Satkosia, one of the best eco-tourist destinations representing a diverse floral and faunal extravaganza, attracts thousands of picnickers and visitors throughout the year. It spreads along the magnificent gorge over the Mahanadi river and is a paradise of immense scenic charm. Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1976 and declared as Tiger Reserve in 2007.
The present STR is spread over four districts like Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh having 964 square kilometer with 524 square kilometer as core area. It is also a part of the Mahanadi elephant reserve. The sanctuary is the meeting point of two bio-geographic regions like the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats.
The gorge here is around 51 meter deep on the river bed at Tikarpada.
The highest peak is Sunakhania at 933 meter. Apart from tigers and elephants, the reserve is also the natural habitat of two endangered species of fresh water crocodiles, Gharial and Mugger.
For its unique gorge ecosystem, Satkosia serves as a major watershed for the entire region. It forms an important catchment of lower Mahanadi basin and has a critical ecological role in preventing siltation downstream. Over 400 plant species comprising of 126 trees, 98 shrubs, 125 herbs and 51 climbers have been identified in the reserve. Around 38 species of mammals, 161 species of birds, 27 species of reptiles and 183 species of fish are found in the reserve. The reserve has also significant numbers of tigers, elephants, spotted deer, sambar, chowsingha, barking deer, bison, jackal etc. The place is in news now for habitation of Sundari tigress.
Families can relax and enjoy the splendour of nature here. Nature lovers and bird watchers can explore the diversity of the wilderness. They can walk around and discover the unspoiled wilderness through the nature trails. The reserve is studded with mountains, creeks, caves and waterfalls.
Temple of Goddess Binikei is famous here and attracts many pilgrims. Forest rest houses are available at Tikarpada, Purunakote, Labangi and Chhamundia. The magnificent view of the gorge attracts thousands of tourists into the tiger reserve throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the boat ride on the river Mahanadi and view the majestic gorge and towering mountains on both sides. One can sight plenty of crocodiles basking on the sand banks. Camping facilities are available at Tikarpada and Purunakote. As picnic season approaches, picnickers and nature lovers must not forget to enjoy this unique place.