaven for
photography lovers,the water falling from a great height gives it a eye catching view.This place is for
spending quality time with friends and family members.
2-The lights from the hirakud dam can be seen from the cottage which creates a wonderful night sight.
3-The dinning area has a wonderful panoramic view over the dam.
3-Veer surendra sai, the famous Freedom fighter had stayed at ‘Barapathara’.
4-32 water bodies has been constructed for wild animals.
The greenery of the forest, large Saal trees, covered with all types of plant and the dense dry deciduous
forest not only makes the sanctuary beautiful but the presence of hirakud water reservoir that makes it
to look more beautiful.
It is a good initiative taken by the Odisha government to promote eco tourism in Odisha at international
level.
Epictraveller 