Satkosia is without a doubt one of Odisha’s most stunning ecosystems. It is a tiger reserve and a breeding center for freshwater crocodiles, gharial, and muggers, as well as having a spectacular gorge across the River Mahanadi. The Baisipalli Sanctuary is a short distance away. The Satkosia Tiger Reserve is made up of two wildlife sanctuaries: Satkosia Gorge and Baisipalli, which are spread across four districts: Angul, Nayagarh, Cuttack, and Boudh. The tiger reserve covers an area of 963.87 square kilometers, but the core area is only 523.61 square kilometers..
Tikarapada, Chhotakei, and Purunakote are the three entrance sites of Satkosia. Freshwater turtles such as Chitra indica and Aspidiretes gangeticus, as well as enormous gharials and muggers lazing in the sun on the riverbank, can be seen while boating in the authorized region of Mahanadi towards the gorge. The river is flanked on both sides by beautiful mountains. Even though there are forest rest homes in Chhotakei and Purunakote, the 10 eco-tents in Tikarpada, which are maintained by a group of tribal youths from Tikarpada village employed by the forest department for the purpose, are the most beautiful lodging units in Satkosia.
The youths are extremely friendly and helpful; they not only maintain the tents and lead guided nature treks through the forest, but they also cook for the visitors. They catch freshwater fish from the river on request and cook them in an open kitchen for visitors. Tourists can visit Tikarpada’s Gharial Research and Conservation Unit, which raises young sub-adult gharials in captivity. The Satkosia Wildlife Division has established a similar facility in Tarava village, where local communities host nature enthusiasts. Reservations for the forest rest houses and eco-tents can be made at www.satkosia.org. The Satkosia eco-system is approximately 200 kilometers from Bhubaneswar, which has the closest airport link. If traveling by road from Bhubaneswar, take the NH-6 to Cuttack and then the NH-42 to Dhenkanal and Angul. To enter Satkosia, obtain a permit at the Divisional Forest Office in Angul and then proceed to Pampasar, the main entry gate. To visit Satkosia, you must first obtain a permit from the Divisional Forest Office in Angul, then travel to Pampasar, the main entry gate.
