An erstwhile hunting ground of Maharajas of Mayurbhanj, the Simlipal
National Park in Orissa is one of the best national parks and tiger reserves
of India. Sprawling over an area of 2,750 sq km, this park occupies
beautiful terrains composed of twelve rivers and innumerable waterfalls and
dense Sal forests. The park provides home to a large variety of animals and
birds. An unbelievable fact about the park is it also houses the native
Santhal tribes of Orissa in the premises of the park who reside there in
complete harmony with other animals.
Best Time : November to June
Entry Fee : Rs 100 for foreigners and Rs 5 for
Indians
Wildlife Species in the Park
This
park offers a rich flora formed by dense forests and streams and waterfalls.
The major portion of the park covered with mixed vegetation of Northern
tropical semi-evergreen forests, Northern tropical moist deciduous forests,
dry deciduous hill forests and high-level Sal forests. There have been
recorded around 501 plant species belonging to 102 families. Out of them, 82
species of orchids are the major floral attractions.
Tiger is the main attraction of the park. According to park authorities,
there are 100 tigers and leopard in large number. Other animals found in the
park are sambhars, langurs, barking and spotted deer, chitals, chevrotains,
wild dog, wild boar, sloth bears, monkeys, hyenas, porcupines, gaur,
elephant and the 'four-horned' antelope. The reptile population in the park
includes snakes, turtles, crocodiles etc.
Plenty of water sources in the park has attracted a large variety of birds.
According to official records, there are 230 bird species, which birds like
red jungle fowl, alexandrine parakeet, crested serpent eagle, grey hornbill,
indian pied hornbill, malabar pied hornbill, indian trogon hill mynah,
peafowl etc.
What else to see and do?
- If you are interested to watch scene like pre-communal age, visit
the park with the guide. You will find here Santhal tribes living in
harmony with dangerous animals. But never think to hurt them.
- The tribal people in the forests celebrate feast and dance during
January. If you are interested to attend, ask your tour operator to make
prior notification to park authorities.
- Tiger, goat and other species all come to the rivers and waterfalls
to quench their thirst. Be there to photograph them in very natural
pose.
Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
The Simlipal National is located in Mayurbhanj district in the Indian state
of Orissa. It is well connected with all major cities of India by N.H. 5 and
N.H. 6 which meet at Baripada (17 km ). The nearest airport is in Kolkata,
West Bengal ( 240 km) and Bhubaneswar (270 km) and both offer regular
service to Delhi and other cities of India. Nearest town Baripada is the
main railhead and your entry point to the park.
Wildlife Lodges/Resorts
A fine range of hotels is available at Chahala which is located 85 km from
Baripada. As far as accommodation and dining facilities in the park are
concerned, it is of average level. There are some bungalows available at
Barehapani, Newana, Joranda, Joshipur and Gudgudia, they are managed by the
forest department.
