The state of Orissa has a geographical area of 155,707 sq. km. The recorded forest area is 52,472 sq. km. but the actual forest cover is 47,033 sq. km. as per the State of Forest Report (SFR 1999) of Forest Survey of India. In order to provide proper protection to the wildlife and their habitat, a total of 18 sanctuaries (Protected Areas) including Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuary, one National Park (Bhitarkanika, one proposed National Park have been notified under the provisions of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

These Protected Areas constitute 10.37% of the total forest area and 4.1% of the total geographical area of the state. Besides, one Tiger Reserve (Similipal), one Biosphere Reserve (Similipal), one closed area (Chilika).

The state has the singular distinction of having 3 mass nesting beaches of endangered olive ridley sea turtles including world's largest nesting ground of olive ridley sea turtle. It has many natural wetlands including largest wetland of Asia (Chilika) now designated as a Ramsar site. A total of 19 species of amphibians, 110 species of reptiles including three crocodilian species, 473 species of birds and 86 species of mammals have so far been recorded in the state which include 54 species of threatened animals (17 species of reptiles, 15 species of birds and 22 species of mammals).

Badarama sanctuary also popularly known as Usakothi, located in the district of Sambalpur, 48 km. from Sambalpur on the NH-6 under Bamra Forest Division.

Its prominent and attractive location in western Orissa with hilly undulating areas and rich dry deciduous mixed forests and wide variety of fauna including tiger, leopard, elephant, hyena, wildboar, spotted deer, sambar, bear, porcupine and a number of birds, reptiles etc, make it very beautiful.

Adjacent to Satkosia gorge and located in the Nayagarh district, the Baisipalli wildlife sanctuary is having similar and contiguous habitat features as the Satkosia gorge sanctuary. The panoramic view of the Satkosia gorge along with the forests is most scenic.

This sanctuary is situated at convenient location along sea coast between Puri and Konark. The flora of the area includes casuarina, anacardium, neem, tamarind, karanja, etc.

Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the state of Orissa and it is one of the few sanctuaries in India, which has crocodiles and turtles as its prized attractions. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 650 sq km and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1975. Located in the district of Kendrapada, Bhitarkanika harbours rich and unique bio-diversity which has been declared as a wildlife sanctuary and also a National Park. 

The area is surrounded by rivers such as Brahmani, Baitarani and Dhamara.

The area supports rich bio-diversity including dense mangroves (63 species), largest population of estuarine crocodiles (1098 as per 2000 census), the rare white crocodile (sankhua), largest Indian lizards (water monitor), poisonous and non-poisonous snakes like king cobra and python, varieties of residents and migratory birds (217 species) and a number of mammalian species (spotted deer, sambar, wild boar, fishing cat, jungle cat, otter etc).

The sea beach, bordering the sanctuary attracts thousands of olive ridley sea turtles for mass nesting/ egg lying during the winter months (January to April). Bhitarkanika mangrove ecosystem is unique of its kind and it is a best reptile refuge in the entire country. The sanctuary is a protected zone for estuarine crocodiles. The sanctuary is also home to a number of birds and every year a large number of migratory birds come to nest into the mangrove area. The other animals that you can see at the Bhitarkanika sanctuary include King Cobra, Indian Python and Water Monitor Lizard.

Every year large number of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles flocks at the Gahirmatha coast to lay their eggs. These turtles attract a number of wildlife enthusiasts to Bhitarkanika National Park. To ensure the safety of these turtles, the area was converted into a national park in 1998.

Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary is rich in marine vegetation and trees like sundari, casuarinas, thespia and grasses like the indigo bush. The fauna at the Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary include estuarine crocodiles, sea turtles, wild pigs, chitals and rhesus monkeys. You can see a large number of birds at the sanctuary that include fish eagle and white-necked sea eagle.

Twenty kilometers from the centre of temple city of Bhubaneswar lies Chandka-Dampara Sanctuary (175.79 sq. km.). This small and attractive sanctuary with undulating topography presents a fascinating rejuvenated forest and rich bio-diversity. 

The mixed tropical dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests with miscellaneous species, bamboo and planted teak provide ideal habitat for elephant (83 nos.), leopard, hyena, spotted deer, wild dog, wild boar, ratel, pangolin, pea fowl, red jungle fowl, white ibis, dab chicks, open bill stork, egret, python, monitor lizard etc.

The natural water body and forests provide suitable nesting ground for 82 species of migratory and resident birds.

Chilika, the largest brackish water wetland (1000 sq. km approx.) in the country is situated in the east coast of the state in the district of Puri, Ganjam and Khurda. A vast and picturesque lagoon/lake is famous for rich bio-diversity including the migratory birds and has been acknowledged as a "Ramsar site".

This vast lagoon studded with small fascinating islands and sandy beaches interspersed with casuarina grooves along the Bay of Bengal. Over 167 species of resident and migratory (94 species) birds including flamingo, white bellied sea eagle, brahminy kite, spot billed pelican, barheaded goose, openbilled stork, spoonbill, brahminy duck, wigeon, pintail, shoveller, ibis, stilt, heron, egret, avocet, gull, tern, king fisher etc. find their winter abode in this wetland.

The combination of dry deciduous mixed forests with rich wildlife, Hirakud reservoir; attractive topographical features are the important features of Debrigarh wildlife sanctuary.

The Hirakud reservoir attracts large number of migratory birds during winter. The forest area is ideal habitat for Chousingha. Other prominent fauna includes tiger, leopard, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, sloth bear, resident and migratory birds, moijitor lizards, chameleon etc. The sanctuary entry point at Dhodrokusum adjoining Hirakud reservoir is 40 km. from Sambalpur and 60 km. from Baragarh.

Besides this wetland provides home for endangered Irrawady dolphin and the sunrise and sunset in Chilika are unforgettable scenes.

Gahirmatha sanctuary is the only marine sanctuary of Orissa. It has a width of 20k.m. towards the sea. Located slightly further away is the coastal area of Gahirmatha, where the giant Pacific Ridley Sea Turtle, traveling annually from as far away from South America nest by the million. It extends from Ekakula Nasi Island from North to Telanga Muhana in the South. 

This sanctuary is a restricted area where as per provision of Wildlife Act. These animals are allowed to propagate, perpetuate and flourish in this restricted area irrespective of their direct economic concern for human beings. Special arrangements were made to ensure their protection as the turtles were preyed upon by the local folk many years. The Gahirmatha is unique because it is the only mass nesting site for Olive-ridley sea turtles in the whole world. This area too is a potential breeding and feeding ground for many marine fishes.

The sea turtle Arribada, in a clear moonlit winter night, big turtles crawling out of deep sea in hundred and thousands, puffing and laboring, selecting a site, digging a hole in the sand with hind flippers, laying nearly 200 eggs, covering and compacting by their own body weight, sweeping out of all traces and crawling back to sea, all within 45 minutes, is an event to be seen to be believed. The high abundance of fish as evidenced from higher fish catch is indicative of high productivity of the area. The selective preference of turtles for feeding jelly fishes which otherwise would have eaten the fish lets, maintains the quantity and quality of fish catch.

Hadagarh sanctuary in the district of Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj is close to Hadagarh reservoir of Salandi dam. The area is rich in mixed deciduous forests and wildlife which includes tiger, leopard, fishing cat, jungle cat, hyena, elephant, langur, pangolin, a variety of birds and reptiles. The Baula hill range lying on the east and west of Salandi River, the valley occupied by the reservoir and its catchments are the main features.

This small but beautiful sanctuary is located close to and about 12 km. from the district town of Bhawanipatna in Kalahandi district covering a dense patch of lush green dry deciduous forest. A beautiful waterfall near this river on the outskirts of this sanctuary called Phulljharan has been developed as a picnic spot for the local visitors and draws large number of visitors from far of places. The undulated topography of the sanctuary, with hills, valley, perennial streams and deep water pools give it a unique charm. This sanctuary is rich in wildlife such as tiger, leopard, gaur, sambar, nilgai, barking deer, mouse deer, a wide variety of birds and reptiles.

Khalasuni's undulating topography ranging from 223 mt. to 750 mt. offers a wide scenic beauty of wild virgin forests. There are a variety of wildlife like tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sambar, and spotted deer, barking deer, pea fowl, horn bill and number of reptilian species. It is an ideal place for nature lovers and tourists.

The prominent fauna include blackbuck, spotted deer, monkey, squirrel, jungle cat, hyena, jackal, mangoose and variety of birds and reptiles.

Kotagarh Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in bio-diversity located in the Baliguda subdivision of Kandhamal. Major wildlife species are tiger, elephant, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, peafowl, and red jungle fowl with sylvan and serene picturesque beauty is the major attraction. The dense lush green forests bungalow at Belghar attracts many nature loving visitors.

This sanctuary is located in the district of Balasore and is blessed with a charmjng forest and a variety of wildlife such as tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sambar, and giant squirrel, a number of bird species like hill myna, peafowl, hornbills and various reptiles.

The sanctuary is linked with Similipal through Sukhupada hills and Nato hill ranges. A trek from Nilgiri amidst Kuldiha forests is worth enjoying.

This sanctuary, located in the district of Gajapati is rich with tropical mixed deciduous forest, hills, perennial water sources and a variety of wildlife such as tiger, hyena, elephant, deer, sambar and a variety of birds and reptiles. 

This sanctuary can be approached from Berhampur, Taptapani (famous for its hot water spring) and Chandragiri.

Amidst lush green forest along the banks of Kanjia lake, lays Nandankanan Zoological Park which together with lake and Botanical garden is declared as sanctuary (4.4. sq. km.).

The park is set in a beautiful natural setting and is one of the finest parks in the country with natural enclosures unlike other conventional zoos. It has an open Lion Safari and first zoo in the world, where gharials have bred in captivity.

It has a beautiful botanical garden too. Other items of tourist’s attractions, nocturnal animal house, reptile toy train ride, rope-way ride across a natural lake and facilitators boating in the lake. As it is located in just 15 km. away from Bhubaneswar, it remains crowded throughout the year.

The Reptile Park’s cave like entrance is guarded by a life-size tyrannosaurus inside numerous species of crocodiles, lizards, turtles and snakes share the park with natural ease.

67 kinds of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles, 81 species of birds coexist in the deeply forest boundaries.

The zoo enjoys an excellent reputation, internationally, for successfully breeding black panthers, gharial crocodiles and white tigers in captivity.

Gharial

For the first time ever, a captive breeding centre was created for Gharial crocodiles. This important task was also facilitating by the gift of an adult male from the FRANKFURT ZOO.

One of the rarest creatures in the World, the regal white tiger, received the new lease of life with the important research and concerted efforts initiated to try and breed then in the natural environs of Nandankanan. 1980 on a day full excitement and jubilation, the first litter of White tigers were born to Deepak and Ganga , to 20 tigers . Subsequent litters of white tigers have been distributed to zoos both at home and abroad. Currently, Nandankanan is home to over 34 white tigers.

The White Tiger Safari , established in 1991,offers visitors the heady excitement of viewing the rare white tigers from specially designed protected bushes. The lion safari offers an adventurous zing to the trip to Nandankanan.The lion safari first of its kind in the world sprawls over forested land of 20 hectares with a 3km. motorable road. That’s make a visit to the park more interesting. The 620 meters long aerial rope -way transports the visitors across the lake to see botanical garden having many rare and endangered species of flora from different parts of the world. A first of its kind in any Indian zoo. Disabled and elderly person who cannot move through the large park on foot ,find it very interesting to use this pollution and noise free transport system which goes round the park. The white tiger safari spreads over an area of 12 hectares with motorable roads inside .The visitor’s move inside the park in protected vehicles of authority. It takes you straight into the prides of lions and right in front of the majestic tigers.

Boating in Kanjia Lake on paddle or row boats in the clear blue waters is an exhilarating experience. Unique is the 50 hectors of beautiful water lake spread area named " kanjia " which attracts large numbers of resident and migratory birds like whistling teal, cotton teal, darter, purple moorhen, herons, jacana etc. Boating in lake in the clear blue waters is an exhilarating experience.

Satkosia gorge is a unique feature in geomorphology in India. Here Mahanadi has out right across the Eastern Ghats and has formed a magnificent gorge. Located in the districts of Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh, Satkosia gorge sanctuary (795.52 sq. km.)With sylvan beauty and excellent natural features is an attractive destination for scientist and nature lovers.

The area supports moist deciduous forest, dry deciduous forests and moist peninsular sal forests and is stronghold of tiger, leopard, elephant, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, mouse deer, nilgai, choushingha, sloth bear, wild dog etc., varieties of resident and migratory birds and reptilian species (gharial, mugger crocodile, fresh water turtle, poisonous and non-poisonous snakes etc.). Major attraction of the sanctuary is the gorge, river Mahanadi, the Gharial Research and Conservation Unit at Tikarapada, hill slopes, various tracking routes and boating.

Located in the Mayurbhanj district Similipal with its dense green forests, hilly terrain, broad open valleys, plateaus, grass lands and rich bio-diversity has the unique distinction of being a Tiger Reserve, a National Park (proposed), a Wildlife Sanctuary, and an Elephant.

Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve. Semi-evergreen to dry deciduous forest types (1076 species of plants including 94 varieties of orchids) provide suitable home for a variety of fauna (42 species of mammals, 231 species of birds and 29 species of reptiles).

Important and rare wildlife include tigers (98 nos.) against the total nos. of 194 tigers in the entire state as per 1998 census), elephants (565 as per 1999 census), leopard, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, gaur, hill myna, hornbills, peacock, python, cobra, lizards etc.

Similipal is the richest watershed in Orissa feeding several perennial rivers such as Budhabalanga, Khadkei, Khairi-Bhandan, and Salandi etc. Gorgeous Barheipani (40 mt.) and Joranda (150 mt.) waterfalls are of great attractions.

The rich bio-diversity, the physical and topographical features of Similipal constitute a unique and delightful destination for scientists, nature lovers, students and tourists.

Located close to the boundary of Chhatisgarh state on the western fringe of Orissa in the newly created Nuapada district, this sanctuary covers 600 sq. km. of dry deciduous forests. The plateau on the hill top holds a slightly undulating flat land with good edible grass. Eleven beautiful waterfalls and seasonal streams which dry out during summer leaving few deep pools of water.

These are very fascinating attractions. Major wildlife species are : tiger, leopard, and hyena, barking deer, chital, gaur, sambar, sloth bear, varieties of birds such as hill myna, pea fowl, partridge and a number of reptilian species. This sanctuary is considered as an ideal habitat for Barasingha (locally extinct).