Simlipal National Park

If you want a thriller atmosphere, the chilling roars and sizzling hisses of snakes and sharp howls of birds in Similipal National Park will bring you to life. In Simlipal, Simul means silk cotton (a tree), as the park region is rich with abundant red silk cotton trees growing on the northern side of the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, which is breathtaking with its floral parks and ferocious animal sanctuaries. The majestic look of twin peaks Khairiburu and Meghashini, surrounded by high plateaus and blazer hills that cover the national park, speared across 2750 square kilometres, calms up the thrill nerves with joyous waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani. Two zones divide the sanctuary.

  • In the northern zone, waterfalls and surround-ups fall.
  • In the southern zone, the twin peaks tug in.

Both zones are hotspots for tourism and sightseeing, as the region has four water reservoirs and many sanctuaries, mainly revered for the tiger reserve.

Next is the elephant reserve, and after that crocodiles, snakes, turtles, and migratory birds, and native ones enjoy their time in the park.

Reserves of Simlipal National Park:

Tiger Reserve

  • You know what! Formally labelled as a Tiger Reserve in 1956 and added to Project Tiger in May 1973 it was once a hunting land of regal.
  • In 1979, the park was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Government of Odisha.
  • In 1986, the sanctuary was officially labelled as a National Park, and the area was further increased in 1986.
  • In 2009, the Indian Government added the park to the UNESCO Sites and nominated it as a Biosphere Reserve.

Elephant Reserve

Simlipal Elephant Reserve mainly aims to secure wild Asian elephants, with Project Elephant scheduled for 1992 by the Forest and Environment Ministry of the Indian Government. It also consists of three elephant reserves that start from Simlipal to Kuldiha and end with Hadgarh elephant rehabilitation protected zones.

Crocodile Reserve

Mugger crocodile, known as the Marsh crocodile, native to south Iran to the Indian subcontinent, protected and survived with the help of the project titled Mugger Crocodile Management Programme to feed up on the Khairi river banks.

Vegetation of Simlipal National Park or Flora of Similipal National Park

Simlipal National Park, with its hefty forests and hills, has various rivers that roll over and run down, making the place rich in vegetation. Around twelve rivers run down through the park, making the place home to 55 species of mammals like tigers, leopards, Asian elephants, sambar, barking deer, wild boars, jungle cats, four-horned antelopes, giant squirrels, and common langur;

  • 304 species of birds such as red junglefowl, hill mynah, peafowl, alexandrine parakeet, and crested serpent eagle;
  • And you may also find hornbill varieties like grey, Indian pied, Malabar pied, and Indian trogon;
  • 60 species of reptiles; 21 species of frogs; 38 species of fish; and 164 species of butterflies recorded to this date.

The abode of plants provides thousands of species, with 96 species of orchids tangled up in the moist deciduous forests, tropical moist broadleaf forests, and highly rodent Sal trees. Once you see the savannah and grasslands where the essence of eucalyptus trees spreads in the breeze, the numerous medicinal plants provide the region with aromatic scenery.

So then you want more? Start packing and point your trip towards Odisha. Simlipal National Park awaits you.

Activities you enjoy in Simlipal National Park:

Immerse in a camping trip where trees and wildlife surround you. If you're looking for more adventure, consider a Wildlife safari to get your heart racing. Bird watching is a great way to break up any monotony and feel invigorated by the beauty of the natural world. For a challenge, Trekking is a great way to test your limits. At the end, unwind with a Jeep safari in an open vehicle with knowledgeable guides. Whatever activity you choose, the memories you make will be a cherished souvenir of your time in the great outdoors.

Visiting Hours:

  • Day visits are not allowed
  • Entry timings should be decided according to the weather conditions, which would be examined by the Field Director of the National Park, Simlipal.
  • From November to mid-June, the park remains closed.
  • One must book a stay for one-day camping inside the park.

Rules to follow:

Visitors should not be allowed to take non-vegetarian food items or liquor inside the restricted area and park.

Entry fee:

  • Rs. 100 for general entry;
  • For Jeep, Car, or LMV: Rs. 30 for Indians and Rs. 40 for foreigners (per vehicle per day).
  • For trekking or nature trails: Rs. 20 for Indians and Rs. 100 for foreigners
  • For amateur photographers: Rs. 50 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners.

Best time to visit:

February to December is the best month to visit the sanctuary.

How to reach Simlipal National Park in short:

By Air : Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, is the nearest airport. From there, it takes around 5 hours to reach Simlipal National Park.

By Train :Balasore Railway Station is the nearest railroad to Simlipal National Park, situated on the Howrah-Chennai Line.

By Road :All major cities connected to the park through roadways are always reachable through public or private transportation.

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