The Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Indian state of Odisha. This sanctuary is situated along the Bay of Bengal coast between the holy city Puri and Konark and comes in Puri district. This sanctuary extends from Keluni Muhan near Daluakani to Banki Muhan near Puri.The sanctuary includes sandy beaches, coastal dunes, and casuarina forests.
Sanctuary is traversed by small rivers such as Nuanai River, Kusabhadra River, Kadua River and Prachi River.
Flagship animal: Blackbuck.
Notified Area of Balukhanda-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary: 87 km2
The sanctuary was designated in 1984.
The best time to visit the sanctuary is winter season from November to February.
Flora
The flora of the area includes casuarina, acacia, cashew, eucalyptus, neem, pongamia, etc. Most of the casuarinas were planted during 1915-17 by Britishers.
Fauna
Black bucks, spotted deer, monkeys, jungle cat, hyena, monitors lizard, snakes are found. Seldom on adjacent beach Olive Ridley turtles’ nests sporadically.
Approach
Nearest Airport: Bhubaneswar
Nearest Railways Station: Puri (3 km)
Road:Puri-Konark Marine Drive road passes through the sanctuary.
