Odisha, known for its beaches and temple architecture, also boasts rich wildlife ecosystems. Situated at the convergence of the Eastern Ghats, Chota Nagpur Plateau, and Central India biogeographic regions, the state offers a diverse range of flora and fauna. Here, you’ll find tigers, elephants, crocodiles, dolphins, and rare birds. The state hosts the world’s largest rookeries for Olive Ridley turtles, with the Rushikulya River mouth being a tourist-friendly site for witnessing the turtles’ arribada. Bhitarkanika National Park is renowned for its saltwater crocodile population, while Similipal Tiger Reserve is known for its black tigers. Other wildlife destinations include Bhetnoi for blackbucks, the Mahanadi River for elephants and deer, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary for leopards and sloth bears, and Chilika Lake for its diverse birdlife and Irrawaddy dolphins.
