Simlipal
(Content Source - Courtesy Orissa Tourism Development Corporation)

Dense forest, rugged hilly terrain majestically roaming wild animals, elephants and the unfathomable magnetic power of attraction make Simlipal, the visitor’s paradise. Spread over an area of 2750 sq. kms, Simlipal mesmerizes the visitors by the roar of the tiger, swaying gait of the elephant, chirping of various tropical birds, shining of tender foliage of luxuriously grown Sal and other tropical forest trees and rustling of perennial streams.

Located in the Mayurbhanj district, Simlipal with its dense green forests, hilly terrain, broad open valleys, plateaus, grass lands and rich bio-diversity has the unique distinction of being Tiger Reserve, a National Park, a Wildlife Sanctuary, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve. Semi-evergreen to dry deciduous forest types (1076 species of plants including 94 varieties of orchids) provide suitable home for a variety of fauna (42 species of mammals, 231 species of birds and 29 species of reptiles). Important and rare wildlife include tigers (101 nos.) against the total nos. of 192 tigers in the entire state as per 2004 census, elephants (565 as per 1999 census), leopard, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, gaur, hill mayna, hornbills, peacock, python, cobra, lizards, etc. Gorgeous Barhipani (400 mt.) and Joranda (150 mt.) waterfalls are of great attractions. The rich bio-diversity, the physical and topographical features of Simlipal constitute an unique and delightful destination for scientists, nature lovers, students and tourists.

Average mean elevation of Simlipal is 900 meters. Tall and luxuriant Sal Trees in large number stand like sentries. The handsome peaks of Khairiburu (1178 meters), Meghasani (1158 meters) and others welcome like smiling receptionists from the emerald heights. Sweet scented Champak flowers freshen the air. The richly hued orchids on the green foliage are soothing to the eyes.

Several rivers like Budhabalanga, Khairi, Salandi, Palpala, etc. originate from the hills and meander through the forest like veins and arteries in the body. Many of them have formed cascading rapids and foaming falls before leaving for the plains.

The silence of Simlipal is occasionally broken by the chirping of the birds to an avian delight.

The dense forest and riverine system serve as an excellent home to some of the most beautiful creatures of the World. Herds of elephants majestically walking across the roads and rivulets could be a regular sight. While you are moving on the hilly tracts, predators like Tiger and Leopards might be obliviously lulling under the shade with their own thoughts. If lucky, you could spot them there, or else see them around the saltlicks at places like Chahala. The nature at Simlipal is at its natural best.

The Crocodile Rearing Centre at Ramatirtha near Jashipur is an additional attraction.

An epitome of fascinating beauties, Simlipal beckons you for a sojourn of its mind boggling interiors. It will fill your lungs with cool and clean air, your nose with fresh and free fragrance, your eyes with soothing sights, your ears with sonorous sounds and your heart with a hypnotic throb. After a trip, your body is sure to feel rejuvenated.

Local Watchables
Khiching (149 km from Baripada and 55 km from Jashipur) is famous for the shrine of Kichakeswari and Stone Crafts made of different color stones. The Panthasala operated by Tourism Department provides accommodation for visitors.

Chandipur (60 km from Baripada and 16 km from Balasore) is a unique Beach Resort with a vanishing sea. The seawater recedes to a distance of about 5 km twice a day. It is a marvel of nature, rarely found anywhere. The Panthanivas of OTDC and Private Hotels provide accommodation.

Panchalingeswar (85 km from Baripada and 30 km from Balasore) is a scenic place on the lap of Nilagiri Hills with a perennial stream flowing over five Lingams. The Panthasala of Orissa Tourism provides accommodation here too.

Remuna (60 km from Baripada and 10 km from Balasore) is famous for the shrine of Khirachora Gopinath, visited by Shri Chaitanya.

Deokund (65 km from Baripada and 110 km from Balasore) is an enchanting place with a series of waterfalls an a shakti shrine set against the outer periphery of Simlipal.

Entry Permits and Timings
Entry permits can be obtained from the Range Officer, Pithabata Check Gate of the Assistant Conservator of Forest (Tel: 06797-252240) at Jashipur on payment of prescribed fee.
Day visitors can enter between 6 AM & 12 Noon and visitors with reservation between 6 AM & 2 PM.
Simlipal remains open from 1st November to 15th June only.

How to reach
Air
Nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (270 km) and Kolkata (240 km)

Rail
Nearest railheads are Balasore (60 km from Baripada), served by major trains and Badampahar (20 km from Jashipur) on the South-Eastern sector.

Road
Baripada, the District Headquarters of Mayurbhanj, on NH 5 is 270 km from Kolkata and 60 km from Balasore and 22 km from Pithabata, which is an entry point. The other entry point Jashipur is 94 km from Baripada on NH 6. Both the places are well connected by regular bus services. Taxis and Jeeps are available.

Accommodation
Aranyanivas at Lulung (3 km from Pithabata) of the OTDC has 8 Double Rooms and 2 Dormitories (total 40 beds)
Panthasala at Bangiriposi (35 km from Baripada on way to Jashipur) has 4 Double Rooms (8 beds).

Reservation :
Tourist Office, Baripada, Ph No. – (06792) 252710 & OTDC, Bhubaneswar – (0674) – 2430764

Forest Bungalows
The Forest Department also provide accommodation in their Forest Bungalows inside Simlipal at Chahala, Nawana, Joranda, Barehipani, Gudugudia, Jashipur etc. Not more than 90 days and not less than 30 days notice required. For reservation contact:
The Field Director, Simlipal Tiger Reserve, Bhanjapur, Baripada, Ph: (06792) 252593, FAX – 256705 or D.F.O. Baripada division, Ph: 06792251613

OTDC Assistance: -
Website : www.orissatourism.gov.in and www.otdc.in
Email : ortour@orissatourism.gov.in