The Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Nuapada district of western Odisha. Established in 1979 over an area spanning nearly 600 square kilometers, it is part of the Sunabeda Tiger Reserve which includes the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary and adjacent forests. The sanctuary was created to protect the habitat of the royal Bengal tiger and its prey species.
Wildlife and Landscape
Sunabeda is home to a significant population of Bengal tigers as well as a variety of prey species like spotted deer, sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar, langur, and more. In addition to tigers and prey species, the sanctuary has a biodiverse landscape spanning grasslands, sal forests, bamboo forests, scrub forests, streams, and watering holes.
The varying vegetation and terrain of Sunabeda offers an ideal habitat for tigers, deer, reptiles like pythons, mammals like sloth bears and leopards, and over 150 species of resident and migratory birds. Its location within the Deccan Peninsula zone gives it a topography encompassing hills, valleys, and plateaus.
Visiting Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November to June when the climate is cooler and wildlife sightings are higher near water bodies. Safari timings are early morning and late afternoon. Visitors can opt for jeep safaris, guided nature walks, watchtower visits, birdwatching tours as well as stays at the forest rest houses and eco-tourism cottages.
As part of promoting Odisha tours and tourism, Sunabeda offers an immersive wildlife experience coupled with rich biodiversity. It allows tourists a chance to spot elusive tigers in a natural habitat while also promoting conservation efforts.
Sunabeda and Odisha Tourism
As one of Odisha’s prominent tiger reserves, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary features many Odisha tourism packages and tours. It complements Odisha’s other wildlife sanctuaries like Simlipal National Park and Bhitarkanika National Park which are also key tourist attractions.
The sanctuary’s diverse wildlife, vegetation, streams, and waterfalls make it an integral part of Odisha’s nature and wildlife tourism. By offering sightings of Royal Bengal tigers, deer herds, and exotic birds, Sunabeda boosts Odisha’s appeal as an ecotourism destination. It attracts wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, researchers, and visitors wanting a thrilling safari experience.
Overall, Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary contributes significantly to promoting Odisha’s tourism potential on national and global platforms through its unique landscape and rich biodiversity.
Destination Attractions, Destination Facilities, Transportation, Accessibility
Best Time to visit
The best time to visit Sunabeda Sanctuary is from November to June and the winter season.
Nearest Bus Stand from Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
The nearest Bus stop is Komana, which is located around 2 KM distance from Sunabeda Sanctuary
Nearest Railway Station
The Nearest Railway Station is Kesinga Railway Station, which is located around 55 KM distance from Sunabeda Sanctuary
Nearest Airport and Distance
The nearest Airport is Swami Vivekananda Airport, Jharsuguda which is located around 230 KM distance from Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary
