Source: Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Palpala_River_near_lulung,_Similipal_National_Park.jpg
Similipal National Park and Tiger Reserve covers about 2,750 sq km of sal forest, hills and grassland in Mayurbhanj district of northern Odisha, and takes its name from the red silk cotton trees, or simul, that grow here. At least 12 rivers flow through the reserve, and the Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls are among the highlights. Tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, sambar and more than 240 bird species are recorded.
Visitors need an entry permit booked through the official portal at similipal.org, with one form per vehicle and a guide required inside. The Pithabata gate is near Baripada and the Kalikaprasad gate near Jashipur. Vehicles need good ground clearance. The reserve closes for the monsoon, so check the current season on the official portal before you plan.
- How to Reach: Baripada has a railway station and road links from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata. Enter at Pithabata gate near Baripada, or at Kalikaprasad gate near Jashipur on the western side.
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