Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary

Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary is a 272.75 sq km protected forest in Balasore district near Nilagiri, Odisha. Declared in 1984, it forms part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve and is ecologically linked to Simlipal National Park. Notable for its dense dry deciduous and sal forests, it shelters Asian elephants, leopards, gaur, giant squirrels and diverse birds, offering nature-based tourism.

Visitors can expect a dense forest landscape of sal, mixed deciduous woodland and hilly terrain with streams and meadows. Exploration is by safari vehicle or guided trek along forest roads and trails. Facilities include watch towers such as Gadasimulia, eco-cottages and tented camps at Kuldiha, Jadachua and Rissia, and viewpoints for wildlife and birdwatching. Sightings may include elephants, deer, and varied birdlife in a quiet natural setting.

Declared as Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary on 4 January 1984 covering 272.75 sq km. It was constituted from forests of the former Nilagiri princely state and later included in the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve. It is ecologically connected to Simlipal National Park through the Sukhupada hill corridor, forming an important elephant habitat in eastern Odisha.

The sanctuary landscape is associated with local tribal communities including Santhal and Munda groups living in surrounding villages. The nearby Panchalingeswar area holds local religious importance and is often visited together with the sanctuary.