Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary

Badarama or Ushakothi wildlife sanctuary is one of the most picturesque wildlife sanctuaries located in Odisha. This falls under the Bamra Wildlife division. From the Sambalpur town, this place is located at a distance of 45 km. from Rourkela it is 200 km away. As this sanctuary is closely located to Ushakothi, it is also named as Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is located on an area of 285 sq km. during the year 1962, it was declared as a wildlife sanctuary. Prime inhabitants of this place are the tribal people. There are many different types of animals, plants and denizens of Mother Nature are present here. This is also a smaller sanctuary in Odisha but it is really very popular from tourism perspective. It’s the Hirakud Dam that is located right to the west of this sanctuary.

River Penganga and River Wardha use to flow through this wildlife sanctuary. It’s the River Wardha which is also called as the River Vashishtha. Here you can find dry deciduous forest that comprise of Arjun, Sandalwood, Acacia, Neem, Casuarinas and Sal trees. The prime wild animals of this sanctuary are Royal Bengal Tigers, spotted Panthers, and the Elephants. There are 15 tigers and 35 elephants use to live here. Visitors are assigned with the jeep by the forest dept here so that they can get a good view of these wild animals moving under their natural habitat.