Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
Ecological Profile: The Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary is a vast expanse of nearly 600 square kilometers that serves as a vital corridor for wildlife between Odisha and Chhattisgarh. It was officially declared a sanctuary in 1983. The landscape is a stunning mix of plateaus, deep canyons, and 11 distin ct waterfalls. It is famously one of the few places in Odisha where the rare Barasingha (Swamp Deer) can be found. The sanctuary is also a tiger reserve, home to a diverse range of predators including leopards and hyenas. The Jonk River flows through the northern part of the sanctuary, providing a perennial water source for the animals. The flora is predominantly dry deciduous forest, with massive stretches of teak and bamboo. For bird enthusiasts, the sanctuary is a paradise, hosting over 200 species of birds. It is not just a forest but a complete ecosystem that supports both rare wildlife and local tribal populations:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Duration:
6 to 8 Hours:Place Type:
Category:
Wildlife & Adventure:Entry Fees:
Entry Fee: 15 INR for Indian adults and 10 INR for children.
Safari Charges: Hiring a jeep can cost between 2000 INR to 3500 INR depending on the duration and the route taken:...Entry Fee: 15 INR for Indian adults and 10 INR for children.
Safari Charges: Hiring a jeep can cost between 2000 INR to 3500 INR depending on the duration and the route taken:Timing:
Opening Timings: The sanctuary is open from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
Ideal Time: The winter months from November to February are best for wildlife sightings as animals come out to bask in the sun:...Opening Timings: The sanctuary is open from 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM.
Ideal Time: The winter months from November to February are best for wildlife sightings as animals come out to bask in the sun:Special Events:
Forest Week: Celebrated in the first week of October with awareness programs and special guided tours for students.
Tribal Festivals: Local festivals like Chaitra Parba are celebrated with intensity in the surrounding tribal villages:...Forest Week: Celebrated in the first week of October with awareness programs and special guided tours for students.
Tribal Festivals: Local festivals like Chaitra Parba are celebrated with intensity in the surrounding tribal villages:Best Photo Spots:
Canyon View: The best spot is the edge of the plateau overlooking the Jonk River valley during the golden hour.
Wildlife Close-up: The salt licks near the forest rest houses are excellent spots to photograph deer and wild boars:...Canyon View: The best spot is the edge of the plateau overlooking the Jonk River valley during the golden hour.
Wildlife Close-up: The salt licks near the forest rest houses are excellent spots to photograph deer and wild boars:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Jungle Safari: Take a guided jeep safari through the designated tracks to spot deer, gaurs, and if lucky, a leopard or tiger.
Bird Watching: Head to the Raital Bandh area in the early morning for the best chance to see exotic avian species.
Historical Trekking: Hike up to the ruins of Jumlagarh Fort to explore the ancient stone walls and enjoy the view.
Photography: Use long lenses to capture wildlife in their natural habitat and wide lenses for the dramatic canyon landscapes.
Tribal Interaction: Visit the peripheral villages to understand the 'Chukia Bhunjia' tribe's unique lifestyle and conservation efforts.
Nature Walks: Walk along the banks of the Jonk River in safe zones to observe the aquat...Jungle Safari: Take a guided jeep safari through the designated tracks to spot deer, gaurs, and if lucky, a leopard or tiger.
Bird Watching: Head to the Raital Bandh area in the early morning for the best chance to see exotic avian species.
Historical Trekking: Hike up to the ruins of Jumlagarh Fort to explore the ancient stone walls and enjoy the view.
Photography: Use long lenses to capture wildlife in their natural habitat and wide lenses for the dramatic canyon landscapes.
Tribal Interaction: Visit the peripheral villages to understand the 'Chukia Bhunjia' tribe's unique lifestyle and conservation efforts.
Nature Walks: Walk along the banks of the Jonk River in safe zones to observe the aquatic life and riparian vegetation.
Cave Exploration: Visit the Ranimuhas caves to see the natural rock formations and learn about local legends associated with them:
Information
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Why Famous:
Rare Fauna: It is famous for being a habitat for the Swamp Deer and for being a significant Tiger Reserve in western Odisha.
Canyons & Falls: Renowned for the Godhas Waterfall and the deep canyons that rival the beauty of national parks in c...Rare Fauna: It is famous for being a habitat for the Swamp Deer and for being a significant Tiger Reserve in western Odisha.
Canyons & Falls: Renowned for the Godhas Waterfall and the deep canyons that rival the beauty of national parks in central India: -
Architecture:
Landscape Architecture: The sanctuary is characterized by a high-altitude plateau rising to about 3,000 feet above sea level.
Dimensions: The sanctuary covers an area of 600 sq. km, with a core area dedicated to tiger conservation.
...Landscape Architecture: The sanctuary is characterized by a high-altitude plateau rising to about 3,000 feet above sea level.
Dimensions: The sanctuary covers an area of 600 sq. km, with a core area dedicated to tiger conservation.
Historical Ruins: Within the sanctuary lies the Jumlagarh Fort, an ancient structure with stone walls that show early medieval architectural influences. The fort sits on a hill, providing a strategic view of the surrounding valleys. There are also several natural caves like Ranimuhas which have been used by humans since prehistoric times, featuring basic rock-cut steps and natural chambers: -
How To Reach:
By Air: Raipur Airport (200 KMS) is actually closer than Bhubaneswar (600 KMS) for this specific sanctuary.
By Train: Nuapada Road is the nearest station; however, Jeypore is a major base for tourists doing the full circuit.By Air: Raipur Airport (200 KMS) is actually closer than Bhubaneswar (600 KMS) for this specific sanctuary.
By Train: Nuapada Road is the nearest station; however, Jeypore is a major base for tourists doing the full circuit.
By Road: Accessible via the NH-353; the roads are well-maintained up to the sanctuary gates.
Local Transport: It is essential to hire a sturdy SUV or Jeep, as the terrain inside the sanctuary is rugged and unpaved: -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter (Oct-Feb): Best for safaris and bird watching; temperatures are pleasant for all-day exploration.
Summer (Mar-May): Very hot, but animal sightings near water holes increase significantly during this period:...Winter (Oct-Feb): Best for safaris and bird watching; temperatures are pleasant for all-day exploration.
Summer (Mar-May): Very hot, but animal sightings near water holes increase significantly during this period: -
Near Tourist Places:
Putsil (25 KMS), Jeypore (30 KMS), Koraput (20 KMS), Dumuriput (15 KMS), Kolab Dam (25 KMS), Bagra Waterfall (15 KMS), Deomali (50 KMS), Gupteswar (75 KMS), Duduma (65 KMS), Maliguda (45 KMS):
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Always stay inside the vehicle during the safari; do not wear bright colors as they can startle the animals.
Packing: Carry binoculars, sunblock, a hat, and neutral-colored clothing; bring your own food as there are no can...Health & Safety: Always stay inside the vehicle during the safari; do not wear bright colors as they can startle the animals.
Packing: Carry binoculars, sunblock, a hat, and neutral-colored clothing; bring your own food as there are no canteens inside.
Accommodation: Forest guest houses are available but must be booked in advance; otherwise, stay in Nuapada or Khariar Road.
Connectivity: Expect very poor mobile signal inside the forest; carry a physical map and tell your hotel about your return time:
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