One of the well-known tourist attractions in western Odisha is the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is spread over 347 sq km and close to the Hirakud dam in Sambalpur. It serves as a water source for the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary’s birds, mammals, and aquatic life. Due to the incredible animal sightings and the natural habitat provided in the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, the Sanctuary differs significantly from all other sanctuaries in the state.
The Sanctuary also strongly connects to the national liberation movement, particularly Vir Surendra Sai, a well-known freedom warrior born in Sambalpur. It’s thought that Vir Surendra Sai sought refuge at several locations in the deep forests where the Sanctuary is today to organise his uprising against the East India Company’s hegemony.
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is surrounded by the communities of Lambipalli, Debrigarh, Mundakati, and Jhagadabehera, is renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life. The Sanctuary’s woodlands are home to various migratory birds, including the extinct crested serpent eagle and the Chousingha, and wild animals, including sloth bears, tigers, leopards, nilgais, sambars, and chitals. In addition, several freshwater turtles and mugger crocodiles give the woodland area a vibrant appearance. The number of species present here and the area covered in a lush forest can be used to determine the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary’s level of vibrancy. It is regarded as one of the nation’s most active preserves for wildlife.

Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary Attractions
The opportunity to see some of the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary’s most well-known creatures, including gaurs, leopards, and chausinghas, is its most attractive feature (antelope with four horns). The sightings in Sambar are also renowned across the Sanctuary’s surrounding territories. The chausingha and the gaur are thought to be two of the most well-known species only found at the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, where many other species of animals are also found. Records indicate that of all the sanctuaries in Odisha, the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary has the highest number of diving ducks during the winter. The Sanctuary is also home to red-crested pochards and crowned grebes. In addition, the Debrigarh. The Debrigarh Sanctuary is also home to notable species of resident and migratory birds, chameleons, gaur, spotted deer, tiger, moijitor lizards, and sloth bears.
Attractions for Tourists Close to Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary
Near the Sanctuary are numerous additional tourist attractions well-known for being picnic sites. Sambalpur residents frequent these locations throughout the winter since the weather is so good. In addition, a renowned deer park in Sambalpur, the wild animal conservation center (WACC), offers guests numerous leisure opportunities. It also functions as a facility for rescuing wild animals. Another significant tourist destination close to the Sanctuary is the Hirakud Dam project. Another well-known tourist destination in Sambalpur that receives many visitors all year round is Cattle Island, close to Hirakud.
Hirakud Dam’s significance for the Sanctuary
As the dam’s still water reservoir is a popular wintering spot for many migrating birds, the reservoir at Hirakud Lake is also home to various diving ducks. The Hirakud dam generates a mini-catchment area for the reservoir and borders one-third of the Sanctuary’s perimeter. When the water inside the Sanctuary evaporates in the summer, the dam serves as a source of water supply. Many wildlife may be found in this area, and the flora, which is also a part of the habitat, supports them. The banks of the reservoir provide a favorable environment for the growth of reeds as well as grasses. These habitats provide a good breeding ground for migrating birds that arrive throughout the winter.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary lodging
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary near Barkhandia has several eco-tourism cottages equipped with the best lodging. To enter the Sanctuary, one must obtain the authorization posted at the entrance. However, DFOs are authorized to grant permits for cottage stays. which are easily obtained from the offices in Sambalpur by paying a small fee.
Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary’s Best Season to Visit
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, In Sambalpur has a wide range of temperatures, from 9°C in the winter to 45°C in the summer. It has been noted that the winters are freezing, with temperatures down to approximately four °C, and the summers are extremely hot, with temperatures reaching the 50°C mark. The Sanctuary is best visited during the winter’s final weeks and the early summer. January through March is the ideal time to visit Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary’s year-round temperature ranges from 9 to 45 degrees Celsius. In recent years, temperatures have risen to about 48°C, and wintertime lows of 5°C have been recorded. The Sanctuary is best visited throughout the winter and the months leading up to summer.
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