Tiger Reserves

About:

Taking its name from the abundance of semul or red silk cotton trees that bloom vividly here, the Simlipal National Park is home to three of India's biggest animal species - Tiger, Asian Elephant and Gaur. Spread over a sprawling area of 2750 sq. kms Simlipal National Park is amongst the earliest parks to be taken under the 'Project Tiger' of India. The park has been acknowledged many times for different reasons. In 1956, it was officially selected as a Tiger Reserve. Then, it came under Project Tiger in May 1973. Again in 1979, Simlipal got the title of wildlife sanctuary by the Government of Orissa. It was made a National Park in 1980. The park is known for its Tigers, Leopards and Elephants, Hill Mynah and Orchids. It is a complete ecosystem, owing to the forest vegetation, wildlife and bordering 'Santhal' tribal settlements. In the company of rivers, waterfalls, fauna, high plateaus and hills, Simlipal Tiger Reserve comes across as a lavish treat for the nature-lovers. Near about 12 rivers flow through its expanse, of which Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Kahairi and Deo are the major ones. Waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani are the other major attractions amongst the tourists.

Sanctuary :

Tiger Reserve

Area :

2750 Square Km

Year Of Establishment :

1980

Address of the Official Incharge :

Similipal Tiger Reserves, Baripada-757002 Orissa,

Phone No :

06792-252593(O)

Fax No :

256705

Email :

Bid_simitig@sancharnet.in

Temperatures :

14°C to 40°C

Nearest Town :

Baripada

Time to Visit :

October to June

General Information :

Carry plenty of water along with you. Carry Personal medication and insect repellent. Carry Binoculars, Cameras, film rolls and Flashlight along with books and other reading material. Do not use flash or intrusive photography. Don’t leave behind any litter and plastic bags are big hazards for animals. Comfortable walking shoes are appropriate than the fashionable ones. For winter travel heavy woolens are a must especially for open jeep safaris. Cottons are apt for summer months. Rain Gear is essential for the monsoons and the last Find about the habits of the animal you want to see to avoid disappointment.

Location :

Orissa

Best Time To Visit :

November-June

How to Reach Similipal Tiger Reserve

  By Air :

Nearest airport is Kolkata which is 262 km, Bhubaneswar which is 270 km, connected by Indian Airlines from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai.

  By Rail :

Balasore is the nearest railhead, connected to Baripada through regular deluxe buses. Delhi is connected to Balasore through the Purshottam Exp. & Kaligautkal Exp. while trains plying Bangalore-Balasore include YPR Howrah Exp.Trains from Chennai are Coromandel Exp. & Howrah mail.

  By Road :

When travelling from Bhubaneswar, take the NH5 to Baripadavia Baleshwar, from where a forest road will take you to Pithabata. The route from Kolkata leads through NH6 to Jashipur via Panskura and Kharagpur. From here, take the forest road to Gudgudia/Chahala.