Similipal

Simlipal Tiger Reserve 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. Located in the Mayurbhanj district of India. Coastal state of Orissa, Simlipal Tiger Reserve is an ecosystem complete with forest vegetation (mainly sal trees), fauna and the adjoining Santhal tribal settlements. High plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the Mangesheri, surround the forest. At least 12 rivers cut across the plain area. The prominent among them are Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Kahairi and Deo. This sprawling forest also has many waterfalls that are a perpetual attraction to the tourist. It has withstood two cyclones. in 1982 and 1999. without any irrevocable damages and continues to enchant visitors.

CLIMATE of Simlipal Tiger Reserve

During summers, the temperature is very high (around 40°C) whereas during the winter it falls to about 14°C. The monsoon season brings moderate to very heavy rainfall.

ATTRACTIONS of Simlipal Tiger Reserve

This sprawling ecosystem, thanks to the mega conservation efforts, has close to a 100 tigers. Other mammalian species like leopards, sambhars, langurs, deer, gaur (Indian bison), elephants, antelopes, chitals, chevrotains, wild dog, wild boar, sloth bears, monkeys, hyenas and porcupines are also found here. There are around 230 species of birds in these forests. The ones officially recorded include the red jungle fowl, hill myna, peafowl, alexandrine parakeet, crested serpent eagle, gray hornbill, Indian pied hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill and Indian trogon. Most of these bird species may be spotted in the park. There is a sizable population of reptiles as well, which include snakes and turtles. The population of crocodiles has increased considerably since the inception of the Mugger Management Program.

FLORA of Simlipal Tiger Reserve

The park is a treasure house of 501 species of plants belonging to 102 families. 82 species of orchids have also been identified here. It has a mixed type of vegetation with Northern tropical semi-evergreen trees and Northern tropical
moist deciduous trees. Plus, dry deciduous hill forest and high level Sal forests. The grasslands and the savannas provide grazing grounds for the herbivores and hiding place to the carnivores. The forest boasts of innumerable medicinal and aromatic plants, which provide a source of earnings for the tribals.

FAUNA of Simlipal Tiger Reserve

Project Tiger also concerned itself with the care of other animals. After the project was launched, the park saw an increase in population of not only Tigers but also Leopards, Sambars, Langurs, Barking and Spotted Deer, Gaur, Elephant and the ‘Four-horned’ antelope. The protected environment of the park has provided shelter to a number of other mammals. 231 species of birds nest in these forests. Red Jungle Fowl, Hill Mynah, Peafowl, Alexandrine Parakeet, Crested Serpent Eagle are common. The Grey Hornbill, Indian Pied Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill and Indian Trogon are also found in the reserve. Apart from the large number of mammals and bird species, the park has a sizeable population of reptiles, which includes snakes and turtles. The Mugger management programme has helped the Mugger crocodile to survive and flourish on the banks of river Khairi.

Places Near To Visit

Ramatirtha

Apart from visiting the beautiful tiger reserve the tourists can also enjoy other attraction such as this one which is located on the merging point of two rivers namely Bhandan and Khairi which emerge from Similipal. This tourist destination is a spot to worship for the Hindu visitors as it holds an important position in mythology. There are adequate arrangements for staying and eating in Ramatirtha for the convenience of the tourists.

Gurguria

This beautiful place is located on the banks of river Khairi and it is also surrounded by wooded hills which makes it equivalent to a hill station. The tourists can view 63 different orchids bloom in the summer season which is definitely something worth watching. The main attracting features of this place are a ride on an elephant plus trekking on the nearby hills. The visitors can easily find a place to stay and good dining facilities in this spot.

Chahla

This is the place where the royal highness of Mayurbhanj decided to build a forest resort which presently is a rest house for the tourists. The rest house is surrounded by the voices of many birds such as hill myna plus the tourists will find themselves in the middle of an enchanting forest.

Barehipani

This tourist destination is primarily shaped like a rope which is known as Barehi and hence the name. The main viewing attraction of this place is a splendid waterfall that is around 217 meters high and it looks quite gallant.

Joranda

There is a waterfall in this spot which is a 181 meters in height and it reaches the ground in a perpendicular manner. There are cottages available for the accommodation purpose of the visitors and what is most exciting and splendid is the view at the sunset. The tourists are bound to fall in love with the lush greenery and they will experience some rare sightings of the animals.

Nawana

This place is basically a beautiful crop valley which reaches at its best in the winter season. Another thing to experience in this region is the unique living style of the tribal population.

REACHING THERE

By Air

The nearest town to Similipal tiger reserve is Baripada and the closest airport to the town of Baripada is Bhubaneswar which is at a distance of 207 kilometers. The Kolkata international airport is at a distance of 195 kilometers from Baripada and the Bhubaneswar airport is linked with Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Nagpur by boarding flights. There are cabs available from the airport that will take the tourists to Baripada although the tourists must know how to bargain.

By Rail

The nearest railway station to Similipal tiger reserve is the Baripada railway station and this station is linked with almost all the major locations in India. Balasore happens to be the closest railhead which is linked with Baripada via regular deluxe buses.

By Road

This tiger reserve is well connected via NH 5 and 6 with major destinations like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Ranchi, Kolkata, Baripada and Bhadrak. There are many options to avail like the OSRTC regular bus service, taxis or any other local mode of transport to reach Baripada via road.

By Bus

There are many private as well as government owned buses that travel from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to Baripada. Apart from Cuttack and Bhubaneswar there are two other towns well linked to Similipal tiger reserve.

STAYING THERE (Simlipal Tiger Reserve)

Accommodation is available in the form of forest reserve bungalows in the Simlipal Hills. These bungalows have catering facilities as well. Solar-powered stone lodges at Baripada offer reasonably priced accommodation.

TRAVEL TIPS

During summers, light cotton clothing is essential whereas woolens would suffice during winters. Permit for entry to the park must be collected at Baripada. The Santhal tribes that live in the Simlipal forest celebrate feast and dance during January, which tourists may attend by prior notification. A team headed by the Field Director carries out research under Project Tiger. Rights of admission to the laboratory and field facilities of Project Tiger are restricted, but officials do not discourage the visits of tourists/ecology students and extend all possible help by providing information/literature about the park as well as the tiger conservation project.

SEASON:

The park is open for visitors from November to June.