Bhubaneswar: The Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary is trying to complete various ecotourism infrastructure projects before winter.

The sanctuary plans to give tourists the option of night halt from this season.

Chandaka divisional forest officer Kedar Kumar Swain said accommodation facilities were being developed at Godibari and Deras.

"The three existing suites at Godibari are being renovated, while we are constructing new ones at Godibari and Deras. Both will be able to accommodate 32 tourists," said Swain.

The 193km sanctuary has a number of tourist attractions - Deras, Jhumka, Godibari, Kumarkhunti. It has 32 hillocks and a number of wild nut trees. It attracts nearly 15,000 tourists every year.

"Repair of the six battery-operated tourist vehicles will be completed by November. We also plan to introduce safari vehicles for tourist safety," said Swain.#The sanctuary has 30 species of mammals, 27 reptiles, 120 birds and 23 natural water bodies.

The forest department has already set up four watchtowers near Ambilo, Kumarkhunti, Pitagadia and Kochilaberena for better view of wildlife at Chandaka.