Satkosia derives its name from the words sat (seven) and kosh (two miles), meaning 14 miles or 22km, which is the length of the reserve on the Mahanadi river. Spread across 795sq km, the sanctuary straddles four districts – Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh – and is adjoined by Baisipalli Sanctuary. Satkosia is best approached by road from Angul, 140km from Sambalpur, and 150km from Bhubaneswar.
The entry gate to the reserve at Pampasar is 30km from Angul, and Tikarpada is 60km from Angul. On the eastern side, from Nayagarh (87km from Bhubaneswar), the entry point is at Chamundia.
Things to See & Do
The meandering gorge, with a chain of low lying hills and thick forests on both sides, has the appearance of a place where time stands still. But do not be fooled by the calm waters, because there is danger lurking in the form of ferocious crocodiles and strong undercurrents.
Mahanadi River Cruise
The boat ride starts and ends at Malisahi village at Badamul in Nayagarh District.
Boat hire ₹ 150 per head (45mins), maximum 8 pax, minimum 5 pax Timings 9.00am–4.00pm
Bookings Spot booking by Malisahi Eco Development Committee. Contact DFO Mahanadi Wildlife Division, Nayagarh (Tel: 06753-254015). Contact Range Officer, Chamundia Wildlife Range (Cell: 9937724607).
Wildlife Spotting
The animals seen here include tiger, elephant, leopard, spotted deer, barking deer, langurs, porcupine, pangolin, wild dog and boar. The large elephant population has led to Satkosia being included in the Mahanadi Elephant Reserve.
Trekking
While several scenic spots have been identified for trekkers, Tikarpada is perhaps the best-known one. The forest rest house (FRH) serves as the base from where one can explore different places.
Entry Indians ₹ 20; Foreigners ₹ 1,000 Trekking fee Indians ₹ 20 per day; Foreigners ₹ 100
Photography Indian ₹ 20; Foreigners ₹ 100 Vehicle fee ₹ 5 Permits Available at Pampasar, Chamundia and Kusanga.
Where to Stay & Eat
There are forest rest houses at Purunkote, Tikarpada and Chhotkei. While Purunkote (Tariff: ₹ 1,000–1,200) has two cottages and two tents, Tikarpada FRH (Tariff: ₹ 2,000–2,300, with meals) has nine tents and Chhotkei FRH (Tariff: ₹ 2,300–3,500, with meals and guide) has five cottages.
Reservations for these rest houses can be made by contacting the Divisional Forest Officer (Telefax: 06764-236218, Cell: 08763102681), of Satkosia Wildlife Division, at Hakimpada PO.
Fast Facts
When to go October–February, summer is also suitable for sighting animals
Wildlife offices
Regional CCF
Hakimpada, Tel: 06764-230941/ 304
DFO, Satkosia, Angul
Tel: 236218/ 9
satkosia.org
STD code 06764
State Odisha
Location Along River Mahanadi, spread across four districts – Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh
Distance Angul is 150km NW of Bhubaneswar
Route from Sambalpur NH42
Getting There
Air Bhubaneswar (160km). Taxi to Angul (30km from Pampasar, the main entry gate at the northern part of the reserve) costs ₹ 3,000 plus toll fee
Rail Nearest railheads are Angul and Khurda
Road The southern reaches of the Satkosia Tiger Reserve, across the River Mahanadi, are accessed from Chhamundia, the main entry gate of Mahanadi Wildlife Division, via Nayagarh, 90km from Bhubaneswar. The other gate is Kusanga, 70km from Boudh