Ushakothi in Sambalpur district is a picturesque wild life sanctuary located 48 kms. north-east of Sambalpur town on the National Highway No.6. It came into existence in 1957-58. It offers great attraction to tourists. The visitors are usually attracted because of its easy accessibility and varieties of colourful wild life. The forest Rest House at Badarama situated about a mile from the Sanctuary, provides enjoyable accommodation to the visitors.

The Sanctuary lies at an altitude of 1,200 feet from the main sea-level and covers the entire Ushakothi Block of the Bamra Forest Division, an area of about 80 sq. miles. The main attraction of the sanctuary are the huge herds of Bison and Sambar, which one seldom misses. Besides, the visitors can see tigers, Panthers, Beers, wild Beers and leopards as well as herds of elephants, barking deer and spotted deer. There are two masonry watch towers each 30 feet high on which the visitors can get the experience of watching the animals roaming in their natural habitats. The sanctuary is open watching all the year around, but the best period is from November to June.