Simlipal National Park is situated in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha (formerly Orissa) in India. Total area of the park is 2,750 sq km with a core area of 850 km². The area is a plateau with various picturesque peaks. Similipal remains open from 1 November to 15 June only.
Thick green forests, extensive meadows, twinkling waterfalls, meandering rivers, high peaks – entire diversity of nature in one place. It was once the hunting place of the Maharaja of Mayurbhanj.
The park was notified as one of the major tiger projects in India in 1980.
The park is on a plateau mean elevation 900 m. The Khairi, Palpala, and Budhabalanga rivers originate here.
The largest wild life sanctuary in India. Major attraction of the park is its tigers. Other animals such as antelope, deer, neelgai, leopards, bear, crocodile and other wild animals are also plentiful. It is also a bird lover’s paradise.
During summers, the temperature is around 40 °C whereas during the winter it falls to about 14 °C. The monsoon season brings moderate to very heavy rainfall.
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 forests on payment of prescribed fees.
Day visitors can enter between 6AM & noon and visitors with reservation between 6AM & 2PM.
Second entry point is Joshipur. Permits from Asst Conservator of Forests (Wildlife). It is advisable to get permits one to two weeks in advance.
Panoramic view of Barheipani (21:56N,86:23E) and Jaranda waterfalls. The magnificent peaks of Khairiburu and Meghasani dominate the area. Crocodile farm. Glimpse of the tribal culture of the area.
Bird watching, trekking and nature walks.
Local handloom products, stone carvings and curios.
Normal Indian fare available at the tourist lodges. Local fare at restaurants outside the forest area.
Bottled water available. Alcoholic drinks and beverages are prohibited inside the park.
Mosquito repellent.
- Khiching (149 km from Baripada and 55 km from Jashipur) is famous for the shrine of Kichakeswari . Private buses and shared Jeep are available for Khiching Jashipur which is on NH-6 20 km from Simlipal. There is a Govt Tourist lodge here. During Shiavaratri festival a big market is held in Khiching.
- From Khiching 2 km down there is a small village (Uttarposhi) famous for black stone work.
- Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary. Haven for researchers, trekkers nearby and easily accessible via surface transport.
- Other places Chandipur, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Konarak, Gopalpur-on-sea, Sambalpur.