1.4 lakh visitors, 6cr revenue brought cheer to Debrigarh ecotourism in ’25-26

Bhubaneswar: Debrigarh wildlife Sanctuary’s ecotourism has scaled new heights in 2025-26, recording Rs 6.02 crore in revenue and attracting more than 1.4 lakh tourists, a sharp rise from Rs 5.01 crore in revenue and 85,000 visitors in the previous financial year.

Officials said the sanctuary has become one of Odisha’s fastest-growing wildlife destinations, drawing visitors from India and abroad. About 50% of tourists were from Odisha, while the rest came from other states and countries like Italy, France, US, UK, Canada, West Indies, Germany, Finland, Ireland, Spain and Brazil.

Introduction of Odisha’s first forest homestays and a unique 2-km birding trail added a fresh dimension to Debrigarh’s ecotourism offerings. Tourists from 10 foreign lands availed homestay, safari and birding facilities.

Last year, new attractions such as star-gazing rooms with glass roofing, an Island Café, guided star-gazing as an activity and a wildlife library boosted visitor interest. This year, the focus shifted to immersive nature-based experiences through homestays and birdwatching.

Wildlife officials said Debrigarh now offers guaranteed sightings of animals such as Indian bison, or gaur, leopard, wild dog, sambar, chital, sloth bear, wild pig and peacock, besides a rich variety of ground-nesting and terrestrial birds.

Along with guided jungle safaris, tourists can also enjoy Hirakud cruises, island trips to Bat Island, Cattle Island and Sunset Island.

Other attractions include the Island Café in the Hirakud reservoir, hiking trails of 2 km, 5 km, 10 km and 20 km, trekking, camping, kayaking, cycling, the wildlife library, Govindpur Birds Village, Dhodrokusum Green Village, Barabakhra Caves and Veer Surendra Sai Memorial.

DFO, Hirakud wildlife division, Anshu Pragyan Das, said around 120 families from different villages are now actively engaged as nature guides, safari drivers, boat operators, homestay hosts and staff at eco-friendly facilities. She said 40 per cent of community members involved are women, including women safari drivers, eco-guides and staff, while homestays are fully managed by tribal women who are the sole breadwinners of their families.

PCCF (wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha said the upgrades are aimed at strengthening livelihoods and tourist facilities further. Officials said Debrigarh is set to add 32 new night-stay cottages by the end of summer, including 10 more homestays at Dhodrokusum Green Village, along with a canopy walk and expanded safari and cruise facilities with new vehicles and boats.