The Satkosia Tiger Reserve is an ultimate biodiversity hotspot
Satkosia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful ecosystems in Odisha. It not only has a magnificent gorge over the River Mahanadi but is also a tiger reserve and a breeding centre for fresh water crocodiles, gharial and mugger.
Winter is the best season to visit Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary. In this season you can witness wild animals as they come out of the jungle to enjoy the warm sun rays.
The reserve has a low population of tiger, leopard, elephant, spotted deer, sambar, chowsingha, barking deer, bison, wild dog, sloth bear, jackal, giant squirrel and porcupine. The Satkosia gorge is the natural habitat of two endangered species viz. fresh water crocodile and the gharial.
Tiger Reserve in 2007 and is also a part of Mahanadi Elephant Reserve, and hence an important area of wildlife repute. The beautiful Satkosia gorge in STR is a visual treat to the visitors looking for nature, peace and tranquillity. It is encompassing an area of 964 sq. km. and is situated on the banks of Mahanadi River.
The Satkosia Tiger Reserve is that is an ‘Ecotone’ where the Deccan Peninsula and Eastern Ghats meets, and hence it shares the qualities of two bio-geographic regions, resulting in extremely rich flora and fauna.
Department of Tourism initiated its most ambitious project Eco-Retreat – Satkosia in 2020, which is a high-end ultra-luxury glamping event, curated to the needs of Travelers wishing to witness wilderness along with luxury.
Its development should be explored jointly with stakeholders like Department of Tourism, Forest, Pvt. Sector and Communities to make Satkosia an ultimate biodiversity hotspot offering quality accommodation to the travelers.
Between December-February every year and it was started in order to expose this rich biodiversity hotspot to the prospective tourism sector investors and travelers. This Eco-Retreat is functional for a total of 03 months duration. The product has set the benchmark very high amongst the tourism enthusiasts and is attracting travelers from world over.
It has all the components for its development – Community, Natural Landscape, Forests, Wildlife and it has good proximity (under 200 kms) from cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Sambhalpur & Angul. Satkosia can be developed as a perfect ecotourism destination.