Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary

The word ‘Satkosia’ originates from the word ‘Sat Kos’ – ‘Sat’ meaning seven and ‘Kos’ meaning two miles, which apparently indicates the 14 miles length of the gorge of River Mahanadi that crosses this wildlife region.

Satkosia is one of the most beautiful ecosystems located in Odisha. Satkosia does not only have a magnificent gorge over the River Mahanadi but is also a great tiger reserve and a breeding center for freshwater crocodiles, gharial and mugger which is located close to the Baisipalli Sanctuary.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Satkosia Tiger Reserve is located in the heartland of Odisha, Satkosia Tiger Reserve is spread over four districts, including Nayagarh, Cuttack, Angul and Boudh. This tiger reserve comprises two adjoining sanctuaries, namely Baisipalli Sanctuary and Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary. This Tiger reserve are maintained by the Forest and Environment Department of the Government of Odisha, the area was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1976.

The Satkosia Tiger Reserve is home to variety of diverse flora and fauna, which enchants the scenic beauty that attracts tourists from all over the world. Besides the opportunity to spot wild animals in their natural habitat, visitors to this tiger reserve chooses to stay at the nature camps and enjoy the beauty of this region. Satkosia Tiger Reserve is a beautiful tourist destination which is visited by large number of tourists every year.

The Satkosia Tiger Reserve comprises the two wildlife sanctuaries—the Satkosia Gorge sanctuary and Baisipalli sanctuary—both of the wildlife sanctuaries spread over four districts of odisha i.e.. Angul, Nayagarh, Cuttack and Boudh. The tiger reserve spreads over an area of 963.87sq km and the core area covers 523.61 sq km.

There are three entry points to Satkosia, namely Tikarpada, Chhotkei, and Purunakote. While boating in the River Mahanadi, one can watch freshwater turtles like Chitra indica and Aspideretes gangeticus perched on the rocks besides, the massive gharials and muggers basking in the sun on the bank of the Mahanadi.

Mahanadi river is surrounded by two mountains on both the sides. Even as there are forest area lots of rest houses and resorts are also available in Chhotkei and Purunakote, and one of the most beautiful accommodation in Satkosia are the 10 eco-tents in Tikarpada, which are maintained by a group of tribal youths of Tikarpada village.

Satkosia Gorge

Rising from its headwater in Chhattisgarh, the Mahanadi River flows into Odisha through its western border. Passing in a series of rapids, it forces its way through the Eastern Ghat hills, giving rise to one of the most picturesque gorges in India, named the Satkosia gorge.

Tikarpada, which is located about 130 km away from the state capital Bhubaneswar, is one of the best places to admire the almost 12 meters (40 feet) deep gorge.

The hills along the gorge are covered by mixed deciduous forests, It was once home to a pristine forest which sheltered varieties of wildlife including tigers, elephants, herbivores, birds and other animals. The Mahanadi river is home to crocodiles and gharial (fish-eating crocodile which is found in the northern part of India). A gharial research and conservation unit was opened in Tikarpada in 1975 to protect and expand the number of gharials.

Satkosia wildlife sanctuary

Satkosia wildlife sanctuary covers more than 796 sq km of area. It is one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries of Odisha, covered with dense forest.

Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary is best known for its deciduous forest. In this forest the wildlife appears to be very rich. Wildlife like tigers, leopards, spotted deer, nilgai, sambar, sloth bear as well as wild dogs are some of the popular wildlife found in large numbers at this wildlife sanctuary. This wildlife sanctuary is also a home for varieties of migratory birds as well as reptilian species such as maggar crocodile, gharial, turtles, and to both poisonous as well as non poisonous snakes.

Best time to visit Satkosia

Winter season is considered as the best season to visit Satkosia Gorge and Wildlife Sanctuary when the weather is pleasant and cool at odisha. In this season you can admire the beauty of Satkosia Tiger Reserve and can watch wild animals as they come out of the jungle to enjoy the warm sun rays. Best time is to visit from October to February.

Other Places to Visit Near Satkosia

There are plenty of areas to explore in the Satkosia Tiger Reserve, and these areas have been divided into the northern side and the southern side. Some of the nearby attractions to visit are given below

Tikarpada wildlife sanctuary

Tikarpada wildlife sanctuary is situated near the Tikarpada village, the wildlife sanctuary is famous for its scenic gorge and a gharial crocodile sanctuary. The Mahanadi flowing through the gorge stretching 22 km makes for an awe inspiring sight. Tikarpada wildlife sanctuary is a heaven for wildlife. This sanctuary is the sighting place of tigers, leopards, gaurs, simbal, spotted deer, four horned antelope and sloth.

Nilamadhav Temple

A very old and famous Vishnu temple in Kantilo (Nayagarh, Odisha) Nilamadhav is situated on the bank of river Mahanadi, and is surrounded by the twin hills and forests. Set amid great natural beauty, this religious place for Hindus attracts devotees from all over the country.

Deojhar Waterfall

Deojhar Falls is located about 80 Km ahead of the Ansupa Lake along the same route as Deojhar. It’s a beautiful waterfall set amidst the forest of Eastern Ghats .Deojhar waterfall is one of the famous tourist attractions of Odisha.

Bhattarika Temple

Bhattarika Temple is located on the bank of the Mahanadi River, in Sasanga village in the tehsil Baramba of Cuttack district of odisha in India. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Maa Bhattarika who is worshiped as a manifestation of Goddess Sati

Champanath Temple

Champanath temple is famous in Cuttack, Narasinghpur, which is situated at undivided Cuttack district’s Narasinghpur. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a famous Shiva Peetha. Champanath Temple of Champeshwar is very much popular in Odisha, Cuttack, Narasinghpur.

Ansupa Lake

Ansupa Lake is located 50 km from Cuttack and situated in the middle of the state highway connecting Athagarh and Banki block of Cuttack district, Ansupa lake is spread over 382 km, and is the largest freshwater lake in Odisha which is a famous tourist attraction.

How to reach Satkosia

The Satkosia Tiger Reserve is located at a distance of 182 km from Bhubaneswar. It takes about 3 hours to reach the reserve from Bhubaneswar. Reaching Bhubaneswar is quite easy as it is connected to major cities of the country by air, rail and road.

By Air

Biju Patnaik International Airport is the nearest airport to Satkosia wildlife sanctuary. To reach Satkosia wildlife sanctuary by air, you need to book a flight for Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, and then at the Airport you can book a cab or a car to reach Satkosia. But, flights are the best option

By Road

Satkosia is well connected to other major cities of odisha via well constructed roads.

If you are planning to visit Satkosia Sanctuary by road, Satkosia is about 546 km from Kolkata. You can reach Satkosia by any means of transport easily.

By Rail

Nayagarh Railway Station (3 km) and Khurda Road Railway Station (69 km) is the nearest railway station from Satkosia. There are several trains from Howrah to reach Satkosia national parks such as Howrah Hatia Express, Azad Hind Express, and others. At the railway station, you can book a cab or taxi to reach your destination.

Satkosia to Puri distance

The distance from Satkosia to Puri is approximately 132 km.

Satkosia to Kolkata distance

Satkosia is located around 547 km from kolkata

Satkosia distance from State capital Bhubhneswar

Distance of Satkosia from Bhubhneswar is about 182 Km.

Satkosia distance from Cuttack

Satkosia is located around 201 Km away from the Cuttack.

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