The lush green forests of Orissa nurture a wide variety of flora and fauna, that includes the Royal Bengal Tiger. The popular sanctuaries of the state are-----

Similipal Tiger Reserve :
Thick verdant forests, far-flung grassy lands and meadows, cloud kissing mountain peaks, spectacular and sparkling waterfalls, meandering serpentine rivers, roaring tigers and trumpeting tuskers, fleeing deer and flying squirrels, talking myna and dancing peacocks, etc. all together make Similipal a dreamland of the nature in the wilderness, and an enthralling destination.

Spread over an area of 2750 Km, the Park was specially chosen by project tiger for carrying out the onerous task of conserving the country’s deteriorating tiger population.

One of India’s tiger reserves, Similipal has over 95 tigers, 231 species of birds in the sanctuary. Other wildlife includes Leopards, elephants, Mugger crocodiles and numerous reptiles, etc.

Nandankanan Zoo :
25 Kmfrom the capital city, Bhubaneswar, the Nandankanan zoo is located in the communing environs of the Chandaka forest, and along the rippling waters of the Kanjia lake. This also contains a botanical garden and part of it has been declared as sanctuary.

Prominent for its white tiger population, Nandankanan or the Garden of Gods has become a hot favorite for wildlife enthusiasts, with visitors getting an excellent opportunity to enjoy seeing these majestic animals in their natural grandeur- in an environment conducive to their proper health and growth. Over 67 kinds of mammals, 18 varieties of reptiles and 81 species of birds coexist in the deeply forested boundaries.

The zoo enjoys worldwide reputation, for successfully breeding black panthers, gharial crocodiles and white tigers in captivity. Presently Nandankanan is home to over 34 white tigers. Endangered species such as the Asiatic lion, Indian Crocodiles, Shanghai lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Indian pangolin, mouse, deer and countless birds, reptiles and fish have been breeding successfully at Nandankanan.
Some of the other attractions of Nandankanan are the 34 aquaria which are home to a large variety of fresh water fishes. The reptile parks cave like entrance is guarded by a life-size dinosaur. Inside, numerous species of crocodiles, lizards, turtles and snakes share the park with natural ease. The rope way connecting the zoo with the botanical garden over the lake, the boating facilities and the toy train for children have added new features.

Bhitarkanika Sanctuary :
Situated slightly further away is the coastal area of Gahirmatha, where the giant Pacific ridley sea turtles, traveling annually from as far away from South America nest by the millions.

Special arrangements were made to ensure their protection as the turtles were preyed upon by the local folk many years ago. Located in the second largest mangrove forest in the country, the sanctuary has protected the estuarine crocodiles since 1975.

Bhitarakanika is a natural habitat of a lot of wild creatures like Crocodiles, King Cobra, Pythons, Wild Pigs, Rhesus Monkey, Sambars, and Spotted Deer etc. There is a Crocodile Breeding Farm at Dangmal. The exclusive pride possession of this Farm is the White Crocodile Sankhua, a rare species in the World. Over 170 species of resident and migratory birds of different hue enhance the beauty of the sanctuary.

Famous among them are King Fisher, Open billed Storks, Sea Eagles, Kites, Sand Pipers, Darters, Whistling Teals, Sea Gulls, etc. The chirping of birds nesting at Baga Gahana is quite enticing. Watching the wildlife in their natural habitat while cruising through the creeks is an pleasantly thrilling experience. A trek on the laid out routes is equally rewarding.