Location: The
sanctuary is located in Mayurbhaj District of Orrisa, 320 Km from
Bhubaneswar.
Major wildlife Attractions: Elephants, Deer, Leopards,
Gaur Bison, Sloth Bears, Reptiles, Crocodiles and more than 200 species of
bird life.
Attractions in the Park: Mangesheri mountain range,
Barehipani waterfall, Joranda waterfall, Newana, Barheipani etc.
Nearby tourist destinations: Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Puri,
Konark.
When to Visit: The sanctuary is open from November to
15th June. For rest of the year, the park is closed for visitors.
Entry Fee: Indians- Rs 5/-, Foreigners- Rs.100/-.; one
has to obtain permission from the "Field Director, Simlipal Tiger
Project, Baripada", 10 days in advance.
About Simlipal Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the 18 tiger reserves of India, Simlipal is situated in the district
of Mayurbhanj, Orrisa, spanning across an area of 2,750 sq. km and covered
with lush grassland and Sal forests. Once a hunting place for the Kings of
Mayurbhanj, Simlipal got established as a tiger reserve in 1956 and became a
part of the Project Tiger Scheme in 1972, followed by its attainment of the
status of a 'National Park' in 1979. Currently there are around 95 tigers in
the sanctuary. The ecosystem of Simlipal falls under Mahanadi-biogeographic
region. The sanctuary is home to twelve rivers and countless waterfalls.
Going deep into Simlipal one can some across the spotted deer, listen to the
cries of Cheetahs and the barking of the Muntjacs or watch the Sauthali
women searching for bark and twigs for firewood. Simlipal is also home to
more than 87 varieties of orchids. Orchids of the most exotic varieties
bloom here.
Wildlife Attractions in Simlipal Wildlife Sanctuary
The Fauna
Among the 42 species of major mammals and 30 species of reptiles recorded
so far in the reserve are Tigers, Panthers, Elephants, Gaurs, Four horned
Antelopes etc. Ratel, Pangolin, Giant squirrel, sambar and Cheetal are among
the other few worth mentioning. The sanctuary can boast of around 95 tigers
and the rare Mugger Crocodiles.
The Flora
The Simlipal national park consists of the Sal forests, which are
predominantly tropical moist deciduous forests. The forests are a treasure
as it houses 501 species of plants belonging to 102 families. There are
around 87 species of orchids identified. The forest has innumerable
medicinal and aromatic plants, which act as a source of income for the
tribals.
The Avifauna
There are around 230 bird species here. Some of the rare ones include Red
Jungle Fowl, Alexandrine Parakeet, Crested Serpent Eagle, Grey Hornbill,
Indian Trogon Hill Mynah, Peafowl, etc.
The Park Trip
One can see the sanctuary on there own 4-wheeler or on any vehicle provided
by the forest authorities.
Getting There
Air: Simlipal Tiger Reserve can be reached easily through three
major airports at Jamshedpur(140 Km), Bhubaneswar(320 Km) and Kolkata(240
Km). Taxi and bus services can be utilised to reach the national park.
Rail: The nearest railhead is at Baripada, 50 Km from Simlipal.
Baripada has direct rail connections to all of India’s major cities.
Road: Baripada has extensive road links to other cities and states.
Regular buses leave for Simlipal from Baripada. Private cars or taxis can be
used to drive around the park.
Accommodation
Forest reserve bungalows are available in the Simlipal Hills, but these
won't fulfill your luxury needs. One has to take prior permissions from the
authorities regarding the stay at forest bunglows. There is a solar-powered
stone lodge at Baripada, which is very reasonably priced. There are some
options in Lulung(35 Km) as well.
