Mayurbhanj

Simlipal National Park

Simlipal National Park

Reflecting the natural beauty of an era gone by, Simlipal National Park is a beautiful and scenic town in Odisha. Situated in Mayurbhanj, it once used to be a hunting ground for the rulers of the province. Simlipal is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India and is considered one of the principal tiger projects in the country.

The area has dense forests, striking meadows, startling waterfalls, and beautiful rivers. It is blessed with great bio-diversity and huge fauna varieties, making it a great place to engage in wildlife sightseeing! Simlipal Reserve is home to more than 1000 varieties of plants. It has around 96 species of orchids that are endemic to the forest. Baripada is the nearest town to Simlipal and can be considered a gateway to the same.

Reach Simlipal National Park and check into the forest rest house. Hire a jeep for a safari and set out into the forest to enjoy the beauty of nature and explore the wild. After the safari, return to the rest house and go to a nearby restaurant to enjoy the local cuisine of the place. A trip to the park is best combined with Khichling or any other nearby town such as Chandipur, Bhubhaneshwar, Puri, Konark, etc.

The next day you can go for an excursion to any of these places via a bus or jeep. Private buses and shared Jeeps are available for Khiching, Jashipur which is on NH-6 20 km from Simlipal.

Wildlife at Simlipal National Park

Simlipal Reserve is a haven for a large variety of wildlife creatures that include Leopard, Gaur, Elephant, Langur, Barking and Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear Mongoose, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Turtle, Monitor Lizards, Python, Sambar, Pangolin, Crocodile and Four-horned Antelope.

Around 230 species of birds like the Grey Hornbill, Indian Pied Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Trogon, Red Jungle Fowl, Hill Mynah, Peafowl, Alexandrine Parakeet, and Crested Serpent Eagle can also be seen here. Also known as Simlipal Elephant Reserve, it is a complete ecosystem with forest vegetation along with the adjoining Santhal tribal settlements.

Simlipal National Park Safari

Other than Jeep Safaris at Simlipal National Park, visitors are allowed to take their privately owned Sports Utility Vehicles. Any other car is not permitted. A permit needs to be secured before entering the park. Hiring a trained and registered guide at a mere cost of INR 300/- per day is recommended to find the way into the forest and back.

Provisions are also made for elephant rides to explore some parts of the jungle. Visitors have to adhere to the forest rules strictly, and they would have the best time amidst natural surroundings.

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