Our ancestors embraced the natural cures found in the bosoms of the earth. Their classroom was nature.They studied the lessons to be learned from animals. Much of human behavior can be explained by watching the wild beasts around us.
They are constantly teaching us things about ourselves and the way of the universe.
Discover and understand the Natural world of ~ Odisha & Chhattisgarh ~
CHILIKA LAKE
A vast lake along the eastern cost of Orissa with beautiful islands, flamingoes wading in the shallow waters and the air echoing with the chirping of birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Aral Sea and other parts of Mongolia, Central and South-East Asia, the Irrawaddy dolphins making the playful appearance in the water…this is only a glimpse of the breath-taking beauty of Chilika. Asia’s largest brackish water estuarine lake.Chilika sprawls over an area of 1100 sq.km covering parts of three districts of Orissa i.e. Puri on the east, Khurdha on the North and Ganjam on the South. It’s a haven for bird-watchers / nature lovers. Abounding in unique flora and fauna, Chilika supports the livelihood of more than hundred thousand families living in and around it. On the basis of salinity and the depth, the lake is divided into four natural sectors.It is dotted with numerous islands prominent among which are Nalabana, Kalijai, Somla, Honeymon, Breakfast, Birds and Rajahans. These islands draw large crowds owing to their incredible beauty. The rich bio-diversity and socio-economic importance of Chilika has earned it the status of Ramsar site. Winter is the best time to visit Chilika as over 160 species of migratory birds flock the islands during this time of the year.
BHITARKANIKA NATIONAL PARK
Bhitarkanika is nature’s treasure trove. The sea, sand, creeks, wildlife and scenic beauty of Bhitrakanika make it the most sought after ecological destinations. Spread over an area of 650 sq.km with a forest cover of 380 sq.km including 115.50 sq.km of mangrove forest, it is widely acclaimed for its rich bio-diversity. It is one of the rare swamps with a compact mangrove ecosystems in India, next only too Sunderbans in West Bengal. Thick forests where the sunlight can hardly reach the forest floor, estuarine swamps with over sixty varieties of mangroves plants, isolated beaches, variety of wildlife, giant turtles, ferocious crocodiles add to the thrill of Bhitarkanika.There is adventure awaiting you at each step in these forests. Owing to its diverse ecotypes, it was notified as a sanctuary in 1975 and declared as a National Park. A couple of deltaic islands are also found in these regions, which are formed by the meandering creeks. Dangmal is at the centre with islands like Ekakula, Habali Khati around it. Home to the largest estuarine crocodiles in the Indian sub-continent, Dangmal in Bhitarkanika is also the proud possessor of Sankhua, the rare White Crocodile. One can also see the endangered species of Olive Ridley sea turtle in lakhs which come here every yea during December-April to lay eggs.
SIMLIPAL NATIONAL PARK
The 2750-sq-km Similipal National Park has long been Odisha’s prime wildlife sanctuary. Dense forests and vast expanse of grassy lands in between, roaring tigers, fleeing deer to trumpeting tuskers, flying squirrels and dancing peacocks—all these make Simlipal National Park a dreamland of nature and of course an irresistible destination for thirsty travellers. The park derives its name from an abundance of red semul trees. A part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009, the Simlipal National Park is home to several flora and fauna. The major mammals that can be spotted in the park are Royal Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, Gaurs (Indian bison), and leopards, sambar, barking deer, flying squirrel, wild boar, and common langur. You can also spot some common birds such as hill mynah, peafowl, Indian pied hornbill, grey hornbill, and the crested serpeant eagle. Spot a barking deer or a herd of elephants crossing the rivulets and admire the beauty of the Joranda waterfalls or simply capture wilderness at its best.
GAHIRMATHA MARINE SANCTUARY
Located within the close vicinity of the Bhitarkanika National Park is Odisha's only Turtle Sanctuary. A part of the Gahirmatha Beach, the Turtle Sanctuary is the place where one can spot Olive Ridley Turtles. Taking a boat ride across the river and gradually venturing into the wide sea is an experience ridden with sheer thrill and excitement. These turtles travel all the way from South Pacific Ocean to breed on the coast of Gahirmatha. About half a million of these species visit thebeach every year for mating.Extending from the mouth of the Mahanadi river in the south to the mouth of the Dhamra River in the north, Gahirmatha roughly covers an area of 1435 square kilometres. In an effort to conserve the smallest species of sea turtles, the Odisha government declared Gahirmatha to be a turtle sanctuary in 1979. Admire the pristine beauty of the Ekakula Beach as you spare some moments of solitude in this lonely island bereft of human intervention. The vast expanse of the Gahirmatha beach is the best place to witness mass nesting, a phenomenon often termed as arribadas.
KANGER VALLEY NATIONAL PARK
Kanger Valley National Park is a beautiful place, located in the Bastar district (near Jagdalpur) of the state of Chhattisgarh. The Kanger Valley National park is also known as Kanger Ghati National Park.It was declared as a National park in the year of 1982. Total area of the park is about 200 Km2. The park is located on the banks of Kholaba River at a distance of about 27 km from Jagdalpur.The national Park is situated on the valley of river Kanger. The park derives its name from the Kanger River, which flows throughout its length.The Park is famous for its biodiversity with picturesque landscape, magnificent waterfalls, and underground limestone caves.Besides wildlife and plants, there are many tourist attractions inside the park such as the Kutamsar Caves, Kailash Caves, Dandak Caves and Tiratgarh Waterfalls.
BARNAWAPARA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Barnawapara Wildlife sanctuary, is named after Bar and Nawapara forest villages, which are in the heart of the sanctuary in Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh. It is a land mass of undulating terrain dotted with numerous low and high hillocks . This small wildlife sanctuary covering an area of 245 sq km in the Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh is known for its lush green forest cover and a sizeable population of the common Leopard. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is also famous for its sloth bear population, which is estimated at roughly 300 bears. The diverse wildlife population comprises of Tigers, Sloth Bears, Jackals, Leopards, four-horned Antelopes, striped Hyaenas, Chinkara, Barking Deer, Porcupine, Gaur, Muntjac, and Bison.The sanctuary is also the home for the several species of Parrots and Parakeets, White-rumped Vultures, Green Avadavats, Lesser Kestrels, Peafowls, Woodpeckers and Racket-tailed Drongos. Driving by teak and sal trees, the sights, smell and sound of the wild are very captivating.