Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary opens for tourists with new attractions

Balasore(01/11/2025): The Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary in Balasore district reopened for tourists on Saturday. This year, the sanctuary has introduced two new attractions — the Gadasimulia and Mechkund waterfalls — and deer brought from Nandankanan Zoological Park, which have been released into the forest area, allowing visitors to view them in their natural surroundings. According to forest officials, the move aims to enhance the sanctuary’s appeal and attract more visitors.

However, despite the reopening, tourism at Kuldiha remains modest compared to Similipal National Park, which boasts better infrastructure, multiple entry-exit points, and organised tourist events.

In contrast, Kuldiha operates with a single gate serving both entry and exit, restricting tourist movement within the sanctuary. Tourists are required to use their own vehicles for travel inside the sanctuary.

Due to limited staff, extensive visitor arrangements could not be made this year, officials said. The sanctuary’s gate was formally opened at 8:00 a.m.on Saturday by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) through a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Officials expressed hope that the inclusion of the waterfalls and deer viewing will attract more tourists in the coming weeks.