While Odisha has many wildlife sanctuaries, what makes Tikarpada unique is its efforts to reintroduce endangered gharials (crocodiles). The gharials that live here were reintroduced into the Mahanadi River ecosystem to increase their population. The wildlife sanctuary, which covers an area of 795.52 km2 and is located in the Angul District of Odisha, is also a popular tourist attraction because it is home to various species of turtles, snakes, and avifauna. The Satkosia Gorge, formed by the Mahanadi River as it flows through the hills surrounding Tikarpada, attracts more visitors for a sightseeing tour here. On their tour to this wildlife sanctuary, adventurers can also enjoy activities such as trekking, river rafting, and angling.
Flora and Fauna
Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary is well-known for its gharial breeding program, but it is also known for its diverse flora and fauna. Some of the fauna species that can be seen in this Odisha tourist destination include leopards, spotted deer, tigers, rhesus macaques, Indian Pittas, red jungle fowls, and pangolins. Tikarpada is also visited by tourists who want to see the avifauna species circling in the sky, which includes both migratory and indigenous birds.

Best Time To Visit
If you want to visit Tikarpada Wildlife Sanctuary, the months of October to February are considered to be the best. As long as the weather is pleasant, visitors can enjoy all of the activities available at the wildlife sanctuary.
How to reach
The nearest airport to this sanctuary is Bhuwaneshwar’s Biju Patnaik Airport, which is approximately 114 kilometers away. You can also travel by road, as there is good connectivity from Angul, Dhenkanal, and Odisha’s other major cities. Angul, the nearest station, is 42 kilometers away. The Bhubaneswar railway station is another important railway station. Numerous buses run from the state’s major cities to the wildlife sanctuary.