Satkosia is a biodiversity hotspot in Odisha. It is a Tiger Reserve renowned as Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary which was created in 1976, having an area of 796 km2. TheTiger Reserve was designated in 2007, and comprises the Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary and the adjacent Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary. Satkosia Orissa is a place known for biodiversity located in the border of Angul and Nayagarh district of Odisha covering the area of 988.30 km2.

The Tiger Reserve and wilderness make this place a grand hotspot for tourists. Mahanadi River passes through a 22 km long gorge in the Eastern Ghats Mountains.

Exploring Satkosia Tiger Reserve:-

Satkosia Tiger Reserve is a very special place that was well-planned and deserves to be appreciated. It lies within the Satkosia Gorge Wildlife Sanctuary. In this forest, the wildlife appears to be very rich. From tigers to leopards and from spotted deer to nilgai, samber, sloth bear, as well as wild dogs; tourists can really find a wide range of animals here.

This sanctuary is home to many different types of migratory birds as well as reptilian species such as magar crocodile, gharial, turtles, and both poisonous as well as non-poisonous snakes. In order to protect and expand the number of gharial crocodiles, a Gharial Research & Conservation Unit is also located at this place. This unit has become a distinctive feature of Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Breathtaking Satkosia Gorge:-

Satkosia gorge sanctuary was announced in 1976 in Odisha. Odisha is most famous for its rich historical heritage, temple architecture; wildlife sanctuary, national park, bird sanctuary, tiger reserve, temples, golden sand beaches, family tour package, and amazing nature are a few highlights of this Golden Triangle. No doubt it is rated as one of the best Family Holiday Destinations in Odisha.

Satkosia Gorge is very interesting Satkosia wildlife sanctuary is one of the three famous places, Puri, Konark, and Bhubaneswar popularly known as Golden Triangle Tour in Odisha offers best family holiday option to meet everyone’s interest.

Where to Stay: Best Hotels, Resorts, and Camps in Satkosia?

There are some of the best Satkosia hotels where tourists can stay and rest in the remaining hours after their day schedule. Surrounded by the jungles of Satkosia Tiger Reserve, “Satkosia Sand Resort” at Badmul is on the foothills of majestic mountains facing the Satkosia Gorge of magnanimous Mahanadi River meandering through the golden sand bars.

The alarm call of Spotted Deer and Sambar makes one realize that Satkosia is a Tiger Reserve after all. Tourists can avail of Satkosia sand resort booking online in advance or through the visitor centers. Satkosia Resort gives a cool experience for those who visit for the very first time. They are amazed at the background landscape views and lively atmosphere.

Any hotel at Satkosia gives the tourists very good vibes and fresh air with the stunning natural beauty. The tourists wish to visit the place every time they are in Odisha.

Satkosia Sand Resort – A Unique Riverside Experience:-

The jungle around the Satkosia sand resort reminds the tourist of leopards, dholes, and wild cats. The crocodiles basking on the white sands on a wintery morning with the backdrop of rising sun are a picture to ever capture in cameras or memory.

Satkosia sands resort Badmul offers the best services to enjoy. The eco-resort has 7 luxurious AC cottages or Tented cottages on mountain slope facing the Satkosia Gorge and the eco-campus has 9 luxurious Swiss Cotton Tents pitched on the sandbar of River Mahanadi. The tourists can spend evenings watching local folk dance rounding it off with star gazing, bonfire, and open sky dinner on sandbar.

Nature Camps – A Wild Stay Amidst Nature:-

The Mahanadi flowing through a gorge stretching 22 km makes for an awe-inspiring sight. The Satkosia Tiger Reserve encompasses an area of 963.87 sq km, once it was part of AbhayaAranya (Unending Forest range) which connected Odisha to Central India. The name Satkosia actually means 7 kos (1 kos – 13 km depending on region). Also known as Gorge Sanctuary, the place is bursting with flora and fauna and is a coveted destination for nature lovers.

There are some attractive stay arrangements usually known as Satkosia nature camp each showcasing a unique characteristic of this beautiful heaven. Tikarpada Nature Camp (Swiss Tents), Tarava (Swiss Tents), Chhotkei nature camp Satkosia (Cottages & Swiss Tents), Baghamunda Nature Camp (Cottages), and Baliput (Swiss Tents) are some popular stay arrangements for the tourists.

Activities To Do in Satkosia:-

While you are at Satkosia Nature Camp, experience the must-try activities like bird-watching, boating, and trekking. Sand sports, cycling in the jungle, sunbathing, and swimming in River Mahanadi while trekking through the hills with Eco-guides make tourists’ day well spent in this unique wilderness. Satkosia Gorge is also a very favorable destination for migratory birds.

In winter, Badmul is the only place where hundreds of Indian Skimmers can be seen on sandbars with Brahminy Ducks, Pintails, Bar Headed Geese, Thicknees’s, Pratincoles, Herons, Gulls, Lapwings, etc. one can also witness Muggars and Turtles basking on the river bank or sandbar during boating in Satkosia Gorge (Satkosia River Cruise). The resort offers organic, delicious Odiya & Indian Veg/Non-veg cuisine in the open sky dining on River Sandbar overlooking the gorge, river, and mountains.

Apart from that, the tourists also can explore some amazing locations nearby which are worth visiting at least once. These places are

• Siddhamula Nature Camp is an hour’s distance from Satkosia Sands Resort.
• Kuanria Deer Park and Kuanria Dam where around 40 to 50 species of migratory birds flock during winter.
• Phulbani Nature Camp, and Daringbadi Nature Camp, both are 2 to 3 hours journeys from Satkosia Sands Resort. Kalinga Ghati and Phulbani are also famous for waterfalls, mountain ranges, and tribal culture over the landscape.
• Kantilo Nilamadhaba Temple is 1 hour away and is a famous temple that attracts hundreds of tourists every year.
• Atri hot springs and Sarankula temple are other favored destinations.

Best Time to Visit Satkosia:-

The best and perfect time to visit Satkosia is between November to February when tourists can experience all kinds of variety including natural beauty, heritage, spiritual events, and a lot more. Migratory birds are big attractions when they migrate here in winter. It is also advisable to visit just after monsoon from September to October. During these periods, the chances of witnessing wildlife are also high plus the weather is cool and encouraging to energize.

How to Reach Satkosia?

Tourists can get to Satkosia by road; rail as well as by air. Bhubaneswar is well connected with road network. Tourists can get down at Bhubaneswar and hire a taxi to Badmul. The total distance between Bhubaneswar and Badmul is 130 km. The nearest railway station to Badmul is also Bhubaneswar which is 113 km away and takes two hours by train. Nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport which is 113 km away.

FAQs:-

1) What is Satkosia famous for?
Satkosia holds the Tiger Reserve and it is also famous for Sand resorts.

2) How does a tourist get permission to enter the reserve?
Tourist needs to get prior permission to enter the reserve. They can avail permission at the tourist centers in Pampasar, Kusanga, or Chhamundia.

3) What documents are required to get the permission?
Indian nationals need a photo ID, PAN card, or driving licence. Foreign nationals need their passport details.

4) What animals can be seen at the reserve?
Tourists can see leopards, wild boars, striped hyenas, sloth bears, and more.

5) What are the rules for tourists?
Tourists must follow rules and regulations, including leaving the reserve by a certain time.

Conclusion:-

The Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary is a vital area for maintaining the biological diversity of the region. The sanctuary is a place of a lot of species of animals including leopards, sambar, gaur, tigers, barking deer, and a lot of others. It is also home to endangered birds and butterflies. Tourists can witness a large population of varied fishes and aquatic fauna. The sanctuary is part of the Mahanadi Elephant Reserve. The tourists can surely get back more than they spend. This could be one must-visit place for nature lovers.