Kotgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Baliguda subdivision of Kotagarh in the Kandhamal district of Odisha. It was established in the year 1981.

Flora
Forest type: moist deciduous forests with patches of grasslands.
Major tree species: sisoo, piasal, tamarind, gambhari, kendu, kusum, asan, harida, amala, mango,
mahua, bahada, randhan, kangada, jackfruit, salapo, jamun, arjun, char, bheru, kochila and dhaura.
Medicinal plants: Fragrant padri tree, garden rauvolfia, Indian trumpet flower, Malabar nut, veldt grape, guduchi, cambi gum tree, Malabar nut, Indian laurel, etc.

Fauna
Flagship species: Chausingha or four horned antelope.
Other species: Tiger, nilgai, leopard, barking deer, sambar, wild boar, gaur, peafowl, civet cat, jackal, rattle, sloth bear, four horned antelope, porcupine, pangolin, mongoose, giant squirrel, etc.
Cat snake has been recently discovered in the Kotgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Avian Fauna
Red jungle fowl, peacock, etc.

Tourist Information
Nature trail and bird watching are major tourist pastime here. Parts of the Kandhamal district have witnessed an increase in Maoist incidents in the recent years. Hence, it is advisable for the visitors to avoid venturing into unknown tracks and follow only the paths assigned by the forest officials. Accommodation at the forest bungalow at Belghar has also been stopped for the same reason.

However, more luxury and budget accommodation options are available at Daringbadi. The visitors can visit the 52 tribal villages, including the tribes of Desia Kondh and Kutia Kondh that inhabit inside the sanctuary.

Hunting, cooking, littering, making loud noise and carrying of pets or weapons inside the sanctuary is strictly prohibited. For reservations, queries and support, one can contact the Angul, D.F.O. (WL), Satkosia.

Additional Information
Address: Kotgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kandhamal district, Odisha
Area: 399.5 sq km approx

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