Entrance of Debrigarh Sanctuary at Dhadrokusum
Tandoori Chicken….Fish Fry…..Bon Fire…Clear Moonlit Sky with Twinkling Stars…distinctive tremulous eerie call of Mottled Wood Owl amidst dark silent night…Roar of Leopard from a far off place indicating that a night game going on….and a cool breeze from Mahanadi……life is beautiful isn’t it???????Yes, this was what we did at Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary. One of the less heard sanctuaries in Orissa but the best in terms of wildlife. Forests are quite virgin and unexplored. We started our journey from Kansbahal at 3’o clock in the evening and reached Burla at 7:00 in the evening. On the way did pick up the entire ration which included all vegetables and chicken. Remember that meat is not allowed inside the sanctuary. As we were supposed to stay at Dhudrukusum Forest Cottage which is the entry point of the Sanctuary,we were allowed to carry Chicken. Since people know little about Debrigarh ,no one at Burla was able to give information about the road to Dhodrukusum. Luckily we were able to get in touch with the Forest range officer stationed at Dhudrokusum who had booked the cottage for us. Driving on the dykes of Hirakud reservoir we reached Dhudrokusum. Never expected the Forest Cottage to be so cozy and comfortable.
Preparing Tandoori Chicken at Dhadrokusum Forest cottage
There were also two local guys that our Range officer had arranged for us. They started preparing Chicken Curry for us as we prepared fire for Tandoori Chicken. Night was chilly and sky was clear and a paradise for Star Watchers. As it turned out to be, Tandoori Chicken that we prepared was fabulous. Talk about the forest and wildlife started with our nice Range officer. Typical animals found are Wild Bisons ( flagship animal of Debrigarh),Leopards, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Sloth bear, Wild boar, Langur, Percupine. Also lots of Peacocks are spotted in the sanctuary. Incidents about Leopards moving inside the cottage premises created a chill in our spines. There is also fear that Maoists may infest the Sanctuary in coming 2-3 years as there is continuity in forest over Orissa and Chattisgarh. Last count of Royal Bengal Tigers based on pugmarks inside the forest was 2, which is also quite alarming. As we started our dinner, a dog started barking standing near us….Signs of a big carnivore moving near by. Our ranger Mr Dilip Dash took us near the forest with his spot light. Pugmarks of Leopard were all around. But we could not see it. Retired early for sleep only to wake up at 5 in the morning.
Pugmarks of Leopard in front of our Cottage
In our jeep we were supposed to travel to Chaurasimaal Cottage about 21 kms from the entry point. One of the local forest official accompanied us since inside the sanctuary its only forests…forests…and nothing else. First animal spotted was a Wild Bison. Since Camera flashes distract animals, so as a true wildlife fan one needs to click pictures carefully and without flash.But I always think of my dream machine a Conon 1000D and good SLR lens. Had that been there with me I would have got some ggod shots. We could see some peacocks and Bisons in plenty. But contrary to our expectations we could not see Deers..unlucky. There are also some artificial salt licks inside the sanctuary.
Wild Bison/Gaur ...early in the morning
Driving all along backwaters of Hirakud, I saw the most amazing Sunrise till date. No words to describe it…only to be experienced. But be careful while taking these pics as you may suddenly meet a leopard standing and gazing at you.
Another pic of Sunrise inside Debrigarh Sanctuary...qualifies for my desktop
Peacocks on our forest road
Inside the Debrigarh Sanctuary
Driving through thick forests we reached Chourasimaal Forest Cottage. Then we trekked up to another point where we met a couple of Fisher men who have built small cottages inside the Sanctuary. Our wait there was not in vain as a huge 5 kg fish was caught for our Lunch. We returned back to Dhodrukusum and had some more fried Fish.
What a Catch?...our lunch
Infront of the cottage is the beautiful lake. Hirakud reservoir looks like a sea. Had some good time boating in the reservoir and clicked pictures that would remain in heart forever.
Can a place be more scenic?????
Come and fall in love with Debrigarh....
Crystal Clear Blue Waters of Hirakud Dam
Dhadrokusum Forest Cottage
In the evening said good-bye to all the forest staffs and drove back to Kansbahal.
The Sanctuary comprises two wildlife ranges namelyKamgaon and Lakhanpur.
A wireless communication system covering all important points within and around the sanctuary has been established. During emergency this communication network will usually be available to multi-day trekkers through the established base stations. At present the VHF Base Stations of the communication network in Debrigarh are located at places like Sambardhara, Lakhanpur,Chourishimal.
The Sanctuary entry point at Dhudurkusum adjoining Hirakud Reservoir is approximately 35 km from Burla town and about 50 km from Sambalpur.
CONTACTS
Divisional Forest Officer,Hirakud Wildlife Division, Motijharan Po- & District: Sambalpur-768001 (Orissa)Ph. (0663) 2548743 (O/Fax)
Forest Range Officer
Lakhanpur Wildlife Range at Lakhanpur
Ph. (06646) 264241
Forest Range Officer :
Kamgaon Wildlife Range at Dhodrokusum.
Debrigarh during Freedom Struggle: A peak in the Barapahar hills in Bargarh sub-division having a height of 2267 feet. It was a noted rebel stronghold during the revolt of Balabhadra Deo, the Gond Zamindar of Lakhanpur, who was killed here. Mahapatra Ray and Baldia Ray also sought shelter here during 1840 AD after murdering Baluki Dash, the Maufidar of Bargarh. Veer Surendra Sai the freedom fighter was captured here in 1864 by British solders.
Source: Wiki
