Places with beaches, mountains, and deserts usually remain at the top of our holiday list. But, have you ever wondered about escaping to a lush green forest, living nearby a river, feeling young & free while spotting a variety of flora and fauna? Well, if you haven’t, you’re in for a surprise because the Balukhanda Sanctuary situated along the coastal stretch between Puri and Konark, the Balukhand Konark Sanctuary is spread across 87 sq km. The Marine Drive Road runs adjacent to it, making for a pleasant road trip.
And before we get down to everything from the top Balukhanda Sanctuary tourist places to the best accommodation, know that it’s not a place to be mistaken as a destination only for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s as much as a paradise for nature admirers, as it is for offbeat backpack travelers and adventure seekers. There are many sanctuary resorts in Puri available near Marine Drive. One of them is Toshali Sands. It is a four-star resort situated near Marine Drive.
Be it the trees that provide food for the birds or plants that are revered for their medicinal or healing properties, everything here is magical. But there are still a few things you must know about the sanctuary before you get down to planning your trip!
This eco-tourism site boasts casuarina, acacia, cashew, eucalyptus, neem, and karanjia trees. Spotted deer and blackbucks abound in the area, reeling in wildlife enthusiasts from far and wide. The beach next to the sanctuary is home to Olive Ridley turtles. Declared as an ecologically sensitive zone, the sanctuary has both Nuanai and Kushabhadra rivers passing through it. It is an hour’s drive (approximately) from Puri and Konark. The sanctuary contributes to the agricultural activity of the region and helps recharge the freshwater levels underground. Other wildlife that can be spotted here includes large tribes of monkeys, squirrels, hyenas, jungle cats, monitor lizards, snakes, jackals, mongoose, and a variety of birds and reptiles. Be it indulging in experiences like white water rafting or bird watching and wildlife photography, this sanctuary is perfect for both an adventure-packed holiday and a rejuvenating break in the lap of nature. So plan your trip to Balukhanda and make your stay at these sanctuary resorts in Puri.
Reaching at sanctuary resorts in Puri like Toshali Sands is not difficult at all as it is well connected with rail and road networks, which makes it accessible to travelers coming from different corners.
