Simlipal National Park, Orissa, India

Facts & Figure

Area : 2750 Sq. Km
Altitude : 559.31 to 1100 m
Temperature Range : 40°C to 14°C
Best time to Visit : October to June

About Simlipal National Park

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.

Flora and Fauna in Simlipal National Park

Flora : Simlipal Biosphere Reserve boasts of 1076 species of plants, belonging to 102 families. Besides this, 92 species of orchids have been found here. Mixed type of vegetation can be observed at Simlipal National Park, with tropical semi-evergreen trees, tropical moist deciduous trees, dry deciduous hill forest and high altitude Sal forests. There are numerous medicinal and aromatic plants too. Regarding fauna, Simlipal has about 42 species of mammals, 242 species of birds and 30 species of reptiles.

Fauna : Project Tiger also concerned itself with the care of other animals. After the project was launched, the park saw an increase in population of not only Tigers but also Leopards, Sambars, Langurs, Barking and Spotted Deer, Gaur, Elephant and the 'Four-horned' antelope. The protected environment of the park has provided shelter to a number of other mammals.

231 species of birds nest in these forests. Red Jungle Fowl, Hill Mynah, Peafowl, Alexandrine Parakeet, Crested Serpent Eagle are common. The Grey Hornbill, Indian Pied Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill and Indian Trogon are also found in the reserve. Apart from the large number of mammals and bird species, the park has a sizeable population of reptiles, which includes snakes and turtles. The Mugger management programme has helped the Mugger crocodile to survive and flourish on the banks of river Khairi.

Other Attractions at Simlipal National Park

Baripada : The historic town is said to have been built sometime during the 16th century by the Bhanja kings. The palace which now houses a college will remind the visitors from England of the Buckingham Palace.

Deokund : Situated about 87 km from Simlipal, the place is an excellent picnic spot with the backdrop of a gorgeous waterfall. The temple of goddess Ambika gives the place special importance among the religious community.

Access From Airport

Nearest airport is Kolkata which is 262 km, Bhubaneswar which is 270 km, connected by Indian Airlines from Delhi (7:00, 17:00 & 20:00), Mumbai (6:10 & 18:15), Bangalore (6:05) and Chennai (10:30 & 17:00).




Access From Railways

Balasore is the nearest railhead, connected to Baripada through regular deluxe buses. Delhi is connected to Balasore through the Purshottam Exp. (22:30, daily) & Kaligautkal Exp. (12:50, daily) while trains plying Bangalore-Balasore include YPR Howrah Exp. (19:30). Trains from Chennai are Coromandel Exp. (9:00, daily) & Howrah mail (23:00, daily).



Access From Roadways

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.

Travel Tips For Visiting the National Park

Follow the rules, for e.g., do not walk around if you are not permitted to do so

• Do not disturb the animals during day time as most of the nocturnal animals sleep during day time.

• Do not try to irritate the animals or make them angry by teasing them.

• Wear clothes in shades of brown and green as they are less disturbing to the environment.

• Avoid wearing perfumes and do not smoke in restricted areas.

• Animals are extremely weary of the human voice. Don’t make noise, don’t play music and please don’t honk car horn.

• Take official guides along with you on the park trip.

• Do not smoke inside the park.

• Picking of plants and insects is strictly prohibited.

• Wear loose fitting and simple clothes that blend with the park surroundings.

• For the safety of the visitors, walking and hiking within the vicinity of the park is not allowed.

• Camping and picnicking is not allowed within the park.

• 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.

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