Simlipal National Park is a national park and a tiger reserve in the Mayurbhanj district in the Indian state of Odisha. It is part of the Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve popularly known as Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which includes three protected areas � Similipal Tiger Reserve (2750.00 km2), Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (191.06 km2) and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary (272.75 km2)).Simlipal National Park derives its name from the abundance of semul (red silk cotton trees) that bloom here.The park has a protected area of 845.70 square kilometres (326.53 sq mi) and has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani. Simlipal is home to 99 royal Bengal tigers and 432 wild elephants.Besides Simlipal is famous for gaurs (Indian bison), chausingha,as well as an orchidarium.One can enter Similipal through Pithabata (22 kilometres (14 mi) from Baripada) and 98 km via Jashipur. Entry permits can be obtained from the Range Officer, Pithabata check gate upon paying prescribed fees.Thick and green forests, extensive grassy lands and meadows, precipitous and sparkling waterfalls, meandering rivers, roaring tigers and trumpeting tuskers, fleeing deer and flying squirrels, talking myna and dancing peacocks are appearing.About 1076 species of mammals, 29 types of reptiles and 231 species of birds are in this plateau. Herds of elephants majestically walking across the roads and rivulets could be a regular sight. While you are moving on the hilly tracts, predators like tiger and leopards might be obliviously lulling under the shade.The park is a treasure house of 1076 species of plants belonging to 102 families. 96 species of orchids have been identified here.A total of 42 species of mammals, 242 species of birds and 30 species of reptiles have been recorded in Simlipal National Park.The major mammals include tiger, leopard, Asian elephant, sambar, barking deer, gaur, jungle cat, wild boar, chausingha (four horned antelope), giant squirrel and common langur. 231 species of birds nest in these forests. Red junglefowl, hill mynah, peafowl, Alexandrine parakeet, crested serpent eagle are the commonly found birds. The grey hornbill, Indian pied hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill and Indian trogon are also found in the reserve.
Best time to visit: 1 October to 15 June
District: MY
Elevation:
Opening Time: 6Am-12Am
Food: Hotels in Baripada,forest camps also available
Attractions: Beautiful scenic view of nature,sal forest,waterfalls,various species of creatures, tigers
Nearest Bus Stop: Baripada
Nearest Railway Station: Nearest railheads are Baripada, Balasore, TataNagar (Jamshedpur) and Kharagpur
Travel Options: Taxi,Bus,Train
Nearest town: Baripada
Km from Bhubaneswar: 250
