Simlipal National Park originated primarily as a hunting ground for the royalty. It was formally designated a tiger reserve in 1956 under Project Tiger in May 1972. It was elevated to a national park status in 1979. It has captured the imagination of many with its diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Home to many amazing and rare animals, Simplipal is a destination you haven’t seen before.
Situated in the Mayurbhanj district, 320 km from Bhubaneshwar (Orissa), is a 2,750 sq km sanctuary and a Project.
Dense and lush green forests with crisscrossed wild grass and meadows, cloud kissing peaks, twelve dancing rivers which flows like veins and arteries in the body and meander through the hills and plateaus of Simlipal, creates some of the area’s most impressive waterfalls.
Mesmerizing and panoramic view at Barehipani waterfall, dropping from a 400-metre height, and the Joranda waterfall, with a shorter height of 150 metres, are so beautiful and mind blowing that one is magically attracted towards nature’s majesty.
The Flaura - Simlipal National Park is a floral treasure as well. It has close to 500 species of plants belonging to 102 families. Eighty-two species of orchids have already been identified here along with the omnipresent sal trees. The calm and peaceful atmosphere of the forest will absorb you in its green magical beauty, as you move deeper and deeper. The unique flora will leave you absolutely amazed.
The Fauna - While venturing into the Simplipal, you will be hypnotized by the wild attractions. About 100 Royal Bengal Tigers, 432 Wild elephants, Indian Bison, Leopard, dancing peacocks, flying Squirrels talking birds, Barking deer, Sambar, Jungle Cat, Wild boar, Chausingha (four horned antelope), Common langur el al make this park a dreamland of nature and a must visit destination for national and international tourists.
Apart from the large number of mammals and bird species, the park boasts an abundance of rare reptiles which includes poisonous and non poisonous snakes and turtles. The banks of the Khairi river which flows through the park are a natural habitat for rare Mugger crocodiles.
The vivid weather conditions – wet and dry, plains and rocky mountainous, gentle and rugged, forests and meadows are suitable for numerous plant and animal species and make them proud residents of this place.
The Avifauna - In addition to the fauna, Simlipal also houses a large number of avifauna. The musical notes of the singing birds there will increase your drive to visit the sanctuary extaustively. 231 species of birds nest in these forests. Red Junglefowl, Hill Mynah, Peacock, Alexandrine Parakeet, Crested Serpent Eagle are the commonly found birds.
The silence of Similipal is occasionally broken by the chirping of the birds to an avian delight.
Similipal also provides succor to thousands of tribal people living on the fringe. A glimpse of the tribal culture will therefore be a bonus at no extra cost.
Certainly, a visit to Simlipal National Park is a treat for every wildlife and nature lover. After trip, you are sure to feel rejuvenated and satisfied.
Entry Points, Permits and Timings
You can enter into Similipal through Pithabata (22 km from Baripada).
Entry permits can be obtained from the Range Officer, Pithabata check gate or the Assistant Conservator of prescribed fees.
Day visitors can enter between 6 AM & 12 Noon and visitors with reservation between 6 AM & 2 PM.
Similipal remains open from 1st November to 15th June.
Approach : Road - Baripada, the district headquarters of Mayurbhanj, on the junction of NH 5 and 6, is 170 km from Bhubaneswar, 240 from Kolkata and 60 km from Balasore and 22 km from Pithabata, which is an entry point. The other entry point Jashipur is 94 km from Baripada on N.H. 6. Both the places are well connected by regular bus services. Taxis and Jeeps are available.
Rail - Nearest railhead is Balasore (60 km from Baripada), served by major trains running on the South-Eastern sector.
Air - Nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (270 kms) and Kolkata (240 km)
Best time to visit - The park is open from November to June. By June, the temperature goes up pretty high- as much as 40ºC- so it’s better not to visit Simlipal at this time. Winters, however, are pleasantly cool; the coldest it gets is about 14ºC.
