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Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary

4
·513 reviews·Khordha, India

A green sanctuary near Bhubaneswar, offering lush forests, diverse wildlife, and scenic spots like Deras Nature Camp and Bada Jaria Dam.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning & late afternoon

Best wildlife viewing

CrowdMedium
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Gate to Safari Ride

Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary

Best Time

Early morning & late afternoon

Best wildlife viewing

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A green sanctuary near Bhubaneswar, offering lush forests, diverse wildlife, and scenic spots like Deras Nature Camp and Bada Jaria Dam.

4
(513 reviews)

"A hidden gem for nature lovers, offering a peaceful retreat with lush greenery and abundant wildlife."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Safaris in Advance

:admission_tickets: Vehicle booking is mandatory. Reserve ahead to avoid disappointment, especially for early slots.

Pack Essentials

:water_pistol: Carry water, snacks, and insect repellent. Basic facilities can be limited.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4 · 513 reviews

Type

Wildlife Park

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Deras Nature Camp

Deras Nature Camp

North-Eastern Ghats

A serene escape with lush forests, home to diverse wildlife and birds. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

Bada Jaria Dam

Bada Jaria Dam

Chandaka Forest Range

Scenic dam offering beautiful views amidst the sanctuary's greenery. Ideal for a peaceful retreat and photography.

Elephant Conservation

Elephant Conservation

Throughout the sanctuary

Witness the successful conservation efforts for elephants, the sanctuary's principal species. Spotting them is a major draw.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Time for Wildlife Sightings

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best chances to spot elephants and other wildlife. Avoid the midday heat when animals are less active. Consider booking safaris in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure vehicle availability.

Navigating the Sanctuary

Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary is vast, so plan your visit to specific areas like Deras Nature Camp or Bada Jaria Dam. While some trails are maintained, exploring deeper requires a vehicle. Be prepared for basic facilities and potential service delays, as noted by visitors.

Best Times

When
Early morning & late afternoon
Why
Best wildlife viewing
Crowd
Medium
When
October to March
Why
Pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

CHANDAKA DAMPARA WILDLIFE SANTUARY BADA JARIA DAM #chandakadamparawildlifesanctuary #chandaka #odishatourism #dronephotography #djiglobal #djiair2s #bhubaneswarbuzz #wildlifeonearth
indiafromsky.official
431 likes • 2.8K views

Book Safaris in Advance

:admission_tickets: Vehicle booking is mandatory. Reserve ahead to avoid disappointment, especially for early slots. Reddit

Pack Essentials

:water_pistol: Carry water, snacks, and insect repellent. Basic facilities can be limited. Reddit

Exploring the hidden & secret parts of Chandaka Forest range ❤️📍 Chandaka Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary located on the northwestern border of Odisha, near the city of Bhubaneswar. Chandaka – Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary comprises a major forest area, the notified forest blocks of Chandaka Wildlife Division. It is a popular destination for solitude seekers, a hunt for eco-touri...
prabhu.xlens
3.2K likes • 39.1K views
Chandaka - Dampara wildlife sanctuary . . . . . #instagram #instagood #instadaily #bhubaneswar #chandaka #bhubaneswarbuzz #view #explore #travelvideography #photography #editing #spot #odisha #cuttack #explorepage
myself_rudeyy
50 likes • 503 views

Best for Nature Lovers

:camerawithflash: Ideal for photography and birdwatching. Early/late hours offer best sightings. Instagram

Patience is Key

👀 Wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed. Enjoy the serene environment even if animals are elusive. Reddit

Hear from Soumya Mukherjee, owner of the Svanir Wilderness Homestay, bordering the Chandaka - Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, on the effect of climate change on tourist footfall in the state, impact on wildlife, ecology, and the ecosystem as a whole. To know more about this beautiful homestay, check the link - https://svanir.com/ ( link mentioned in story) Account tagged below 👇 @visit.s...
outlook_responsibletourism
59 likes • 2.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Safaris in Advance

:admission_tickets: Vehicle booking is mandatory. Reserve ahead to avoid disappointment, especially for early slots. Reddit

Pack Essentials

:water_pistol: Carry water, snacks, and insect repellent. Basic facilities can be limited. Reddit

Best for Nature Lovers

:camerawithflash: Ideal for photography and birdwatching. Early/late hours offer best sightings. Instagram

Patience is Key

👀 Wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed. Enjoy the serene environment even if animals are elusive. Reddit

Respect Wildlife

🦌 Maintain distance from animals. Avoid loud noises to not disturb their natural habitat. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4
(513 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary is praised as a hidden gem for nature lovers, offering a peaceful retreat with lush greenery and diverse wildlife. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to spot deer, wild boars, and birds, and the well-maintained trails. However, some reviews mention that the wildlife safari experience can be underwhelming, with issues regarding service and staff availability, and a lack of basic facilities.

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers!

Chandaka Dampara Sanctuary is an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves nature and wildlife. The sanctuary is beautifully preserved, offering a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The lush greenery, diverse flora, and abundant wildlife make it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

I had the chance to spot a variety of animals, including deer, wild boars, and numerous bird species, which was an exciting experience. The walking trails are well-maintained, and the serene atmosphere makes it perfect for a leisurely hike or a quiet day of birdwatching.

The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and they really enhance the experience by sharing information about the sanctuary’s ecosystem. Overall, it’s a peaceful, educational, and enjoyable place to visit. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to connect with nature!"

Saroj Kumar

"Good place to visit along with family."

Kewal Singh

"The wildlife safari experience as a whole is just ok. However, booking a complete vehicle for entry is required, and it's advisable to make reservations in advance. Unfortunately, the service provided fell short of expectations.
Couldnt find much interesting animals and there was no proper staff to guide & as well lack of proper basic facilities"

Vijay Reddy Venumuddala

What People Like

Peaceful nature retreat
Lush greenery and flora
Wildlife spotting opportunities

What People Dislike

Safari service issues
Limited basic facilities
Inconsistent wildlife sightings

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The sanctuary is conveniently located just about 20 km from Bhubaneswar, making it an accessible day trip. You can hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services from the city. The drive takes approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Instagram

Public transport options directly to the sanctuary gates are limited. It's generally recommended to arrange private transport like a taxi or a rented car for a more comfortable and flexible journey. Reddit

The sanctuary has multiple entry points, with access often managed through specific camps like Deras Nature Camp. It's advisable to confirm the most suitable entry point based on your planned activities with local authorities or your accommodation. Instagram

Yes, you can drive your own vehicle, but for wildlife safaris, you often need to book a dedicated vehicle provided by the sanctuary. Private vehicles are generally allowed on designated routes. Reddit

Road conditions can vary. Some main routes are motorable, but internal paths might be rough or unpaved, especially after monsoons. A sturdy vehicle is recommended for exploring deeper areas. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry fees can vary, and it's best to check the latest rates upon arrival. For safaris, you typically need to book a complete vehicle, and the cost includes the vehicle and guide. Reddit

Yes, booking safari tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially for popular timings like early morning or late afternoon. This ensures vehicle availability and avoids long waits. Reddit

The sanctuary is generally open from early morning to late afternoon. Specific timings for safaris and entry gates might differ, so it's advisable to confirm the current operating hours before your visit. Instagram

Information on concessions is not widely available. It's recommended to inquire directly with the sanctuary authorities or at the booking counter regarding any applicable discounts. Reddit

While some tickets might be available on arrival, advance booking is strongly advised to guarantee your safari slot and avoid disappointment, as services can be slow. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The sanctuary is known for its elephant population. You can also spot deer, wild boars, various bird species, and other smaller mammals. Instagram

Yes, wildlife safaris are available, typically requiring booking a full vehicle. Guides are usually provided with the safari vehicle to help spot wildlife. Reddit

Besides safaris, you can enjoy jungle walks, birdwatching, and visit scenic spots like Deras Nature Camp and Bada Jaria Dam. Boating might also be available at Deras. Instagram

Yes, some walking trails are maintained, offering a peaceful way to explore the flora and fauna. However, for deeper exploration, a vehicle is often necessary. Reddit

Facilities can be basic. While some areas like Deras Nature Camp might offer amenities, general facilities like restrooms and rest areas might be limited. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Scenic spots like Bada Jaria Dam and the lush forest interiors offer great photographic opportunities. Early morning and late afternoon light are ideal for capturing wildlife and landscapes. Instagram

Drone photography might be restricted or require special permits. It's best to check with the sanctuary authorities beforehand to avoid any issues. TikTok

A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing wildlife from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for landscape shots of the dam and forests. Instagram

Dedicated photography tours are not commonly advertised, but you can arrange for a private safari and inform your guide about your interest in photography for better opportunities. Instagram

The golden hours, just after sunrise and before sunset, offer the best natural light for photography, enhancing colors and creating dramatic shadows. Instagram

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