Located along the coastal stretch between Puri and Konark, the Balukhand Konark Sanctuary is spread across 87 sq km. The Marine Drive Road runs adjacent to it, making for a pleasant road trip. This eco-tourism site boasts casuarina, acacia, cashew, eucalyptus, neem, and karanjia trees. Spotted deer and blackbucks abound in the area, reeling in wildlife enthusiasts from far and wide. The beach next to the sanctuary is home to Olive Ridley turtles. Declared as an ecologically sensitive zone, the sanctuary has both Nuanai and Kushabhadra rivers passing through it. It is an hour's drive (approximately) from Puri and Konark. The sanctuary contributes to the agricultural activity of the region and helps recharge the freshwater levels underground. Other wildlife that can be spotted here includes large tribes of monkeys, squirrels, hyenas, jungle cats, monitor lizards, snakes, jackals, mongoose and a variety of birds and reptiles. 

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