Odisha Debrigarh Sanctuary Trek

“When I set my foot down on the island, I was instantly transported back to my childhood. Camping on an isolated island, like in movies, was one thing that had always been on my bucket list. I took off my shoes and took a long walk on the gravelly shores. And just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, I saw the sun disappearing into the water on the horizon.” 

You cannot convince yourself that you are indeed inside a sanctuary and not in the vast ocean. But wait, there’s more. Come next morning, you will see the sun painting the quiet expanse of water bright yellow! 

Did you know how the cattle island came to be in the first place?

When the Hirakud dam was being constructed, thousands of families were displaced. Many had to leave their livestock behind. After the dam was completed and the area started to submerge, the many cattle left behind ran for higher ground. The Bhujapahad became their safe haven. 

60 years later, the once mighty hill has become an island teeming with white cattle. Many locals around the area have tried catching them, but to no avail. Due to the unavailability of any natural predators, the population has thrived and grown wild for over 60 years. Normally, tourists cannot camp on the shores of this island. You should enjoy this exclusive experience to the fullest! 

This boat ride will make you weak on your knees. You cannot believe that you are riding waves in a reservoir and not in the ocean. The heat that you had experienced before vanishes as the cool breeze hits you. You pass one island after another. You are surrounded by water as far as your eyes can see, with some parts going as deep as 250 feet. 

This boat ride is also a photographer’s delight. You see flocks of migratory birds going about their day. You see Geese, Grebes, Cormorants, Pochards, Golden Oriole, Great Egret, Little Fern, and other flocks of migratory birds, especially during monsoons. It is estimated that over 100 species of birds, around 3 lakh in number, visit the sanctuary every year. And the number has only been increasing thanks to the local communities and forest official’s efforts. 

This is the jewel of the crown. A very well known wildlife sanctuary in this part of India. However, for the first time, an organised group has been allowed to trek and camp for two days in its untouched jungles. You trek through so many diverse terrains that you often find yourself wondering how can this be possible. In the span of only two days, you trek through a tall bamboo forest, grasslands, walk on shorelines, climb hills, explore caves and spot many varieties of animals too. The forest officials accompany you throughout the trek for an additional net of safety. 

An area spread over 350 sq km, combined with abundant water sources and a tropical climate sounds like the perfect recipe for a thriving jungle. And it surely is! Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the richest biodiversity pockets in Eastern India. 

This place is home to a large population of Indian Bison. Shy but short-tempered, it is best to keep distance. Herbivores like spotted deer, sambars and nilgai also graze on the grasslands near the shores. Look up the trees and you might find a family of langurs looking down curiously at you. 

Big cats like leopards, tigers are extremely elusive, but their paw marks remind you of their presence. Endangered species of Indian wolves and hyenas although few in number, are also on top of the food chain here. On top of all these you find different species of bears, insects and reptiles living harmoniously here.