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
Baripada
Tourist Office, Baghra Road,
Baripada – 757001, Ph: (06792) 252710
Konark
Tourist Offie, Yatri Nivas, Konark,
PIN – 752111, Dist – Puri, Tel: 06758-236821.
Berhampur
Tourist Office, New Bus Stand,
Pin – 760004, Tel: (0680) 2280226
Tourist Counter, Railway Station, Pin – 760004, Tel:
2203870
Puri
Tourist Office, CT Road, Puri – 752002, Tel : 06752-222664,
Tourist Counter, Railway Station Puri, Tel : 223536.
Berhampur
Tourist Office, New Bus Stand,
Pin – 760004, Tel: (0680) 2280226
Tourist Counter, Railway Station, Pin – 760004, Tel:
2203870
Bhubaneswar
Tourist Office, Jayadev Marg, Pin – 751002, Tel : 0674-2431299,
Tourist Counter, Airport, Tel : 2534006,
Tourist Counter, Railway Station, Tel : 2530715,
India Tourism, B-21, B.J.B Nagar, Pin – 751014, Tel
: 2432203.
New Delhi
Tourist Office, Utkalika, B/4 – Baba Kharak Singh Marg,
New Delhi, Pin – 110001,
Telefax – 011-23364580.
Kolkata
Tourist Office, Utkal Bhawan,
55, Lenin Sarani, Kolkata, Pin – 700013,
Tel: 033-22443653.
Chennai
Tourist Office, Tamilnadu Tourism Complex, Near Kalaivanar
Arangam, Wallajah Road,
Pin – 600002, Telefax: 044-25360891.
Mumbai
Tourist Office, Hotel New Bengal, Near Crawford Market, D.N.
Road, Pin – 400001, Tel : 022-23401951.
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