Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is situated along with the coastal circle of Puri and Konark, (Odisha) this place is the centre of attraction to the local and domestic tourists. Foreign tourists visiting the archaeological site of Konark, visit this place. This Wildlife Sanctuary extends from Banki Muhan near Puri to Keluni Muhan near Daluakani. The sanctuary is filled with lush green vegetation, cashew and casuarina plantations and mangrove forest. Its undisturbed sandy beaches offer high potentialities for developing as a major eco-tourism spot in Odisha. The sanctuary is covered by plantation of casurina and cashew trees.
Topography of Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary
Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is traversed by the rivulets such as Nuanai River, Kusabhadra River, Kadua River and Prachi River. Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary extends from Banki Muhan near Puri to Keluni Muhan near Daluakani. Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the zone of coastal ecosystem. This wildlife sanctuary is filled with its luxuriant lush green vegetation, undisturbed sandy beaches, and good road network including marine drive road offer high potentialities for developing as a major eco-tourism spot in Odisha. The mangrove vegetation in Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is very sparse. In this coastal ecosystem, the vegetation is dense and the sanctuary is covered with thick forestry. Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is confined to the confluence of rain fed rivers like Kadua River and Prachi River with Bay of Bengal.
Flora of Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary
Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is filled with casuarinas. Casuarinas introduced in area of Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary during 1916-17. It occurred along the entire coast of Balukhand-Konark Sanctuary. The other vegetation of the Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary comprises primarily the cashew plantation. Other flora of this sanctuary includes Acacia, Eucalyptus, Neem, Karanjia, Tamarind, Anacardium, Polanga etc. The sanctuary is also filled with mangrove forest.
Fauna of Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary
The sand spits in Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary at mouths of the river offer favourable nesting sites for endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is the peaceful abode of these turtles. Not only are the turtles, Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary also serves as the eternal abode of black buck. Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is the only protected area in Odisha where a population of more than hundred blackbucks attracts the tourists. The blackbuck and the Olive Ridley turtles live and show a preference for sandy areas including coastal sand dunes of Bay of Bengal. Other major herbivores which share the habitat are the spotted deer. Some of the important fauna that can be seen here consists of spotted deer, black buck, monkey, squirrel, striped hyena, jackal, jungle cat and mongoose. This sanctuary is also home to a wide range of birds and reptiles. This only wildlife sanctuary is the breeding and nesting ground of a variety of Egrets and Herons.
Tourism in Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha
The tourists can find the tranquillity and solitude of the forest life of Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary. With sun bath on the calm sandy beaches, and enchanting boat ride in the river Nuanai closed to its confluence with the sea, adds the beauty. The verdant green and serene ambiance is a welcome refuge for the city slicker tourists.
Visiting Information
The best time to visit Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is between November to February. The Puri-Konark Marine Drive road passes through this Sanctuary. Puri is only 3 km from the Sanctuary entry point. The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar which is 60 km away.
The landscape beauty of Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is the favourite eco tourism spot for the tourists of both inland and outland.
