Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary

Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Ushakothi Wildlife Sanctuary, is a protected forest area in Sambalpur district, Odisha, about 22 km east of Sambalpur on National Highway 53. Established in 1962 and spread over about 130 sq km of dry deciduous forest dominated by sal and sandalwood, it is known for tigers, leopards, elephants, sambar and diverse birdlife, with watch towers and forest rest houses for wildlife viewing.

Visitors can expect a dense dry deciduous forest landscape with sal, sandalwood, teak and bamboo, interspersed with streams and meadows. Wildlife viewing is primarily from watch towers and designated forest roads by vehicle. Common sightings include elephants, leopards, sambar, spotted deer, wild boar and langurs, along with diverse birds. Facilities include forest rest houses, watch towers and nature trails within a quiet, forested environment.

Established in 1962 under the Odisha Forest Department, Badrama (Ushakothi) is one of the oldest wildlife sanctuaries in Odisha. It was notified to protect the dry deciduous forest ecosystem of western Odisha and its fauna including tiger, leopard and elephant, and covers an area of 130.19 sq km.