Simlipal- The Unexplored National Park of Odisha.

  • Simlipal, is best known for its National Park and Tiger Reserve, is situated in the northern part of Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. Embellished with beautiful flora and fauna, the Simlipal region is the proud claimant to be India’s largest wildlife sanctuaries, and it became an integral part of the Tiger Project in 1973.

    The Simlipal National Park is the Boon of nature. Bordering the Santhal Tribal community, Simlipal provides us with a full ecosystem for floral, faunal and human biodiversity. Filled with plateaus, waterfalls, gushing rivers and thick forests,makes it a perfect traveler’s paradise. Not only is Simlipal National Park the home of the largest tiger population but also elephants, leopards, sambar, barking deer, hill mynah along with over three hundred bird species and sixty reptile species. The Sal and Simulare heritage trees are mainly located here.

    How to Reach Simlipal:

    Simlipal is well connected by all major means of transport.

    By Air: The nearest airport is either Bhubaneshwar or Kolkata which is 270kms and 240kms respectively from Simlipal. You can hire a private car or taxi from the airport, and drive straight down to Simlipal.

    By Train: The closest railway station is Balasore, at a distance of 76kms from Simlipal. This is well connected to major cities such as Kolkata (Howrah), Midnapore, Rourkela, Sambalpur and Hyderabad.

    By Road: The fastest way to get to Simlipal is by road. Approximately a five-hour drive from Kolkata. You can enjoy the scenic and picturesque beauty of the place when riding in a car.

    Baripada, serves as the entrance gate to the National Park and is also the Mayurbhanja district headquarters. Located approximately 270 km from Bhubaneshwar, 204 km from Kolkata, 55 km from Balasore and 16 km from Pithabata. Bus, taxi, and private car services are readily available to visitors from here.

    When & Best Time To Visit:

    During the winters, the best time to visit Simlipal is from the beginning of December to the end of February. After the rains the thick dense forest looks spectacular with all the greenery being renewed. Tourist activities are enjoyable to do because of the comfortable weather this season. Simlipal’s best months to visit are from October to February.

    The Simlipal monsoons last from June to September, and receive moderate to heavy rainfall. However, due to weather conditions, tourist activities can be restricted.

    Simlipal experiences summer from early March till late June. The summers are hot and humid, and the average temperature varies from 25 to 44 degrees Centigrade. It is best not to visit Simlipal, in these months of the year.

    Simlipal’s winters are stunning. The temperature varies from 13 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius. Simlipal’s winter months are from December through to February. Throughout the daytime it is comfortably warm and the evenings are very cold.

    Where To Stay:

    In this place, there are a number of forest lodges and guest houses, where you can stay very close to nature. Such stays, however, do not deprive you of the luxury and basic stay amenities-experience rustic forest life with the convenience of urban living in the midst of nature. If you are looking for quiet holiday experience, there are hotels and resorts too.

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    Permit Details:

    Here is a PDF file attached where you can get the detailed price with permit list. Click Here.

    Places To Visit:

    • SIMLIPAL NATIONAL PARK:

      Simlipal’s main attraction is the majestic dense forest which is home to a large range of wildlife. The flora and fauna biodiversity will blow your mind off! The rivers, waterfalls, plateaus and the National Park’s wide range of landscapes are breathtaking.

       

      Trail Route of Simlipal
    • BAREHIPANI FALLS:

      Barehipani Falls

      Considered one of India’s highest falls, the Barehipani Falls is a two-tiered waterfall in Simlipal National Park. Emerging from the Meghasani Peak is the most magnificent jaw-dropping waterfall from a height of almost 400 m that gushes and ravages down. The Barehipani Waterfall area is considered as the reserve’s most beautiful location, with the dense forest’s majestic green backdrop.

    • JARANDA FALLS:

      The dropping Jaranda Falls from a height of 150 m offer another picturesque view of the richness of nature in Simlipal National Park. This waterfall, nestled in the heart of the dense forest, is located in the central city. The splattering droplets of water and the gushing sound of dropping in the background of the dense forest make it seem unreal and majestic and ethereal.

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    • KULIANA, HARIPUR DEOKUND:

      Kuliana is a Paleolithic Art reserve though Haripur was originally the capital of the state of Mayurbhanj. On the other hand Deokund is renowned for his shrine dedicated to the goddess Ambika.

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    Things To Do In Simlipal:

    • Trekking: You can trek through mountain trails, and you should not miss this.
    • Picnicking: Soothe your mind having a picnic beside the River with your loved ones
    • Wildlife Photography: If you are a wildlife photographer, then you can watch long and takes photos of birds.
    • Studying Orchids: The Major attraction of this area is Orchid Flower park.
    • Ropeway Tour: You can also take a  Ropeway tour to get the mesmerising views from the top.

       

      Orchids_at_Simlipal

    Route Plan of Simlipal:

    You need almost four-day tour to Simlipal to cover the whole jungle safari and sightseeing in and around the area.

    Day 1: Leave for Simlipal on road or by train from Kolkata and reach Baripada. Travel time from Kolkata to Baripada is of roughly 5 hours on road. Halt the night in Baripada.

    Day 2: Leave for Jungle Safari after breakfast. Travel through the deep forest and witness the variety of wildlife and enjoy the beauty of the Baheripani, Joranda and Uski waterfalls. You can also visit the core zone of the forest and try your luck in witnessing tigers and elephants. Come back to Baripada and stay the night.

    Day 3: Leave for local sightseeing in and around Simlipal like the Ambika Devi Temple and the Crocodile Farm. Visit the local Santhal tribes and experience their rustic livelihood. You can also visit the local market areas. Stay the night after the day tour.

    Day 4: Leave for Baripada/Balasore as per your scheduled transport.

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    Image source: Wiki
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