Lakhari Valley Sanctuary is nestled along the Lakhari valley in the Eastern Ghats. It is situated in the Ganjam district of Odisha. It was notified a wildlife sanctuary in the year 1985.

Flora
Forest type: tropical forest
Major tree species: Sal, Teak, Tendu, Bel, Bamboo, Cassia, Palas, Babul, Bija, etc.

Fauna
Flagship species: Blackbucks and Elephants.
Other species: Sambar, Black Panther, Sloth Bear, Barking Deer, Leopard, Four-Horned Antelope, Hyena, Chinkara, Crocodile, Blue Bull, Wild Boar, etc

Avian Fauna
Jungle Fowl, peafowl, owl, etc

How to Reach There
The nearest airport to Lakhari Valley Sanctuary is situated in Bhubaneswar and Brahmapur railway station (about 60 km) is the closest railway station. Bus services can be availed from Chandragiri (15 km) and Berhampur.

Tourist Information

Tourists can find accommodation facilities at the Guest House of OTDC (Odisha Tourism Development Corporation), at Taptapani. More accommodation options are available at Chandragiri, Mohana, Digapahandi and Podamari. Carry mosquito repellants for a comfortable stay in the accommodation centres.
Behra Reservoir is the best spot to sight the spotted deer and black panther. Taptapani, one of the popular hot springs in India, is located close to the sanctuary. Gandahati waterfall is another famous tourist spot near the sanctuary.
Avoid wearing ill fitting and flashy coloured clothes during your trip to the sanctuary. Also avoid wearing strong perfumes as it can easily make your presence felt among the wild animals, even from a distance. Do not use flash during photography as it can agitate the wild animals. Drinking alcohol, cooking, littering and making loud noises inside the sanctuary is punishable with fine. Always remain alert during your expedition to the reserve.

Additional Information
Address: Lakhari Valley Sanctuary, Ganjam district, Odisha
Area: 185 sq. km. approx. / Summer temperature: about 26°C to 33°C.
Best visiting season: January to May.
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