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Simlipal national park originated primarily as a hunting ground for the royalty. It was formally designated a tiger reserve in 1956 under Project Tiger in May 1972. It was elevated to a national park status in 1979. Located in the Mayurbhanj district of India’s coastal state of Orissa, Simlipal is an ecosystem complete with forest vegetation (mainly sal trees), fauna and the adjoining Santhal tribal settlements. High plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the Mangesheri, surround the forest. At least 12 rivers cut across the plain area. The prominent among them are Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Kahairi and Deo. This sprawling forest also has many waterfalls that are a perpetual attraction to the tourist. It has withstood two cyclones—in 1982 and 1999—without any irrevocable damages and continues to enchant visitors.

CLIMATE

During summers, the temperature is very high (around 40°C) whereas during the winter it falls to about 14°C. The monsoon season brings moderate to very heavy rainfall.

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This sprawling ecosystem, thanks to the mega conservation efforts, has close to a 100 tigers. Other mammalian species like leopards, sambhars, langurs, deer, gaur (Indian bison), elephants, antelopes, chitals, chevrotains, wild dog, wild boar, sloth bears, monkeys, hyenas and porcupines are also found here. There are around 230 species of birds in these forests. The ones officially recorded include the red jungle fowl, hill myna, peafowl, alexandrine parakeet, crested serpent eagle, gray hornbill, Indian pied hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill and Indian trogon. Most of these bird species may be spotted in the park’s Newana area. There is a sizable population of reptiles as well, which include snakes and turtles. The population of crocodiles has increased considerably since the inception of the Mugger Management Program.

Simlipal National Park is a floral treasure as well. It has close to 501 species of plants belonging to 102 families. Eighty-two species of orchids have already been identified here along with the omnipresent sal trees. Innumerable medicinal and aromatic plants are found as well that are a source of earnings for the local tribal population.

A panoramic view of the park can be enjoyed from Barheipani (1308 ft.) region. The most beautiful and scenic waterfalls of the park are found here and at Joranda (493 ft.).

REACHING THERE

Reaching Simlipal National Park is very easy. There are three major airports and rail junctions in the vicinity. These include Jamshedpur (140 km), Bhubaneswar (320 km) and Calcutta (240 km). Road network and highway links in the area are quite efficient.

STAYING THERE

Accommodation is available in the form of forest reserve bungalows in the Simlipal Hills. These bungalows have catering facilities as well. Solar-powered stone lodges at Baripada offer reasonably priced accommodation

LINKS TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD

Baripada, at a distance of 50 km, offers communication (post, telegraph, telephone and fax) and medical (chemists, hospitals) facilities. Internet facilities are available at Bhubaneshwar, Jamshedpur and Calcutta, all of which are well connected to the region.

PLACES NEARBY

Excursions from Simlipal National Park include the temple town of Bhubaneshwar and the former colonial capital of British India, Calcutta. Both destinations have direct air, rail and road links.

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