Bhubaneswar: Want a day’s outing from dawn to dusk amid nature and colourful wildlife? Two new destinations on the fringes of Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary might just be right for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Peacock Valley and Nageswar Dam have been developed as eco-tourism sites offering visitors an opportunity to experience nature and wildlife in a tranquil setting.Peacock Valley, located close to the sanctuary, has emerged as a biodiversity-rich destination showcasing the unique ecosystem of Eastern Ghats. The area derives its name from frequent sightings of Indian peafowl, which thrive in the landscape alongside a variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, butterflies and other wildlife species. Its mosaic of forests, grasslands and scrub vegetation creates a suitable habitat for diverse flora and fauna.“Besides providing recreational opportunities, Peacock Valley carries significant conservation value. The area acts as an important buffer and linkage habitat between forested stretches of Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary and surrounding landscapes. This ecological connectivity facilitates wildlife movement, helping maintain genetic diversity and strengthening the resilience of local ecosystems,” said divisional forest officer (DFO) of Chandaka, Binod Acharya.Visitors can enjoy nature trails and wildlife viewing while taking advantage of basic tourism facilities, including a cafeteria. Since the site is located on the sanctuary’s fringe, tourists can also but entry tickets and hire safari vehicles to venture into the protected area for forest excursions.Meanwhile, Nageswar Dam, situated near Dampada forest range inside the Chandaka sanctuary, is being promoted as another eco-tourism attraction, surrounded by scenic forest landscapes.Forest authorities believe the twin destinations will provide sustainable tourism opportunities, generate local livelihoods and encourage greater appreciation of Chandaka’s rich natural heritage and biodiversity.