Eco Parks in Odisha are in the hot list of both national and international tourists, because, they offers the wild concept of forest settlements to the tourists and the exploration through adventure and thrill.

The eastern Indian state of Odisha is home to a number of endangered, critically endangered, threatened or endemic flora and fauna species. The state has a rich variety of wildlife and it provides habitat to all aspects of Indian wildlife like the reptiles, plants, mammals or birds.

The eco parks are situated in the major places of the state and have already earned recognition and reputation throughout the country. Their main objective is to preserve the rich diversity of flora and fauna in the state and also to increase the population of the endangered species.

The naturalists and environmentalists of Odisha felt the need of establishing eco parks for preserving the wildlife, several years ago. They have also played a major role in founding a large number of eco parks in Odisha, so far. The Odisha eco parks are mainly being run and managed by both the private and government organisations. Some of the important and notable eco parks in Odisha include the Badarma Sanctuary, the Balukhand Sanctuary, the Baisipalli Wildlife Sanctuary, the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, the Gahirmatha Marine Wild life Sanctuary, the Nandankanan Zoological Park, etc. While most of the eco parks are concentrated on preserving all the aspects of Indian wildlife, there are a few that are engaged in preserving certain species like Tiger, Turtle, Birds, Elephants, etc.

Bhitarkanika National Park
Bhitarkanika National Park is a national park located in the Kendrapara District Odisha in eastern India. It has a core area of 145 square kilometre of the Bhitarkanika Wild Sanctuary, spread over 672 km2, has been designated as a National Park since 1998. The natural vegetation in Bhitarkanika National Park is quite rich with several plant species that have both medicinal and commercial values. The eco parks are also home to a large number of mammal species including the Tiger, Elephants, Asiatic Lion, Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Indian Pangolin, Mouse Deer, etc. Several species among these are considered as endangered, critically endangered, threatened or endemic species. Bhitarkanika National Park provide natural habitat to a large number of reptile species, as well. The main reptile species include the Crocodiles, Turtles, Tortoise, Snakes, etc.

Simlipal National Park
Simlipal Tiger Reserve is a national park and a tiger reserve in the Mayurbhanj district in the Indian state of Odisha. It is part of the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve popularly known as Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which includes three protected areas - Similipal Tiger Reserve (2750.00 km2), Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (191.06 km2) and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary (272.75 km2).

Bird Sanctuaries in Odisha
The number of bird species found in the Odisha eco parks is also quite rich. The parks provide habitats to both kinds of resident and migratory bird species. Some of the most important and notable bird species found in the Odisha eco parks include the King Fisher, Open billed Storks, Sea Eagles, Kites, Sand Pipers, Darters, Whistling Teals, Sea Gulls, etc. There are a few species among these have been declared as endangered, critically endangered or threatened species.

Role of Eco Parks in Tourism
The eco parks are also playing an important role in the tourism sector of the state by attracting a large number of tourists, every year. The nature lovers like to come and visit these eco parks for spending a peaceful time at the lap of nature.

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