Satkosia derives its name from the words sat (seven) and kosh (two miles), meaning 14 miles or 22km, which is the length of the reserve on the Mahanadi river. Spread across 795sq km, the sanctuary straddles four districts – Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh – and is adjoined by Baisipalli Sanctuary. Satkosia is best approached by road from Angul, 140km from Sambalpur, and 150km from Bhubaneswar.

The entry gate to the reserve at Pampasar is 30km from Angul, and Tikarpada is 60km from Angul. On the eastern side, from Nayagarh (87km from Bhubaneswar), the entry point is at Chamundia.

A tiger resting in a shadey spot, Satkosia Tiger Reserve
A tiger resting in a shadey spot, Satkosia Tiger Reserve
Courtesy Satkosia Tiger Reserve

Things to See & Do

The meandering gorge, with a chain of low lying hills and thick forests on both sides, has the appearance of a place where time stands still. But do not be fooled by the calm waters, because there is danger lurking in the form of ferocious crocodiles and strong undercurrents.

Mahanadi River Cruise

The boat ride starts and ends at Malisahi village at Badamul in Nayagarh District.

Boat hire  150 per head (45mins), maximum 8 pax, minimum 5 pax Timings 9.00am–4.00pm

Bookings Spot booking by Malisahi Eco Development Committee. Contact DFO Mahanadi Wildlife Division, Nayagarh (Tel: 06753-254015). Contact Range Officer, Chamundia Wildlife Range (Cell: 9937724607).

Wildlife Spotting

The animals seen here include tiger, elephant, leopard, spotted deer, barking deer, langurs, porcupine, pangolin, wild dog and boar. The large elephant population has led to Satkosia being included in the Mahanadi Elephant Reserve.

Nilgai foraging for leaves amongst the branches
Nilgai foraging for leaves amongst the branches
Courtesy Sanctuaries India

Trekking

While several scenic spots have been identified for trekkers, Tikarpada is perhaps the best-known one. The forest rest house (FRH) serves as the base from where one can explore different places.

Entry Indians  20; Foreigners  1,000 Trekking fee Indians  20 per day; Foreigners  100

Photography Indian  20; Foreigners  100 Vehicle fee  5 Permits Available at Pampasar, Chamundia and Kusanga.

Where to Stay & Eat

There are forest rest houses at Purunkote, Tikarpada and Chhotkei. While Purunkote (Tariff:  1,000–1,200) has two cottages and two tents, Tikarpada FRH (Tariff:  2,000–2,300, with meals) has nine tents and Chhotkei FRH (Tariff:  2,300–3,500, with meals and guide) has five cottages.

Reservations for these rest houses can be made by contacting the Divisional Forest Officer (Telefax: 06764-236218, Cell: 08763102681), of Satkosia Wildlife Division, at Hakimpada PO.

Fast Facts

When to go October–February, sum­mer is also suitable for sighting animals

Wildlife offices

Regional CCF

Hakimpada, Tel: 06764-230941/ 304

DFO, Satkosia, Angul

Tel: 236218/ 9

satkosia.org

STD code 06764

State Odisha

Location Along River Mahanadi, spread across four districts – Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh

Distance Angul is 150km NW of Bhubaneswar

Route from Sambalpur NH42

Getting There

Air Bhubaneswar (160km). Taxi to Angul (30km from Pampasar, the main entry gate at the northern part of the reserve) costs  3,000 plus toll fee

Rail Nearest railheads are Angul and Khurda

Road The southern reaches of the Satkosia Tiger Reserve, across the River Mahanadi, are accessed from Chhamundia, the main entry gate of Mahanadi Wildlife Division, via Nayagarh, 90km from Bhubaneswar. The other gate is Kusanga, 70km from Boudh