Mr Viral
Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, is all set to reopen for tourists on October 10. The reserve, which remained closed since June 12 due to the monsoon season, is now all set to offer visitors the unique opportunity to explore one of India’s largest and most biodiverse national parks. Spread over 2,750 sq km, Similipal is home to Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards, and more than 200 bird species. It’s a perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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What’s new this season?According to a notification issued by STR Field Director Prakash Chand Gogineni, a maximum of 60 vehicles with a minimum ground clearance of 180 mm will be allowed into the park each day.
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Tourists can enter Similipal from two points:Kaliani entry point (Jashipur) from 6 AM to 12 PM
Pithabata entry point (Baripada division) from 11 am to 1 pm
By 6 PM, visitors will need to exit the park through the Kalikaprasad check gate. For reasons of safety and environmental preservation, local guides will accompany all tourist vehicles. In case a vehicle breaks down inside the park, travellers will have to pay INR 4,000 to obtain service of a park vehicle to conclude their visit.
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Wildlife and scenic highlightsA visit to Simlipal National Park is not just about wildlife sightings. The reserve has lush forests, stunning vistas ideal for photography and exploration, and waterfalls including Barehipani and Joranda. Additionally, one can visit local tribal villages to get an insight into the way of life there.
How to plan your trip?
Baripada is the closest large city, and it has excellent train and road connections. The closest airports are located in Kolkata (about 240 km) and Bhubaneswar (about 250 km). You may go to Baripada or Jashipur by bus or taxi from these cities.
AccommodationYou will find a number of eco-tourism cottages and forest rest houses at Baripada, Jashipur, and Lulung. Just make sure that you reserve your lodging in advance, as spaces tend to fill up quickly, particularly after the park reopens.
Entry permits
Permits can be obtained at the park entry points. It’s recommended to arrive early to secure your entry, as only a limited number of vehicles are allowed inside daily.
Best time to visitSimilipal is best visited between October and February when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more frequent.
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