Orissa is a kaleidoscope of flora, fauna and topography - evergreen forests of the eastern ghats to the shrubs and herbs of the highlands, from the fertile plains formed by rivers originating from India's heartland to the beaches on the eastern coast, Orissa has it all.

This very diversity in the topography of the region has allowed distinct ecosystems to adapt and evolve in Orissa. Thereby giving Orissa a much sought after green cover and a distinct image on the map of India, dotted with hundreds of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, for you to explore and enjoy on your tour to Wildlife Sanctuaries in Orissa.

Bhitarkanika is the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India, the Gahirmatha Turtle Sanctuary next to it is a beach and marine reserve.

The Chilika Lake is the biggest salt-water lake in Asia, is home to a magnificent bird sanctuary.

The pear-shaped lake spreads across 1,100 sq km, and has a unique ecosystem with a range of aquatic flora and fauna found in and around its brackish waters. An impressive array of bird life, both native and migrant, makes Chilka one of the best places in India for a bit of satisfying bird-watching.

White bellied sea eagles, greylag geese, purple moorhen, jacana, herons and flamingos are among the many species which make the lake a bird watcher's delight: Chilka, in fact, is home to one of the world's largest breeding colonies of flamingos.

Simlipal National Park offers several scenic spots such as the spectacular Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls.

Tikarpada Gharial Sanctuary overlooks Orissa's most awe-inspiring Satkosia Gorge perfect for white water rafting and angling.

Nandan Kanan and Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuaries are the green lungs of the cities that were nearly deforested and where most of the species had nearly gone extinct from the history of Orissa's diverse wildlife.

Other wildlife sanctuaries in Orissa are the sanctuaries at Sunabeda, Satkosia, Ushakothi, Belghar, Ambapani, Balukund, Karlapat and Kotagarh.