Description

Similipal Tiger Reserve is a part of Central Indian Landscape. Not only a Tiger Reserve, Similipal is also a National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve and a part of Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve. Similipal derives its name from the abundance of Semul or Red Silk Cotton trees that bloom vividly in its forest. The vast stretches of forest of Similipal is a unique composition of deciduous, semi-ever green, high level Sal, grass land & savannahs. It is the abode of more than 1253 species of flowering plants, 99 species of non-flowering plants, 21 species of amphibians, 361 species of birds, 55 species of mammals, 62 species of reptiles, and many species of flora and fauna yet to be identified.
Similipal Tiger Reserve located in the northern side of the state famous for tigers and elephants. It is the only Tiger Reserve in the country to boast of Melanistic Tigers. The other wildlife in Similipal are Bison, Giant Squirrel, Sambar, Chital, Porcupine, Pangolin, Leopard, Pythons, Wild boar, Barking Deer, Jungle Cat, and Languor etc. Most commonly found birds are Peafowl, Jungle fowl, Hill Myna, Parakeets, variety of Eagles etc. beside Hornbills & Trogons. The park has a sizeable population of reptiles including Snakes, Crocodiles and Turtles.

How To Reach

Nearest railway station as well as nearest airport is Bhubaneswar. You can also commute by road from Baripada to Joshipur via Bangriposi. It is approximately 117Kms and takes about 3 hours 30 minutes.
You can also visit the place from Kolkata by a road trip, which is approximately 290KMs, takes about 4 hours 30 minutes to reach JoshipurVia Howrah to Kharagpur and further to Bangriposi.

Best Time to Visit

The weather becomes cool and pleasant during the months of winter, enthralling the tourists with nature's beauty and wonder.

Hotel Range

5000/- to 8000/- average price range per room per night excluding Tax and GST.

Tips

Essential points of tourist interest here are birdwatching, jungle trekking, hill trekking, and stargazing, farm visiting and cultural tours.
Option for day safari is also there where visitors can hire vehicle from Jashipur for Day Safari through the jungles of Similipal visiting the three waterfalls - Barehipani Waterfall, Joranda and Uski and back to Camp via Chahala where you can see wildlife.