Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary | |
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କୁଲଡିହା ବନ୍ୟଜନ୍ତୁ ସଂରକ୍ଷଣାଳୟ | |
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area) | |
Nearest city | Balasore |
Coordinates | 21°12′N 86°18′E / 21.20°N 86.3°E |
Area | 272.75 km2 (105.31 sq mi) |
Designated | January 4, 1984 |
Visitors | 6340 (in 2015)[1] |
Governing body | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of Odisha |
Website | www |
The Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary Odia: କୁଲଡିହା ବନ୍ୟଜନ୍ତୁ ଅଭୟାରଣ୍ୟ is situated in the Balasore district of Odisha, India. The sanctuary is spread across 272.75 km2 (105 sq mi) in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region. It is linked with Simlipal National Park via the Sukhupada and Nato hill ranges. It is classified as an Eastern Highlands moist deciduous forest ecoregion.
Kuldiha was declared a sanctuary on 4 January 1984.[2] It is famous for the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve that spreads across Simlipal, Kuldiha and Hadgarh wildlife reserves.[3] Locally in Kuldiha, the elephant reserve is known as Tenda Elephant Reserve.[4][5] There is a watch tower strategically created at Garsimulia for animal lovers to have a look at elephants bathing or drinking water from a small stream that runs right through the reserve.[6] The sanctuary offers night stay accommodation at Kuldiha entrance, Jadachua and Rishia in form of huts, tents and a few concrete houses. Prior reservation is required for night stay.[7] It is usually closed during the peak monsoon season, which typically falls between July and September.[1] Major fire was reported in 2012 that engulfed both Simlipal and Kuldiha forests, causing significant damage to flora and fauna.[8] On August 2, 2013 , the MoEFCC declared the sanctuary an ecological sensitive zone.[9]
The sanctuary is characterized by a diverse ecosystem, primarily consisting of a mixed deciduous forest where the majestic Sal tree stands as the dominant species. This rich habitat harbors a plethora of wildlife, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of the region. Among the notable inhabitants are the majestic Tiger, elusive Leopard, formidable Elephant, sturdy Gaur, graceful Sambar, vibrant Peafowl, acrobatic Giant Squirrel, melodious Hill Myna, and impressive Hornbills. The sanctuary also attracts various migratory birds.
Kuldiha is an integral part of tourism in northern Odisha, attracting tourists and scholars alike.
Odisha's government took recognition of the environmental damage being done by private operators to many parks, sanctuaries, and reserves, resulting in a sustainable threat to biodiversity. It came up with an ecotourism focus to conserve the pristine state of nature while making it economically viable with a PPP model. The Kuldiha sanctuary is operated in a community-based ecotourism model that benefits locals and tribesmen inhabiting the core area of the sanctuary.[7][10][11][12]
The sanctuary is almost equidistant from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. It is easier to reach from Bhubaneswar, being the capital city of Odisha state. The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport. The nearest railway station is Balasore railway station. One can take NH16 (earlier designated NH5) and reach Nilagiri via Odisha state highway 19; thereafter a scenic narrow road leads to the sanctuary entrance.