Similipal National Park
Welcome To Similipal National Park
Similipal, which derives its name from ‘Simul’ (Silk Cotton) tree, is a national park and a Tiger Reserve situated in the northern part of Orissa’s Mayurbhanj district. The tiger reserve is spread over 2750 sq km and has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani. The park is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515m above mean sea level). At least twelve rivers cut across the plain area, all of which drain into the Bay of Bengal. The prominent among them are Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Salandi, Kahairi and Deo.
Wildlife in Similipal National Park
Simlipal Reserve is a safe haven for a large variety of wildlife creatures that include Leopard, Gaur, Elephant, Langur, Barking and Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear Mongoose, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Turtle, Monitor Lizards, Python, Sambar, Pangolin, Crocodile and Four-horned Antelope. Around 230 species of birds like the Grey Hornbill, Indian Pied Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Trogon, Red Jungle Fowl, Hill Mynah, Peafowl, Alexandrine Parakeet, and Crested Serpent Eagle can also be seen here. Also known as Simlipal Elephant Reserve, it is a complete ecosystem with forest vegetation along with the adjoining Santhal tribal settlements.
Safari in Similipal National Park
Other than Jeep Safaris at Simlipal National Park, visitors are allowed to take their privately-owned Sports Utility Vehicles. Any other car is not permitted. A permit needs to be secured before entering the park. Hiring a trained and registered guide at a mere cost of INR 300/- per day is recommended to find the way into the forest and back. Provisions are also made for elephant rides to explore some part of the jungle. Visitors have to adhere to the forest rules strictly, and they would have the best time amidst natural surroundings.
Best Time to Visit Similipal National Park
The summers here can get quite hot with the temperature rising up to whereas during the winter it falls as low as 14 Degrees Celsius In monsoon this place receives moderate to very heavy rainfall. November to Mid-June is the best time to visit this national park.
How to Reach Similipal National Park?
The nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (195 km) and Kolkata (365 km). A straight drive down from Kolkata is more hassle free and will take you approximately 8 Hours. Cabs are available from Kolkata on pre booking and will get you to the resorts and the national park.
Air: The nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (270 km) and Kolkata (240 km). A straight drive down from Kolkata is more convenient. Cabs are available from here to get to resorts and the national park.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Balasore (60 km from Baripada). From here major trains run on the South-Eastern sector.
Road: The nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (270 km) and Kolkata (240 km). A straight drive down from Kolkata is more convenient. Cabs are available from here to get to resorts and the national park.
