Sunabeda wildlife sanctuary: Situated in Nuapada district of Orissa along the boundary with Chhatisgarh state, ‘Sunabeda’ sanctuary covers hills and plateaus over 600 sq.kms of area. The adjoining forest blocks of Patadhara, Gatibeda, Munikgarh, Ranimai, Patidonger and Lodra together constitute this green landscape. The Maraguda valley and Jumlagarh Forest are reminiscent of the ancient civilization and the cultural heritage of this area.
Dry deciduous forests in the hill ranges, the vertical cliffs, gorges, extensive plateaus, scattered grass lands are some of the attractions of this area.There are 11 waterfalls and a numbers of streams and rivulets in this landscape which are in the water shed of rivers Jonk, Sunder and Indra. Tourists from far and wide visit these spots, and enjoy its beauty and tranquility.The water bodies, including Patora reservoir of Sunabeda, attract varieties of long distance migratory water birds (ducks and gees) during the winter months.
Tigers are frequently sighted at places like Kholibhitar, Jalmorai, and Badagada. It has been designated as the third Tiger Reserve, sharing the tiger habitat with contiguous Udanti Sanctuary in Chhatisgarh.The important fauna found in the area includes Sambar, Chousingha, Nilgai, Barking Deer, Gaur, Pangolin, Sloth bear, Leopard, etc. Wild buffalows and Barasingha are known to migrate between Udanti and Sunabeda.
How to get there
Nearest Airport - Raipur -198kms
Nearest Railway Station - Nuapada Railway staion -75kms
Nearest Highway - NH -217 (Barhampur- Raipur)