Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary
Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary, is a premier destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts in Western Odisha. Established in 1962, it covers an area of over 304 square kilometers of dense dry deciduous forest. Situated on the NH-53 (Mumbai-Kolkata highway), the sanctuary is part of the Sambalpur Elephant Reserve and is a vital corridor for Asian Elephants. The terrain is characterized by hills, seasonal streams, and dense groves of Sal, Sandalwood, Arjun, and Neem trees. The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of fauna including Tigers, Leopards, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Wild Boars, and Sloth Bears. For birdwatchers, it is a paradise, famously hosting the Racket-tailed Drongo and the rare Flying Squirrel. The sanctuary features two 30-foot high masonry watchtowers located near waterholes, allowing visitors to observe animals in their natural habitat without disturbance. The dense canopy and the raw wilderness offer a "soulful experience" that is far removed from the commercialized safari parks of India. Historically, the forest was a hunting ground for the local kings, but today it stands as a testament to conservation efforts in the Eastern Ghats ecosystem. The sanctuary remains closed during the monsoon to allow for animal breeding, making the winter months the prime time for exploration. It is a place where one can truly hear the heartbeat of the forest. :
General information
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Ideal Duration:
5 - 6 HoursPlace Type:
Wildlife & Eco-TourismEntry Fees:
Indian Nationals: 40 INR per person.
Foreign Nationals: 1000 INR per person.
Vehicle Entry: 100 INR for light vehicles; 300 INR for heavy vehicles.
Camera Fee: 50 INR for ...Indian Nationals: 40 INR per person.
Foreign Nationals: 1000 INR per person.
Vehicle Entry: 100 INR for light vehicles; 300 INR for heavy vehicles.
Camera Fee: 50 INR for still cameras; 500 INR for professional video.
:Timing:
Regular Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Safaris usually start at 6:30 AM and 3:30 PM).
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (6:30 AM) is the best time for spotting large mammals like elephants and bison.
:...Regular Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Safaris usually start at 6:30 AM and 3:30 PM).
Ideal Visit Time: Early morning (6:30 AM) is the best time for spotting large mammals like elephants and bison.
:Special Events:
World Wildlife Day: Celebrated on March 3rd with awareness programs and special nature camps for students.
Gajotsav: Local forest festivals in November dedicated to the conservation of elephants.
:...World Wildlife Day: Celebrated on March 3rd with awareness programs and special nature camps for students.
Gajotsav: Local forest festivals in November dedicated to the conservation of elephants.
:Best Photo Spots:
The Watchtower Balcony: Provides a high-angle view of the watering hole where animals congregate.
Sunbeams through Sal Trees: The dense canopy creates beautiful 'God rays' during the early morning hours.
Animal...The Watchtower Balcony: Provides a high-angle view of the watering hole where animals congregate.
Sunbeams through Sal Trees: The dense canopy creates beautiful 'God rays' during the early morning hours.
Animal Tracks: Macro photography of tiger or leopard pugmarks in the soft forest soil.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Jeep Safari: Hire a forest department jeep for a guided tour through the designated wildlife tracks.
Night Safari: Participate in the rare night safaris (with permission) to spot nocturnal animals using spotlights.
Bird Watching: Spend hours at the watchtower with a field guide to identify over 150 species of birds.
Wildlife Photography: Capture the majestic movements of Sambar and Spotted Deer against the golden forest light.
Stay at the Forest Rest House: Experience the thrill of staying overnight in the middle of the jungle.
Eco-Walks: Take guided short walks near the sanctuary fringes to learn about forest tracks and signs.
Visit the Interpretation Center: L...Jeep Safari: Hire a forest department jeep for a guided tour through the designated wildlife tracks.
Night Safari: Participate in the rare night safaris (with permission) to spot nocturnal animals using spotlights.
Bird Watching: Spend hours at the watchtower with a field guide to identify over 150 species of birds.
Wildlife Photography: Capture the majestic movements of Sambar and Spotted Deer against the golden forest light.
Stay at the Forest Rest House: Experience the thrill of staying overnight in the middle of the jungle.
Eco-Walks: Take guided short walks near the sanctuary fringes to learn about forest tracks and signs.
Visit the Interpretation Center: Learn about the sanctuary's biodiversity and conservation history through displays.
Butterfly Spotting: Explore the moist patches near streams for a variety of colorful forest butterflies.
Identify Medicinal Plants: Take a guided tour to see how the local tribes use forest plants for healing.
Picnic at the Fringes: Enjoy a meal at the designated spots outside the core sanctuary area.
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Information
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Why Famous:
Elephant Sightings: Famous as one of the best places in Odisha to see wild elephant herds in their natural habitat.
Flora Diversity: Known for its rare sandalwood and medicinal plant reserves.
Flying Squirrel:<...Elephant Sightings: Famous as one of the best places in Odisha to see wild elephant herds in their natural habitat.
Flora Diversity: Known for its rare sandalwood and medicinal plant reserves.
Flying Squirrel: One of the few places in the region where the nocturnal Flying Squirrel can be spotted during late evening safaris.
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Architecture:
Watchtowers: Two 30-foot tall stone and cement watchtowers designed for safe wildlife viewing.
Forest Rest House: A colonial-style two-room rest house built with local timber and stone.
Entrance Gate: A rus...Watchtowers: Two 30-foot tall stone and cement watchtowers designed for safe wildlife viewing.
Forest Rest House: A colonial-style two-room rest house built with local timber and stone.
Entrance Gate: A rustic wooden gate marking the transition from the highway to the deep forest.
Dimensions: The sanctuary spans 304 sq. km, with a core area of about 130 sq. km accessible for tourism.
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How To Reach:
By Air: Jharsuguda Airport is 85 KM away.
By Train: Sambalpur Station (45 KM) is the most convenient rail link.
By Road: It is located directly on NH-53; take any bus heading from Sambalpur toward Deogarh....By Air: Jharsuguda Airport is 85 KM away.
By Train: Sambalpur Station (45 KM) is the most convenient rail link.
By Road: It is located directly on NH-53; take any bus heading from Sambalpur toward Deogarh.
By Local Transport: Private taxis from Sambalpur city are the best option for a round trip.
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Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Seasons: October to April; the sanctuary is closed from July to September during the monsoon.
Parts of the Day: Late afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) is excellent for spotting deer and leopards as they come out to hunt.
Read MoreSeasons: October to April; the sanctuary is closed from July to September during the monsoon.
Parts of the Day: Late afternoon (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) is excellent for spotting deer and leopards as they come out to hunt.
:Near Tourist Places:
Hirakud Dam (40km), Pradhanpat Waterfall (50km), Samaleswari Temple (46km), Huma Leaning Temple (65km), Gudguda Waterfall (70km), Vikramkhol Cave (80km), Cattle Island (42km), Budharaja Hill (44km), Deer Park (46km), Debrigarh Sanctuary (75km)Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Do not get out of the vehicle inside the sanctuary; wild elephants can be unpredictable.
Packing: Wear earthy-colored clothes (khaki or olive) to blend in and bring a powerful flashlight for evening safaris.Health & Safety: Do not get out of the vehicle inside the sanctuary; wild elephants can be unpredictable.
Packing: Wear earthy-colored clothes (khaki or olive) to blend in and bring a powerful flashlight for evening safaris.
Accommodation: Book the Badrama Forest Rest House in advance through the DFO, Sambalpur.
Cash & ATM: No ATMs nearby; the last reliable ATM is in Sambalpur or Jamankira (15 KM).
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