Serenity with Roars: Digging Into Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Eastern Ghats are breathtaking! Though one can not explore the entire circumstance in his lifetime, but just a glimpse of it is enough to give one a lifetime memory.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve is the best kept secret of Eastrn Ghats. In this segment of Odisha Heritage, know about the stunning Satkosia Tiger reserve.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve 

Satkosia Tiger Reserve is a protected area located in the Indian state of Odisha. It was designated as a tiger reserve in 2007 and covers an area of approximately 963 square kilometers (372 square miles). The reserve is situated in the eastern part of Odisha and is named after the Satkosia Gorge, which is formed by the Mahanadi River cutting through the Eastern Ghats.

Here are some key features and highlights of Satkosia Tiger Reserve:

1. Biodiversity: Satkosia Tiger Reserve is known for its rich biodiversity. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife species, including tigers, leopards, elephants, sambar deer, spotted deer, and many others. The Mahanadi River and its surrounding forests support diverse ecosystems.
2. Scenic Beauty: The reserve is known for its picturesque landscapes, including deep gorges, lush green forests, and the scenic beauty of the Mahanadi River flowing through the rocky terrain. These natural features make it a popular destination for eco-tourism and adventure enthusiasts.
3. Eco-Tourism: Satkosia Tiger Reserve offers opportunities for eco-tourism and wildlife safaris. Visitors can explore the park through boat rides on the river, nature walks, and jeep safaris. It provides a chance to observe the flora and fauna of the region in their natural habitat.
4. Conservation Efforts: The primary objective of Satkosia Tiger Reserve is the conservation of its tiger population and other wildlife species. Efforts are made to protect and preserve the natural habitat and promote sustainable tourism practices to minimize the impact on the environment.
5. Local Communities: The reserve is inhabited by several indigenous and local communities. Conservation efforts here often include initiatives aimed at involving these communities in wildlife protection and providing them with sustainable livelihood options.
6. Research and Education: Satkosia Tiger Reserve also plays a crucial role in research and education related to wildlife conservation and biodiversity. Various institutions and organizations work in collaboration with the reserve authorities to study and document the local flora and fauna.
7. Challenges: Like many other tiger reserves in India, Satkosia faces challenges such as habitat fragmentation, human-wildlife conflicts, and poaching. Conservationists and authorities are continuously working to address these challenges and ensure the long-term survival of the tiger population and other species.

Where to stay?

The Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC)’s eco-tourism branch runs a number of lodging options in the Satkosia gorge area. One of the greatest locations to stay is Tikarpada Nature Camp, which is located in the northern portion of the tiger reserve and has a view of the gorge. You may choose to stay in the Satkosia Sands resort in Badamul, which is run by the Satkosia Tiger Reserve’s Mahanadi Wildlife Division. If your luck is good, you could see sambar and gaur in the Badamul region. Chhotkei, Tarava, Bhaghamunda Forest (formerly renowned as the home of tigers), and Baliput (where you may stay in a tent erected on the sandbar) are further locations where you can go camping.

Day visits are permitted into the tiger reserve under certain restrictions. The Pampasar forest check gate must grant them permission, and they must depart the forest at the designated hour. From Pampasar, it takes around 30 minutes to go to Tikarpada via the jungle. You may visit Puranakote hilltop, which is around 15 minutes’ drive from Tikarpada, depending on the time you have available. Chhotkei is a further 30 minutes’ journey from here. The drives through the forest provide a unique experience, but keep in mind that you must leave Pampasar by 6 o’clock; there may be consequences for breaching the laws.

How to reach:

The easiest entrance to Satkosia Gorge is Angul, which is about 130 miles (61 km) from the closest airport in Cuttack and 61 kilometres from Cuttack. Tikarpada is around 60 kilometres from Angul via the Pampasar forest gate. The entrance to Badamul, another crucial location for viewing the gorge, is Nayagarh, which is 90 km from Bhubaneswar by road. The different places are connected by local transportation, however having your own vehicle is more comfortable. Between November and April is the ideal time to travel. carrying bug and mosquito repellents is essential.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve is a significant part of India’s efforts to protect its tiger population and conserve its natural heritage. It serves as a crucial habitat for wildlife and offers a unique opportunity for people to connect with nature while promoting conservation and sustainable tourism practices.