Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary

Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary at Tikarpada in Angul district, Odisha, is a protected area along the Mahanadi River gorge where the river cuts through the Eastern Ghats. Part of the Satkosia Tiger Reserve, it was established in 1976 to protect gharial and mugger crocodiles and diverse wildlife. Notable for its deep gorge, forested hills, riverine ecosystem, and crocodile breeding centre, it offers boating, wildlife viewing and nature interpretation facilities.

Visitors can expect a forested river gorge landscape where the Mahanadi River flows between steep hills. The sanctuary offers viewpoints over the gorge, river boating for gharial and mugger sightings, forest trails, birdwatching, and a crocodile breeding and interpretation centre at Tikarpada. Accommodation is in forest eco-cottages and nature camps managed by Odisha Ecotourism. The area is remote, with dense deciduous forest, sandy riverbanks and limited visitor infrastructure focused on nature observation.

Notified in 1976 as Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary to protect the gharial population in the Mahanadi River. In 2007, it was combined with Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary to form the Satkosia Tiger Reserve, covering 963.87 sq km across Angul, Cuttack, Nayagarh and Boudh districts.