Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Wildlife sanctuary in Ganjam district, India
Lakhari Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected reserve in Odisha's Ganjam district that spans 316 square kilometers of dense forests, hills, and grasslands. The terrain is highly varied, with different elevation zones and vegetation types creating distinct habitats for wildlife throughout the sanctuary.
The sanctuary was established by Odisha's Forest Department to protect local wildlife and habitats from overuse and degradation. Its designation as a protected area represented a turning point for the region, placing large forest tracts under official conservation authority.
The sanctuary holds meaning for nearby communities as a place where traditional hunting practices were abandoned in favor of wildlife protection. Local people have adapted their relationship with the forest, learning to benefit from conservation efforts rather than extracting resources as before.
The sanctuary is most easily accessed from nearby Berhampur, which is well connected by road. The best time to visit is from November to March, when weather conditions are favorable and wildlife viewing is generally rewarding.
The sanctuary is home to tigers and leopards alongside smaller species like the Indian pitta and red jungle fowl. This mix of large predators and colorful forest birds makes exploring the sanctuary unpredictable and rewarding.
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