Similipal National Park to reopen for tourists from Oct 14

The Similipal National Park, which was closed to tourists in view of the monsoon, will reopen on October 14. After remaining closed for around five months, the authorities have decided to open the gates of Asia’s second-largest biosphere reserve for the public, an official notification said.

Tourists can enter the Tiger Reserve, located in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, using two gates, one at Kaliani and the other at Pithabata. They will be allowed to enter the park between 6 am and 9 am and leave the premises from Barehipani and Jaranda by 3 pm and Chahala by 4 pm.

At least 25-35 vehicles will be allowed inside the National Park on a daily basis. Tourists will be restricted from carrying plastic bags and other items besides alcohol inside the park. Visitors can also make online bookings for night stays through the reserve’s website.

Spread over 2750 sq km, Similipal National Park is one of the largest tiger reserves in India and is home to a number of wildlife species. Apart from the numerous wildlife species, Similipal is also dotted with a wide variety of flora and fauna, lush greenery, biodiversity, striking meadows, and breathtaking waterfalls.