Kuldiha, Similipal sanctuaries reopen today

Balasore/Baripada: The Kuldiha Sanctuary in Balasore and the Similipal National Park in Mayurbhanj districts reopened for visitors today.

Tourists will now get to see animals and birds like elephants, bison, Sambar and peacocks at the Kuldiha sanctuary located in Nilagiri area in the district. The Forest Department has made elaborate arrangements for tourists. For accommodation, tent facility would be provided to tourists flocking to sanctuary, which had been closed since June 15.

“So far, four tents have been put up at the sanctuary, where the visitors can stay in night. Total nine tents will be made available for the tourists in next one month. Each tent will accommodate two persons and the price is fixed at Rs 1000 per person for one night. Visitors can also book for this facility online through ecotourodisha.com, developed by the Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC). Besides, various riding activities for kids will also be made available in next one month,” said Balasore DFO Harsabardhan Udgatta. The visitors can watch the animals when they would come out to drink water from water bodies.

At the Similipal Park, that had been closed since the monsoon this year, tourist vehicles coming from Baripada will be allowed to enter into the park premises via the Pithabata check gate while vehicles coming from Jashipur will enter via the Jamuani check gate. A maximum of 25 vehicles coming from Baripada and 35 from Jashipur would be allowed to enter into the park. visitors would mandatorily take one guide in the vehicle with them.

Facilities like accommodation and food will be made available for the tourists, said park deputy director Ajit Kumar Satpathy.