Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is one of the most ancient cities in India. With several popular temples dominating its skyline, Bhubaneswar is widely considered to be the seat of Tribhubaneswar or Lord Lingaraj, an incarnation of Lord Shiva, and is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. In 1956, the capital of Odisha was shifted to Bhubaneswar from Cuttack. Its original name is believed to be Ekamra. This can be proven by the numerous mythological references and epigraphic sources that describe the region as Ekamra Kshetra and Saiva Pitha. Evidence of this is found in the many temples located in and around the Old Town area, which is said to have once housed about 2,000 temples. Kalinga-style architecture along with Buddhist and Jain structures gloriously intermingle here, bearing testimony to its diverse historical and cultural heritage. Along with Puri and Konark, Bhubaneswar completes an important tourist triangle in the eastern part of India. Apart from this, the city is dotted with verdant parks, gardens and water bodies that make for tranquil getaways. It is noted for indigenous crafts like silver filigree, pattachitra paintings, appliqué work and metal work. The city’s culinary delights span from seafood to the most delectable vegetarian fare. Shopping opportunities are aplenty with myriad bazaars and malls speckled across the cityscape. Several melas or fairs are organised in the city throughout the year. All of them are great ways to imbibe the local flavour of the region. Since it is located on the Mahanadi delta, Bhubaneswar is surrounded by a diverse terrain comprising river basins, forests and wetlands, giving travellers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the varied flora and fauna that call the region home. Today, Bhubaneswar is a modern and industrial city. It comfortably straddles the old and the new, and gives visitors a chance to enjoy the best of both worlds. Several large companies have set up their offices here. A number of hotel chains, budget hotels, guesthouses and lodges offer accommodation facilities across the city, truly making it a tourist-friendly destination in the eastern part of India. Berhampur Berhampur is a vibrant industrial town located about 171 km from Bhubaneswar. It is located to the south of the Chilika Lake and is famed for its ikat silk textiles. The town is also known for artisans who make brass and bell metalware, wood carvings and carpets. There are shrines dedicated to Thukurani, Jagannath and Nilakantheswar Shiva here, along with a museum that houses a collection of sculptures, and specimens of anthropological and natural history. Jaugarh, a popular place, is noteworthy because it is home to Ashokan rock edicts and other archaeological ruins. From this, one can conclude that the place was a part of Mauryan ruler Ashoka's empire, who was a proponent of Buddhism. Tourists can also relax in various beach resorts around the area. Museum Of Tribal Arts And Artefacts With exhibits ranging from tribal costumes, jewellery and art to household objects and musical instruments, the Museum of Tribal Arts and Artefacts is a must-visit in Bhubaneswar. One of the best tribal museums in India, it was established in 1953 with an aim to protect and promote the tribal culture of Odisha. The museum was recognised as the best among the 21 tribal museums in the country by UNESCO in 2010. It is divided into five separate halls that depict the lifestyle of local tribes. Currently, the museum houses 2,247 artefacts within its premises. One can find traditional costumes like phute saree of the Santhal tribe, ringa of the Bonda tribe and gatungkap of Lanjia Saora here. The courtyard is a particularly interesting feature and contains idols of tribal deities with replicas of 14 tribal shrine crafts. Moreover, one can see a fascinating display of the huts of Odisha tribes like Gadaba, Saora, Santal, Juang and Kondh and almost imagine the physical setting of their environment. There is also a library and a small zoo in the museum. Hirakud Dam Considered to be one of the first river valley projects in India, the Hirakud is among the longest dams in the world. It is located in the Sambalpur district of Odisha, about 290 km from the city of Bhubaneswar. Apart from being a magnificent body of water that provides irrigation and hydroelectricity to nearby areas, it is also known to be home to several bird species like common pochards, red-crested pochards and great crested grebes, making it an appealing spot for birdwatchers. The dam is a popular tourist stopover as it boasts beautiful surroundings and one of the largest artificial lakes in India. Not only are visitors treated to awe-inspiring views here, but also to boating opportunities. Its beautiful surroundings also make it a relaxing place. Rajarani Temple Made using sandstone, the Rajarani Temple is an ancient space of worship in Bhubaneswar that is famed for its sculpted figures and tiers of projections, rising to form its 18-m-high tower. With a lush green cover around it, the temple has picturesque surroundings. Interestingly, there have been claims that it used to be a Vaishnava temple earlier, but the presence of several sculptures has successfully repudiated that particular belief. In fact, in contravention of the belief, there are Shaiva sculptures carved on the body of the main temple. Flowers and animals along with human figurines are intricately carved on this temple's walls. Many have claimed that the Rajarani Temple bears a strong resemblance to the temples of Khajuraho. Around the shrine are sculpted dikpalas or guardians of the eight directions, again, impressively and finely carved. There are sculptures of the devas - Indra, Agni, Yama, Nirriti, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera and Isana as well. The Rajarani Temple is noted for the amazing nayikas (temple figures) that are carved in high relief on the walls. These include figures of a mother taking care of her child, a woman checking her reflection in a mirror, taking off her anklet, playing with a bird, playing an instrument, and holding the branches of trees. Lord Shiva and his female consort are, in fact, depicted dancing in the company of attendants holding musical instruments on three panels inside the main temple itself. Surprisingly, no deity is worshipped in the Rajarani Temple. Pipli Famous for applique and patchwork, the village of Pipli is located about 24 kilometres away from Bhubaneswar and approximately 40 km from Puri. Visitors can watch artisans hard at work here and buy umbrellas, handbags, puppets, purses, wall hangings, bedspreads, cushion covers, pillow covers, lampshades, lanterns and more. The tarasas or heart-shaped wooden pieces made here are used in the chariots during festivities. In fact, in the Chandan Yatra, there are processions in which the deities are covered with chattris made of applique work. This applique work dates back to ancient times. It involves embroidering and stitching small pieces of cloth with depictions of flowers, animals, village scenes and other traditional designs on a larger cloth that forms the base. Cotton cloth is used for the base as well as for the patches. Different, vibrant colour combinations are conceptualised and then recreated by the talented village folk of Pipli. Located near Ichamati River, which is the border between India and Bangladesh, Pipli has only two primary schools and a total population of 1,808 according to the 2011 Census of India. Out of these, it is heartening that 1,402 were literate. While applique work is a skill and a passion of the people of Pipli village, their main occupation is agriculture. They cultivate a variety of crops ranging from rice and wheat to jute, sesame seed, mustard seed, different types of vegetables as well as marigold blooms. In order to reach this village, auto rickshaws are the only mode of transport. And whenever one is travelling to Pipli, one must keep a photo ID handy (it is a good idea to carry your Voter ID card) as there are two BSF check posts on the route. Hirapur Located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Hirapur is a small town known for a hypaethral (open to the sky) temple of 64 Yoginis, called the Yogini Temple. It is said that the temple was hypaethral because the yogini cult used to worship the five natural elements: air, water, fire, earth and ether/sky. Dating back to the 9th century, this small temple is only the second of its kind in Odisha, and one of only four such temples in India. Another is located in Ranipur-Jharial in Bolangar District of Odisha. The other two such temples are in Madhya Pradesh. Its construction is attributed to Queen Hiradevi, the mother of King Subhakar Dev II, of the Bhaumakar dynasty. The yogini cult, in which yoga was practiced along with tantrism, is said to have flourished in India between 8th century AD and 13th century AD. In this, a chakra or wheel with 64 spokes used to be worshipped and Goddess Kali was the presiding deity. Believed to be offshoots of the Saptamatrika, the yoginis were vivacious and embraced life. They were said to be the reincarnations of Goddess Shakti and represented ultimate feminine power. The temple in Hirapur is a circular structure surrounded by a pond and leafy trees, and is unique for many reasons. It is the only temple to have statues on its outer walls. The nine sandstone statues stand for female figures. Each figure can be seen standing on a human head while holding a weapon in one hand. Their shape and form have led historians to believe that they might represent guardian deities. The main door to the shrine is very small. Inside, built into the circular wall, are 60 niches. All but one niche are home to tiny images of yogini goddesses. Raghurajpur Located about 52 kilometres away from Bhubaneswar, Raghurajpur is a heritage crafts village and is famous for pattachitra paintings. This art form is dated back to the 5th century B.C. They are painted on a piece of cloth and feature mythological themes. Visitors can also buy tussar paintings, palm leaf engravings, pottery, paper mache items, masks carvings of wood and stone, and cow dung and wooden toys here. It is possibly the only place in India where there is such a large congregation of artists. Raghurajpur is also well known for the Gotipua dance troupes which is the precursor of the popular and globally appreciated Odissi classical dance. Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, the doyen of Odissi classical dance, was also born in this village. Raghurajpur holds the distinction of being developed as Odisha state's first heritage village and as a crafts village. After this initiative, the village got an interpretation centre, commissioned artworks adorning the homes of the artists, as well as a rest house. Back in the 1940s too, the artisans here were facing difficulties and their incomes were low. A US lady called Ms Helena Zealy is said to have taken on the onus of reviving the pattachitra art. She organised several pattachitra exhibitions in the US and invited connoisseurs over to the village. It was largely due to her efforts that the pattachitra art form earned international applause. Raghhurajpur is also the only place where one can find patas. These are traditional decorations used under the throne of Lord Jagannath and on the three chariots during the Rath Yatra festival that takes places every year in the town of Puri. The charming town of Raghurajpur is located in the midst of groves of coconut, palm, mango and jackfruit. There are two main streets in the village with around 120 houses. The homes are decorated with mural paintings. Paradeep (Paradip) Paradeep is a major port city in Odisha that lies at a distance of 104 km from Bhubaneswar. It is a municipality of Jagatsinghpur district in Odisha and boasts fine and expansive beaches that are a delight for travellers. There is also a lighthouse at the beach with a differential global positioning system. Apart from the blue waters, clear skies, sun-drenched evergreen forests and many miles of lush green grasslands that are crisscrossed by rivers and streams, Paradeep is well-known for its marine drive. The Muhana Point is an estuary point where River Mahanadi merges with the Bay of Bengal. Tourists can also visit the Smruti Udyan, dedicated to the memory of the people who lost their lives in the Super Cyclone of 1999. It has a beautiful musical fountain as well. The Paradip Marine Aquarium, the largest in Odisha, is also a must-visit and has 28 tanks containing different fish species. Ananta-Vasudeva Temple Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Ananta-Vasudeva Temple was built by Queen Chandrika some time during the 13th century. The temple showcases Vaishnav symbols and figures, and resembles the Lingaraj Temple of Bhubaneswar. Inside, there are idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Balarama and Goddess Subhadra. While the idol of Balarama stands under a seven-hooded serpent, that of Subhadra holds a pot of jewels, and Lord Krishna holds a mace, chakra, lotus and conch. Moreover, the temple has miniature shrines and most of the female sculptures are highly ornamented. Ananta Vasudeva is another name for Lord Vishnu, and legend has it that even before the temple was constructed, an idol of Lord Vishnu was worshipped here. And locals say that this legend proves an older temple existed at the same site. It is said that the Marathas, who had extended their empire up to River Mahanadi in this region, renovated the Ananta Vasudeva Temple in the late 17th century. Today, daily arti (a holy fire ritual) is organised at the temple. During the festival of Janmashtami, the temple hosts a huge celebration comprising prayers and devotional songs. The layout of the temple is considerably different from others in the state of Odisha. There is a peculiarity which is said to be the first of its kind in a dated temple - the main temple stands on a cruciform platform. Bhitarkanika National Park Located near Cuttack, this national park is sprawled over an area of 650 sq km. Housing some of the world's rarest flora and fauna, the park is a must-visit for any wildlife enthusiast. The most popular sightings here include crocodiles, black ibris, darters, egrets, etc. The park is an idyllic spot for birdwatchers, who can spot up to 215 species of migratory birds. The major attraction here is a crocodile that can grow up to 23 ft. Kantilo On the banks of River Mahanadi lies Kantilo, a town about 100 km from Bhubaneswar. It is noted for being the home of a temple dedicated to Lord Nilamadhaba. The structure lies atop the twin hills of Brahmadri (this hill is well-known for offering a beautiful view of the sunset from the top) and Niladri and is surrounded by a forest. It is revered by those who worship Lord Jagannath and the presiding deity of the temple is believed to be an earlier form of Lord Jagannath of Puri. In the cult of Lord Jagannath, Lord Nilamadhaba is said to occupy a key position. In fact, in the Jagannath Puri Temple, Lord Nilamadhaba's shrine is present on the right side of the Lakshmi Temple. Since it's a miniature version of Puri's Sri Jagannath Temple, it follows the same rites and rituals. It is believed that a perennial flow of holy water emanates from the feet of Lord Nilamadhaba. The temple sees a large footfall during the celebrations of Maghasaptami Bhaimaekadashi, in the month of Magha here. Moreover, Kantilo is a popular picnic spot, which is also famed for brass and bell metal crafts, including utensils. They make for great souvenirs to take back home. Lingaraj Temple The iconic Lingaraj Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered to be the most ancient temple in Bhubaneswar. Widely considered to have been built in the 6th century, it finds mention in the Brahma Purana. The structure represents Odishan architecture at its most mature stage, with its deul (tower) rising to a height of more than 180 ft. It is particularly fascinating in the way that the turrets inserted on the ribs of the spire incorporate miniature replicas of the tower itself. Moreover, there is an optical illusion at play, which is why this 55-m-high temple looks bigger than it actually is! The temple's walls are adorned with intricate carvings and scriptures, and add to its architectural elegance. It is best visited between January and March, when the Mahashivratri festival is celebrated with much pomp and show. Apart from Lord Shiva, the temple also holds the idol of Lord Vishnu. Ekamra Walks Ekamra Kshetra is the ancient name for the city of Bhubaneswar. The aim of Ekamra Walks, an initiative by Odisha Tourism, is to take visitors on a tour of all that the city has to offer through guided heritage walks. These walks usually focus on those areas of Bhubaneswar that hold tremendous historical and cultural significance, introducing travellers to the city's exquisite temples and other historical structures. Every Saturday, a heritage walk is conducted in the Khandagiri Hills, while on Sundays, there is a heritage walk in the Old Town as well as a Museum Walk at Kala Bhoomi. The Kalinga architecture of the temples, the residences of Jain monks, and Kala Bhoomi (the Odisha Crafts Museum) that showcases the handicrafts and handloom of the state, can be enjoyed on these tours. Mukteswara Temple Built sometime around 950 AD, the Mukteswara Temple is often referred to as a miniature gem of Odishan architecture. Its design marks a transition point between the early and later phases of the Kalinga School of Architecture. Due to this, many historians call this temple a harbinger of new culture. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Shiva, whose shrines have been installed here. The latticed windows of the jagmohana (porch) resemble those of the Parsurameswara Temple in the city. A highlight of the temple are the sculptures, such as those around the windows of the jagmohana that depict monkeys engaged in humorous scenes from the ancient Indian stories of Panchatantra. Since the temple is relatively small in size, 35 ft high at the pinnacle of the tower, it becomes evident that it is an old structure as by that time Odishan builders had'nt attempted to build larger temples. Pathani Samanta Planetarium It was set up with an aim of spreading awareness about the study of astrophysics, astronomy and space science. It gives help to those who want to take up a career in astronomy and supports scientists as well. The planetarium features a fully equipped library that has a rich collection of books on technology, science and environment. It is an interesting and engaging landmark in the city of Bhubaneswar, where one can participate in various activities like night-sky viewing, poster shows and audio-visual programmes. The show that it displays on outer space is quite alluring and is played every day except on Monday. The usual time is from 1400 to 1700 hours. One needs to get tickets to see it. Vaital Deul The Vaital Deul Temple in Bhubaneswar, well-known for its striking structure, displays the Khakhara style of architecture - a subdivision of the Kalinga school that is believed to have specifically been used to design shrines set up by tantric groups. The semi-cylindrical shape of the temple's roof is typical of the Khakhara order of temples that are said to have an affinity to the Dravidian gopuram (gate) of the South Indian temples. There are gabled towers with a row of shikharas (spires), another sign of South Indian influence. The deul, or tower, of the temple is its most distinct feature. Rectangular in shape, it is positioned at a right angle to the jagmohana or porch. Tantric worship, said to have combined elements of Hinduism and Buddhism, was centred on the worship of Goddess Shakti, the female life force. The idol of Chamunda, the presiding deity of this temple, is dimly visible behind the grill and she has a garland of skulls around her neck. She can be seen holding a bow, snake, shield, sword, trident, thunderbolt and an arrow. She is seated on a corpse, flanked by an owl and a jackal. There are 15 niches around the idol with singular images. The figures in Vaital Deul are executed in relief and have delicate features and perfect equipoise. The temple design is unlike the dominant Odishan type and many say it resembles a Buddhist Chaitya hall. The Rathas of Mahabalipuram are said to have been the inspiration behind the shape of the Vaital in this temple. This Hindu temple is said to have been constructed sometime in the 8th century. There are three spires at the top of the temple that are the reason it is also known as 'Tini-mundia deula'. It is believed that the three spires represent the three powers of Goddess Chamunda - Mahasaraswati, Mahalakshmi and Mahakali. Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Memorial Museum Cuttack takes pride in being the birthplace of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the prominent Indian freedom-fighter and founder of Azad Hind Fauj. The birthplace of Netaji is situated in Oriya Bazar known as Janakinath Bhawan. The place has now been converted into a museum named Netaji Birth Place Museum. The museum showcases the original letters written by Netaji along with other important materials used by Netaji. Simlipal National Park Comprising dense forests, beautiful meadows, pristine waterfalls and gurgling rivers, Simlipal National Park is home to about 1,000 varieties of plants, of which there are 96 types of orchids. The best way to experience the park is via a jungle safari. Mahashivratri The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with much fanfare in Bhubaneswar. Locals and visitors throng the Shiva temples of the city on this day. There's an air of celebration at the Lingaraj Temple, which sees thousands of devotees visiting its sacred expanse to mark the occasion. Devotees fast on this day and the queues outside the temple can be as long as 1 km! A lot of devotees join the queues as early as 2 am. The festival is celebrated at more than 200 Shiva shrines across Bhubaneswar. Pravachan (discourse) and bhajan (devotional song) stalls are installed near most temples and add to the devotional atmosphere that pervades the city. The devotees who fast during this festival generally break it at 10 or 11 pm. Dhauligiri Hills Located about 8 km from Bhubaneswar, Dhauli Giri Hills is best known as the site of the Peace Pagoda or Dhauli Shanti Stupa. The dome-shaped Shanti Stupa has stone panels displaying Lord Buddha's footprints and the Bodhi tree. The dome has five umbrellas, symbolising the five essential parts of Buddhism. After dark, there is a grand sound-and-light show organised here with state-of-the-art projectors beaming laser rays on the stupa, narrating its grand history in 3D. From the time of the Kalinga empire to the feuds of the Mauryan empire, and the crowning of king Ashoka, the show covers it all in around 35 minutes. It ends with Ashoka adopting Buddhism, post the Kalinga War. In close proximity to the stupa are rock-cut caves and temples, including the temple of Dhavaleswara. Adivasi Mela The Adivasi Mela is a tribal exhibition and festival that is held annually at Bhubaneswar's Adivasi Exhibition Ground. It is considered to be the oldest festival of the tribal communities in the region that brings together around 62 tribes from across the state. The festival is usually held for a fortnight during the months of January and February. On display, as well as for sale, is tribal jewellery such as the hansuli, a kind of neck ring, the kagdang which is a neck ring unique to the Kutia Kondh tribe, brass anklets of the Kondh tribe, and much more. Lots of tribal dance shows are put up for visitors to enjoy. There are many festivals and rituals that are explained in the form of skits for tourists to enable them to understand the emotions and implications behind them. The aim of the Adivasi Mela is to introduce people from all over the world to the thriving indigenous culture of the region, its food, attire and myriad traditions of the tribes. Sisupalgarh Sisupalgarh is believed to be one of the largest and the best-preserved early historic fortifications in the country. The ancient fortifications are more than 2,000 years old and date back to 3rd or 4th century BC. Today, they stand as proof of the brilliance of the architects of that time, who made it a sturdy structure that is a thriving settlement till today. Sisupalgarh was once the capital of Kalinga, which is the ancient name of Odisha. There are two major parts of the Sisupalgarh ruins: the remains of the original fort and the 16 pillars or Shola Khambas. The pillars are located about 500 m away from the ruins of the fort. Sisupalgarh is located about 2 km away from the famous Lingaraj Temple. Atri Located in the Khurda district, about 42 km from the city of Bhubaneswar, is Atri, a town noted for its hot water spring. This spring, located amidst greenery, is enriched with the goodness of sulphur, and it is believed that a dip in its water can cure visitors of skin ailments. The water's temperature is about 55 degrees centigrade, so it is not boiling hot, which makes it suitable for children as well. There is a bathing complex located in the vicinity, which provides facilities for steam-bathing to tourists. The spring can be visited throughout the year and is considered sacred by many. Lots of locals come here to have family picnics. While visiting here, one can also pay a visit to the various temples that are located nearby. Odisha State Museum The Odisha State Museum was set up in the year 1938 in Cuttack, but moved to Bhubaneswar, when the capital was shifted. It comprises several galleries that house epigraphy and numismatic showcases, natural history exhibits, armoury, mining artefacts, geological displays, manuscripts, archaeological exhibits, and works of art and craft. The museum also works to collect, display, document and preserve antique items, maintain journals, facilitate research on art history and organise exhibitions as well as seminars. The foundation stone of the new building of the museum was laid on December 29, 1957, by Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India. Dr HK Mahtab, who was the then chief minister of Odisha, took it upon himself to expand it into a full-fledged museum. Khandagiri And Udaigiri Caves The twin hills of Khandagiri and Udaygiri, also known as Kumargiri and Kumarigiri, are renowned for their rock-cut caves, that were built for Jain monks sometime during 1st and 2nd centuries BC. They also feature the lithic record of 13 years of Kalinga king, Kharavela's reign. His queen was a patron of arts and crafts, which is why the sculptures and designs of these caves are extraordinary. These lithic records are inscribed on the walls of the Hathi Gumpha or elephant cave in Udaygiri, and are a grand example of Pali records found in India. The Rani Gumpha, also in the Udaygiri caves, is worth a visit for its spacious courtyard and sculptural friezes. While Khandagiri has 15 caves and is located on the left, Udaygiri has 18 caves and is located on the right. These caves are located about 7 km west of Bhubaneswar's city center. Asokastami Also called the Car Festival of Lord Lingaraj, Asokastami is celebrated in the month of March or April. During the festivities, the idol of Lord Lingaraj is brought out of the temple, placed on a chariot and taken to the Rameswar Temple. The parade is joined by thousands of devotees who dance and sing. After four days, Lord Lingaraj is brought back to the Lingaraj Temple. Apart from general merriment, there are tasty sweetmeats and delicacies on offer along the route. The name of this festival is rooted in mythology. It is believed that when Lord Rama killed demon Ravana, he became 'asoka' i.e. one without sadness. Out of excitement, he brought out a chariot carrying Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga. It is said that it was the 8th day of the Hindu month of Chaitra - a day called Shukla Astami. Thus, this day is termed as Asokastami. Balasore Balasore is a coastal area in Odisha, lying in the northern part of the state. It falls at a distance of nearly 195 km from Bhubaneswar. Spread over an area of about 3,634 sq km, its natural beaches and heritage temples attract tourists from all over the country. The place is generally hot and humid, with May being the hottest month, and December the coolest. Other places that one can mark on their itinerary include Chandipur, Talasari sea beach, Chawmukh sea beach, Kashaphal sea beach and temples like Panchalingeswar, Khirochora Gopinath, Langaleswar, Laxmannath, Chandaneswar, Maninageswar. The main Baleshwar Temple is dedicated to Baleshwar, another name for Lord Shiva. Balasore is the headquarters of the Baleshwar district and used to be an important maritime town during the medieval times. The parts of the town called Farasidinga and Dinamardinga used to be occupied by the French and the Dutch and one can still find remnants of the foreign possession in this town. It was earlier part of the ancient Kalinga and later became a territory of Toshal or Utkal; remaining so till the death of Mukunda Dev, one of the rulers of the state of Odisha. It was created as a separate district in 1828; earlier it was in the Bengal presidency. The game of Akhada, played during Durga Puja, is popular in Balasore. Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most important tourist sites in Odisha and spreads across an area of 795.52 sq km. It is located on the banks of River Mahanadi, about 140 km from Bhubaneswar. The sanctuary is famous for its gharial or crocodile species. Besides these, tourists can also spot tigers, pangolins, leopards, spotted deer, elephants, rhesus, macaques, snakes, turtles etc. The sanctuary is circled by the Satkosia gorge, which has been formed by River Mahanadi. The Gharwale Sanctuary located here is a breeding place for gharials. One can also spot a variety of snakes and turtles in it. There is also a preservation centre here to help preserve the gharial population. On the left side of the gorge lies the Tikarpada Crocodile Sanctuary, known for its amazing forest and teeming wildlife. One can also take part in various adventure sports here like river rafting, trekking, fish angling, boating etc.
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