Ambapani Sanctuary

Ambapani Sanctuary acts as both, a National Park and a Sanctuary. The major flora found in Ambapani Sanctuary includes mangroves, Teak, Palas, hair, Salaia, Bamboo, Terminenalia, Bel, Tendu, Hiwar, Zizphus Casia, Helicteres, Dhawda, Babul, Kauriculata, Bija, Sal etc.

Ambapani also has a rich variety of fauna. It is most popularly known for inhabiting various species of deer. Other commonly found species include Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wildbore, Four-horned antelope, Jungle Fowl, Barking deer, Wild Dog, Wild Boar, Samber, Chinkara, Blue Bull, Bear, Crocodile, Hyaena, etc.
Intoduction and History
The Ambapani sanctuary derived its name from the region of Ambapani which is famous for the deity of Budhraja established in a temple at the foot of a hillock. The Ambapani Sanctuary is located in the vicinity of the Bay of Bengal. The ideal peaceful, calm and serene environment of the sanctuary flushed with greenery portrays the diverse natural heritage that Orissa has always boasted of. The charms of the sanctuary are increased by the stunning and picturesque Eastern Ghats. The presence of a diverse range of wild animals, bids and vegetation further heightens the beauty of the sanctuary to a great extent.

The Ambapani Sanctuary is the perfect place to visit for all those who claim themselves as nature lovers. Supreme natural beauty, stunning wildlife and fabulous flora and fauna make this place an amazing tourist destination. All the wildlife enthusiasts are guaranteed to spend the time of their life here. Haladigundi valley, in the vicinity of Ambapani Hills beautifies the place by exhibiting many chromatic displays by reflecting the sunrays into various forms. Ambapani Sanctuary holds the distinction of being the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India and boasts of having a wide range of biodiversity.
Location and Geography
Location: Ambapani Sanctuary is located at a distance of 77 kilometers from Bhawanipatna, and at a distance of 45 kilometers from Nowrangpur.

Area: More than 600 sq. km (approx.)

Physical Features

• Altitude: Ambapani Sanctuary is established in a small temple at the base of a hill. The Ambapani hills have a picture-perfect view as they offer a bird’s-eye view of the nature all around. The Haladigundi valley in the range of Ambapani hills put on display certain erratic shapes by reflecting sunrays.
• Climate: Due to the proximity of the Bay of Bengal, the climate in Ambapani Sanctuary is mainly wet. The monsoon season ranges from mid-June to September. During this season the region receives quite a bit of rainfall.

Vegetation

Due to the wet climate of the region, a wide range of vegetation is possible in this region. Due to the lush green fields of Ambapani filled with various kinds of plantations, the sanctuary becomes the perfect site of visitation for all the nature lovers in and around the world.

The climate is perfectly suitable for the growth of mangroves, and hence, Ambapani sanctuary holds the reputation of being the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India, only after the famous Sunderbands. Approximately, 60 species of mangrove vegetation is available in this region.

Besides mangroves, various other plantations are also grown in the region. Some of them are Bamboo, Salaia, Teak, Bel, Terminenalai Hiwar, Tendu, Zizphus, Helicteres, Cassia, Dhawda, Babul, Sal, Palas, Bija, etc.

Fauna

Besides being a site for huge amount of vegetation, Ambapani Sanctuary acts as a home to a wide range of faunal species as well. It is the perfect tourist destination for all the wildlife enthusiasts as not many places can boast of such a vast biodiversity.

The most popular species that are present here is of deer. Ambapani Sanctuary provides shelter to various species of deer, which are especially known for their curved antlers. At the Behra Reservoir, Spotted Deer and Black Panther are a common sight.

Other prominent faunal species existing in Ambapani Sanctuary include Sambar, Sloth Bear, Jungle Fowl, Blue Bull, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Crocodile, Chinkara, Four-Horned Antelope, Leopard, Hyena etc.

• Best time to Visit: The best time to visit the sanctuary is in the month of May as the weather is quite gentle and predictable here, this month.
• How to Get There:
  • Nearest Airport- Bhawanipatna, 77 km away
  • Nearest Railway Station- Nowrangpur railway junction, 45 km away

Accommodation and facilities: Those who prefer to stay in Nowrangpur can avail hotels like Circuit House & R&B House, Hotel Manisha, Binayaka Bhawan and Hotel Trupti. Those who chose to reside in the hotels of Bhawanipatna can opt for Hotel Bhagirathi in the Jail Road, Hotel Hind Plaza in the Kesinga Road Check Gate and Hotel Mid Town near Town Hall. The sanctuary is well connected by road through these towns.

Clothing and accessories: Due to the hot and humid climate, carry cotton clothes in summers, preferably with subtle colors. In winters, carry woolen sweaters, to bear the cold weather during the night time. Do not carry sharp objects with pointy edges such as knives or scissors, while traversing the sanctuary.