The Thrilling Wildlife of Orissa

India is a haven for the lovers of wildlife and nature. Most of the Indian states have excellent wildlife. Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu...there are many Indian states that entice the travellers to visit them and explore the many wonders of their deep jungles.

The coastal state of Orissa located in the eastern part of India especially is one such state which is rich in flora and fauna and which has an excellent wildlife. The state's wonderful wildlife is much on display in its many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

Besides having exceptional wildlife in its several wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, Orissa has a rich wildlife in its many tribal belts also. No wonder, the wildlife of Orissa much attracts the wildlife lovers.

Among the many national parks of the state, Bhitarkanika, Simlipal, Nandankanan, Balpakram and Bandhavgarh are much famous. And among the wildlife sanctuaries, Chilika, Sunabeda, Satkosia Gorge, Kotgarh, Debrigarh and Baisipalli are renowned and frequently visited by the many wildlife enthusiasts.

The pride of Orissa--the Chilka Lake-is, perhaps, the state's biggest wildlife attraction. Chilka Lake, the largest brackish water lake of Asia, is rich in wildlife and marine life. Every year more than thousands of migratory birds visit the lake from the distant parts of Asia, and add to the beauty of the region that's much renowned the world over for many other wildlife attractions as well.

Simlipal is another famous wildlife region of the state and is every wildlife enthusiast's delight. This main attractions of this national park situated in the Mayurbhanj district is its 150-odd tigers, more than 230 species of birds, and the mammoth mugger crocodiles.

The Badrama (Usakothi) wildlife sanctuary--another famous wildlife region of the state--has many varieties of wild animals including tiger, leopard, sambar, elephant, and bison. The presence of many watch towers at vantage points inside the sanctuary enables the visitors to enjoy good views, and they observe the many inhabitants of the wilds easily and clearly.

The Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary, yet another wildlife attraction of the state, is famous for huge crocodiles and the Olive Ridley Turtles, and is frequented by the wildlife lovers in great numbers.