Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha Tourism (2024)

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

In this post, I will show you complete information about Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Here, you will know about,

  • Overview of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Hirakud Dam
  • Timings, Ticket Price 
  • And a lot of information

Let’s get started.

About Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, spread over an area of 347 sq km, is one of the famous tourist destinations and wildlife conservation sites, Located near the Hirakud dam at Sambalpur, in western Odisha. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has a deep historic connection to India’s Independence, Famous Freedom Fighter-Surendra Sai was born in Sambalpur. The Sanctuary is a source of water for birds, animals, and aquatic animals. Due to its arresting natural habitat and animal sanctuary, it is said to be Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is different from all other sanctuaries of Odisha like Nalabana Bird Sanctuary.

With the rich biodiversity, the Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary serves as home to numerous wildlife including Birds, amphibians, mammals, reptiles, and many more species. In addition, The Sanctuary has more than 250 plant species. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is also famous for the abundance of flora and fauna which is surrounded by Debrigarh, Lambipaly, and Ghagdabehera Village. This sanctuary is one of the most vibrant wildlife sanctuaries in the country.

Key Points of Debrigar Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located near Hirakud Dam (Mahanadi river) in the Bargarh district of Odisha.
  • The Sanctuary covers an area of ​​346.91 sq km.
  •  on February 8, 1985, It was declared Debigarh a wildlife sanctuary.
  • Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary is surrounded by huge Hirakud Water reservoirs to the east and north.
  • In the sanctuary, there are many Plants, Dry deciduous forest and Four-horned deer, Indian leopard, Indian elephant, sambar, chital, gaur, etc.

Attractions of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The best part of Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is seeing some famous animals; Gaur, leopard, and chausingh. Samba sights are also very famous in the sanctuary areas. According to records, In Winter, the Sanctuary has the highest number of diving ducks as compared to other sanctuaries in Odisha. Probably, That’s why It is said to be the best environment-friendly wildlife sanctuary in Odisha, India.

In addition, while you staying here, you can also visit Zero Point which is located at the far end of the right dyke. Here you will see an amazing viewpoint where will see Hirakud Dam which is built on the bank of the river and Sanctuary on one side and Hirakud Reservoir on another side.

Flora and Fauna

According to the record of the Forest Department of Odisha Record, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has 12 species of amphibians, 39 species of odonets, 40 species of mammals, 85 species of butterflies, 41 species of reptiles, 42 species of fish, 28 species of spiders.

Some commonly seen animals of the Debigarh Sanctuary are chaussingh, bears, foxes, hedgehogs, cheetahs, spotted deer, monitor lizards, hyenas, Tigers, bison, gaur, and Indian Rabbit.

Moreover, the sanctuary is home to many wild birds such as crested serpent eagle, peacock, and diving duck There is also the Hirakud Dam in a part of the reserve and hence, a view of the reservoir can also be expected. Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a dry deciduous forest, unlike most of the wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha, which have wet forests of flower varieties.

Importance of Hirakud Dam for the Sanctuary

Hirakud Dam at Hirakud Lake attracts a number of migratory birds in the winter, and a large amount of and variety of Diving Duck are found here. Still, the Dam is reserved water.

Basically, Hirakud Dam has surrounded one-third of the sanctuary and it also forms a small reservoir area for reservoirs. Hirakud Dam provides water to the sanctuary, especially in Summer, when it is dry. 

It is home to a wide range Plants and of fauna habitats. Also, These areas are a great breeding ground for winter migratory birds.

What Things To Do at this Sanctuary

When you are at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Nature Camp, be sure to try to do Bird Watching and Jungle Safari. Though, there are many activities you can do here while staying there. 

  • Bird Watching: You can go to watch and enjoy migratory Birds in the Morning or evening.
  • Jungle Safari: Jungle Safari is the most amazing and funny activity to do here. Take a Guider and explore the nature Safari and Treks. The view of the Magnificent Delta of the Mahanadi is just amazing.  Seeing animals while trekking in a Safari Open Headed Car or by walking between Dhodrokusum and Chaurasimal is an exciting and chilling activity for nature lovers, photographers, and everyone in general.
  • Boating: You can take a Boat Ride on the Hirakud Reservoir and enjoy the beautiful colors of sunrise and sunset over the water which is a delightful feeling.

Where To Stay at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary near Barkhandia has several eco-tourism cottages and it is the best accommodation to stay here. DFO will give the grant permission to stay in the cottage

Besides the bank of the Hirakud Reservoir, there is Ecotour Nature Camp which provides all the basic necessities and modern conveniences to stay comfortable in the lap of nature without the populated air. It will refresh and recharge your day. In addition, you can also book OTDC hotels, beds and breakfasts, and homestays.

Best Time To Visit Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

The best time to visit Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is between November and March. Because the Sanctuary is located in the Sambalpur Village where the temperature is around 45 degrees Celsius in Summer and around 9-10 degrees celsius in winter.  The winter is pleasant and the rural environment of the small village can be felt. In the morning, wild animals and birds come out to the water’s edge and bath in the warmth of the morning sunlight, which is a wonderful sight. That’s why it is considered that the winter months and pre-summer months are the best time to visit the sanctuary.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Timings, Ticket Price 

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Timings:

DayTiming
Monday7:00 am – 5.00 pm
Tuesday7:00 am – 5.00 pm
Wednesday7:00 am – 5.00 pm
Thursday7:00 am – 5.00 pm
Friday7:00 am – 5.00 pm
Saturday7:00 am – 5.00 pm
Sunday7:00 am – 5.00 pm

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Ticket Price:

The Ticket Price is Rs. 40 per person. This fee is added to the accommodation fees while you book this. Keep in mind, that you have to carry the printout of the Online Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Cottage Booking Receive copy (www.ecotourodisha.com) and ID Proof.

How to Reach Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Debigarh is 289 km from Bhubaneswar and one can reach here by road or train via Sambalpur from here you can book a cab. The nearest railway station is Sambalpur Railway Station and the nearest airport is Jharsuguda Airport. Debrigarh Nature Camp is 40 km away from Sambalpur and can be reached from Sambalpur and Hirakud town via the right dyke of the dam.

Basically, The Debigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has two entrances to the sanctuary, one in the southern part known as Dhodrokusum, which is around 40 km away from Sambalpur Town and which is located near the Hirakud Reservoir. Sambalpur is the nearest railway station and Jharsuguda is the airport. From the airport or Station, you have to book Taxi or Local Car to reach the destination.

And, from the Northern Part, The Sanctuary is located 78 km from Baragarh town and is also known as Lakshanpur. The Sanctuary has located 317 km from Bhubaneswar and is connected by road.

Location in Google Map:

Communication system inside Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Around the sanctuary, there is a wireless communication system has been set up which is cover all the corners of the Sanctuary. This communication network is used for the trekkers through Base Station for any emergency condition. Now, the VHF base stations of the communication network at Debrigarh are located at places like Sambardhara, and Lakshanpur.

Forest Range Officer:

  • Lakhanpur Wildlife Range at Lakhanpur
  • Phone Number: (06646) 264241

Divisional Forest Officer:

  • Hirakud Wildlife Division,
  • Motijharan Po- & District: Sambalpur-768001 (Odisha)
  • Phone Numbers: (0663) 2548743

Conclusion

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha which provides the vibe of Jungle Safari, Boating, and also  Freedom History of India. I hope you have got the complete information on this Wildlife Sanctuary from this article.

Now, I’d like to know from you:

How excited you are for Jungle Safari?

Let me know in the comment Right Now.

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