Indianpanorama Tripadvisor

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary - Baragarh District, Odisha - Travel Guide & Activities

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its diverse wildlife like Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian gaur (bison), sambar, chital, nilgai, wild boars, peacocks, and a variety of resident and migratory birds, and its beautiful landscape near the Hirakud reservoir.
Activities include Wildlife jungle safaris and trekking, Birdwaching, Waterfalls and Mahanadi Delta view, Boat trip in Bat Island, enjoy and get up close to nature and scenic beauty of the sanctuary!

About Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha blends rich biodiversity with historical significance as Veer Surendra Sai’s 19th-century resistance base in the Barapahad hills.
Home to dry deciduous forests, Hirakud Reservoir wetlands, and scenic waterfalls, it supports diverse wildlife and 120 species of migratory birds. Its community-led ecotourism model,managed by over 100 local families after voluntary village relocation makes it a national conservation success. Now India’s 54th tiger reserve, Debrigarh also promotes dark-sky tourism and uses modern wildlife-monitoring technology. Visitors can participate in jungle safaris, trekking, boating, kayaking, stargazing and cycling through the picturesque landscape, with bookings available through Ecotour Odisha.

Attractions in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique destination in Odisha, known for its blend of dry deciduous forests and the vast Hirakud Reservoir, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, bird watching, and nature retreats. 

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary & Jungle Safari

Spanning over 346 sq km around the Barapahad hills, this sanctuary serves as a vital habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 40 species of mammals and 200 species of birds. The landscape includes forests and the reservoir's backwaters.

Easy wildlife sightings, particularly of Indian gaur (bison), sambar, spotted deer, wild boar, and peacocks. It is also known for being a haven for various resident and migratory birds, especially around the reservoir during winter.

Hirakud Dam and Reservoir 

One of the longest dams in the world, the Hirakud Dam bounds the sanctuary on the east and north, creating a massive reservoir. The backwaters form a scenic boundary to the forest.

Its sheer size, scenic views, boating opportunities, and as a key spot for spotting aquatic biodiversity and migratory waterfowl. Activities like jet skiing and motorboating are also available.

Cattle Island

An island situated in the middle of the Hirakud Dam Lake, notable for having no permanent human habitation.

A unique experience of untouched nature and spotting various birds, accessible via boat trips from the mainland.

Bhimamandali Caves

Located a short distance from the sanctuary by road, these are large rock shelters in the sandstone hills of the reserve forest. Rock engravings and ancient paintings believed to be around 30,000 years old, depicting animal carvings and early human settlements.

Entry fees: Approximately ₹40 per adult is required, paid separately from any safari or accommodation booking. Jungle safaris have separate costs and must be booked as an entire vehicle, not per person, through the Ecotour Odisha website or on the spot. 

Best time to visit: The winter months from October to February are best for enjoying the views and water activities. Visiting in September or October is recommended to see the full water body.

Best Time to Visit Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

From October to February during the winter season, when the weather is pleasant and temperatures drop, making wildlife viewing ideal. A sample time-wise itinerary for a day visit could be arrive early, go on a jungle safari in the morning, and explore the surrounding areas in the afternoon, departing before the sanctuary closes at 5 PM. 

Best time to visit

October to February: This is the ideal season due to pleasant weather and cooler temperatures. 

Sample time-wise itinerary

6:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Arrive at the sanctuary and enjoy the cooler morning air and increased chances of spotting wildlife.

10:00 AM: Begin your jungle safari. Remember to report 30 minutes before the safari starts to complete formalities.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Go on the safari, which can be a drive or the "Debrigarh on Wheels" tour that also includes sightseeing to places like the Nrusinghanath Temple.

4:00 PM: You must exit the sanctuary by this time, as it closes at 4 PM. 

Tips for your visit

Book in advance: Book your accommodation and safari through the official website or by contacting the local government tourism office.

Check opening times: The sanctuary is open from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with safaris running between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Be prepared: Carry your entry fee, which is Rs. 40 per adult. 

Activities in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Activities at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary include jungle safaris, boat rides, kayaking, hiking, and watching the sunset. You can also spot wildlife like bison, deer, and peacocks, and visit watchtowers for better views. The sanctuary also offers basic amenities like dining and lodging at the nature camp. 

Outdoor and wildlife activities

Jungle Safari: Take a safari vehicle to see animals like sambar, spotted deer, Indian bison, and wild boars.

Boat Ride: Enjoy a boat ride on the reservoir, which is a great way to see the area and is especially popular for reaching the "Bat Islands".

Kayaking: Participate in kayaking on the water.

Hiking: Explore the sanctuary on foot.

Birdwatching: The sanctuary is home to a wide variety of birds, particularly during the winter months.

Wildlife Spotting: Keep an eye out for the many species, including the endangered Chousingha (four-horned antelope). 

Scenic and relaxing activities

Sunset Viewing: Witness spectacular sunsets over the Mahanadi River.

Watchtower: Climb watchtowers like Parbati Tung for a panoramic view of the sanctuary.

Nature and Relaxation: Connect with nature and enjoy the peaceful environment, with some visitors even spotting animals from their rooms. 

Other facilities

Nature Camp: The camp provides basic amenities like lodging and food.

Amenities: The sanctuary has facilities like picnic tables and cycling lanes.

Library and AV facilities: Some reviews mention a library and audiovisual facilities are available. 

How to Reach Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

  • By road: From Sambalpur: Take the route to Dhodrokusum, which is about 40 km from the city.
    From Bargarh: Head towards Lakhanpur, which is approximately 100 km from Bargarh.
    From Bhubaneswar: The driving distance is about 289 km, which takes roughly 6 hours.
    From Kolkata: The journey is about 565 km and takes approximately 11 hours by car. 
  • By train: Nearest railway station: Sambalpur is the closest major station, with good connections to cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Chennai.
    Alternative station: Bargarh Road is also a nearby railway station. 
  • By air: Nearest airport: The closest airport is in Bhubaneswar.
    From the airport, you will need to take a car for the rest of the journey to the sanctuary, as mentioned above. 

FAQs :

The best time to visit Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is from October to June. During the winter months (October to February), The weather is cool and pleasant for a safari and Birdwatching. The summer months (March to June) are excellent for spotting wildlife, as animals will be more visible near the limited water sources. The weather will be warmer. The monsoon season (June to September) as heavy rainfall can make travel and safaris difficult.

Yes, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is generally considered safe for tourists, with visitors reporting positive and secure experiences, visitors can expect amenities and professional guidance, especially when booking through official channels. However, as with any wildlife sanctuary, visitors should follow all safety guidelines and stay within designated areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

A 2-day trip is generally sufficient for a good visit to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, allowing time for a safari and other activities like boat rides or trekking. Some organized treks or longer stays can extend the visit to 4 days for a more immersive experience.

For a day trip to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, pack neutral-colored clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection like a hat and sunglasses, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, and snacks. Also essential are a camera with extra batteries, a pair of binoculars, and any necessary medications or a basic first-aid kit.

The best area to stay in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is Debrigarh Nature Camp, located at the edge of the Hirakud Reservoir. This is the primary accommodation option, and it offers a range of air-conditioned rooms, including cottages and special "stargazing" rooms, which allow for views of the water and the surrounding natural beauty.

You will need to book a dedicated safari vehicle; No personal vehicle access inside the sanctuary, and public transport does not operate there. You can book a 4-seater, 8-seater, or 12-seater vehicle through the official booking portal, with options for different duration tours.

Mobile network connectivity in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is unreliable, as it is a remote wildlife area. Before entering, make sure to download offline maps and inform others of your travel plans, as you will not be able to call for help or provide updates if there is an issue.

Yes, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has food options, including a restaurant organized by the forest department for tourists, an "Island Cafe" reachable by boat, and a dining space at the Debrigarh Nature Camp that offers homely food. Some nearby establishments also provide food.

The best time for an international tourist to visit Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is during the winter months, from October to February, for pleasant weather and good wildlife viewing opportunities. The period from September to March is also ideal, especially for enjoying the lush greenery and waterfalls that are at their best after the monsoon season, from July to November.

Plan your Trip

indianpanorama