wildlife sanctuary
Similipal National Park
Mayurbhanj district
2 – 3 days for a proper safari experience covering multiple zones
9 Days / 8 Nights · comfort itinerary
Odisha Wildlife & Nature Circuit
Bhubaneswar — Baripada — Similipal — Bhitarkanika — Satkosia — Chilika
Odisha's four flagship habitats sit far apart, and stringing them together only works if the route runs north to south in one direction. This circuit starts in Similipal's sal forest, drops to the Bhitarkanika mangroves, crosses inland to the Mahanadi at Satkosia and finishes on Chilika's lagoon — no backtracking, and each habitat gets two nights.
The itinerary is built around government-controlled access rather than around convenience: Similipal entry and safari slots, Bhitarkanika boat permits and Satkosia crossings all operate on fixed timings, so arrival days are deliberately kept short.
Suited to naturalists and photographers who accept forest-department accommodation standards in exchange for genuine habitat time.
Tour highlights
- Two nights inside the Similipal landscape with Barehipani and Joranda falls
- Mangrove boat safari in Bhitarkanika, home to large saltwater crocodiles
- Mahanadi gorge boating at Satkosia
- Irrawaddy dolphins at Satapada on Chilika
- Migratory birdlife at Mangalajodi between November and February
- Four distinct ecosystems in one continuous route
Who this tour is for
This 9 days / 8 nights itinerary is planned as a comfort trip and suits group, private, solo travellers. It leans towards wildlife, nature interests, so it works best if you want wildlife, nature, photography on the road.
Unsure about timing? Our season-by-season guide to visiting Odisha and how many days Odisha needs explain how the coast, wildlife parks and tribal districts change month to month. Every day of this route can be re-sequenced or extended before you confirm.
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
- Day01
Arrival and drive to Baripada
Bhubaneswar – Baripada
- Morning
- Arrival at Bhubaneswar and briefing.
- Afternoon
- Drive to Baripada (about 5 hours, 230 km).
- Evening
- Permit and safari documentation check.
- Overnight
- Baripada
Similipal entry requires permits arranged in advance.
- Day02
Into Similipal
Similipal
- Morning
- Early entry through the reserve gate; forest drive with birding stops.
- Afternoon
- Barehipani waterfall viewpoint.
- Evening
- Overnight inside or at the edge of the reserve.
- Overnight
- Similipal / Baripada
- Day03
Similipal core day
Similipal
- Morning
- Second forest drive; Joranda falls.
- Afternoon
- Chahala or Gurguria meadow area, subject to open routes.
- Evening
- Return to base.
- Overnight
- Similipal / Baripada
The core zone is closed during the monsoon months under forest department rules.
- Day04
Transfer to Bhitarkanika
Baripada – Bhitarkanika
- Morning
- Drive south towards Rajnagar (about 5 hours).
- Afternoon
- Boat transfer into the mangrove zone.
- Evening
- Creek-side evening at Dangmal.
- Overnight
- Bhitarkanika
- Day05
Mangrove safari
Bhitarkanika
- Morning
- Boat safari through the creeks; crocodile and kingfisher spotting.
- Afternoon
- Bagagahana heronry visit in season.
- Evening
- Return to the guest house.
- Overnight
- Bhitarkanika
- Day06
Bhitarkanika to Satkosia
Bhitarkanika – Satkosia
- Morning
- Boat out and drive west towards Satkosia (about 6 hours).
- Afternoon
- Arrival and rest at the riverside camp.
- Evening
- Sunset over the Mahanadi gorge.
- Overnight
- Satkosia
- Day07
Satkosia gorge
Satkosia
- Morning
- Boat ride through the gorge; gharial and river-bird sightings.
- Afternoon
- Forest walk with a local guide.
- Evening
- Riverside evening.
- Overnight
- Satkosia
- Day08
Satkosia to Chilika
Satkosia – Chilika
- Morning
- Drive to the Chilika shore (about 5 hours).
- Afternoon
- Mangalajodi wetland boat ride for birdlife.
- Evening
- Lakeside stay.
- Overnight
- Chilika (Barkul / Mangalajodi)
November to February is the strongest birding window.
- Day09
Satapada and departure
Chilika – Bhubaneswar
- Morning
- Satapada dolphin boat ride.
- Afternoon
- Drive to Bhubaneswar (about 3 hours) for departure.
Inclusions
- Chauffeur-driven air-conditioned vehicle for the full itinerary
- Accommodation on twin-sharing basis with breakfast
- All toll, parking, driver allowance and state taxes
- Local coordination support throughout the trip
- Forest permit coordination for Similipal, Bhitarkanika and Satkosia
- Shared boat rides at Bhitarkanika, Satkosia, Mangalajodi and Satapada
Exclusions
- Airfare and train fare to and from Odisha
- Monument entry fees, camera fees and guide charges unless specified
- Lunch, dinner and personal expenses
- Boat rides, safari permits and activities unless specified
- Anything not listed under inclusions
- Camera and video fees levied by the forest department
Important notes
- Similipal, Bhitarkanika and Satkosia access, safari timings and permits are controlled by the Odisha Forest Department and can change or be withdrawn at short notice.
- Similipal's core zone closes during the monsoon; departures between June and October are planned around this.
- Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Keep distance from crocodiles and never allow boats to chase dolphins.
- Carry no single-use plastic into any protected area.
Booking information
- Enquiries are confirmed only after written confirmation of dates and vehicle category.
- A written quotation is issued once travel dates, group size and hotel category are finalised — please use the enquiry form to Get a Quote.
- Advance payment secures accommodation and transport; balance is payable before travel commences.
- Peak-season, festival and tribal-market dates require earlier confirmation.
Cancellation information
- Cancellation terms depend on hotel, forest department and transport supplier policies for your dates.
- Written cancellation requests are processed in the order received.
- Festival, Rath Yatra, wildlife-season and peak-season bookings may carry stricter supplier terms.
Continue exploring
Destinations on this route
Northern Odisha
Similipal
A UNESCO biosphere reserve of roughly 2,750 sq km — sal forest, waterfalls and core tiger habitat in northern Odisha.
ExploreNorthern Odisha
Baripada
Mayurbhanj district's headquarters town and the main gateway for Similipal, also known for its own Rath Yatra tradition.
Explore
Coastal Odisha
Bhitarkanika
India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem, reached only by boat, and home to saltwater crocodiles and the Gahirmatha turtle rookery.
ExploreCoastal Odisha
Kendrapara
The district town and practical staging point for Bhitarkanika and Gahirmatha, with its own delta wetlands.
Explore
Central Odisha
Satkosia
A dramatic gorge where the Mahanadi river cuts through the Eastern Ghats, home to gharials, mugger crocodiles and forested hills.
Explore
Coastal Odisha
Chilika Lake
Asia's largest brackish-water lagoon, spread over roughly 1,100 sq km, known for Irrawaddy dolphins and vast winter bird congregations.
ExplorePoints of interest
Attractions covered
wildlife sanctuary
Bhitarkanika National Park
Kendrapara district
Full day, or an overnight stay near the park entrance for an early boat safari
wildlife sanctuary
Satkosia Gorge
Angul and Nayagarh districts
Full day, or overnight at the eco-camp for a fuller experience
wildlife sanctuary
Mangalajodi Wetland
Mangalajodi, Khordha district
2 – 3 hours, ideally starting at dawn
lake
Chilika Lake
Puri, Khordha and Ganjam districts
3 – 5 hours depending on the access point and boat route chosen
Cabs & transport
Transport for this route
Multi-Day Cab Hire in Odisha
Sedan, SUV or Tempo Traveller with chauffeur
- Capacity
- 3 – 17 passengers depending on vehicle chosen
- Luggage
- One large bag per passenger, more with a roof carrier
Subject to availability. Vehicle category is confirmed in writing at the time of booking.
SUV Cab Hire in Odisha
Mahindra Scorpio, Toyota Fortuner or equivalent
- Capacity
- 4 – 6 passengers
- Luggage
- 3 – 4 large bags
Subject to availability. Vehicle category is confirmed in writing at the time of booking.
Read before you go
Travel guides for this trip
Wildlife · 9 min read
Odisha Wildlife Guide: Similipal, Bhitarkanika and Satkosia
Similipal National Park's tiger reserve, Bhitarkanika's saltwater crocodile habitat and Satkosia's gorge sanctuary are Odisha's three principal wildlife destinations, each with government-controlled opening and permit rules.
Planning · 8 min read
Best Time to Visit Odisha: Season by Season
October to March is Odisha's core travel season, with dry weather, calm seas and the state's main festival calendar concentrated between June and February.
Destinations · 8 min read
Chilika Lake Travel Guide: Dolphins, Birds and Boating
Chilika Lake, Asia's largest brackish-water lagoon, offers Irrawaddy dolphin sightings at Satapada year-round and one of India's largest gatherings of migratory birds at Mangalajodi between November and February.
FAQs
Questions about this itinerary
Plan your journey
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