Simlipal Reserve Forest

Thick and evergreen forests, extensive grassy land and meadows, cloud kissing peaks, precipitous and sparkling waterfalls, meandering rivers, roaring tigers and trumpeting tuskers, fleeing deer and flying squirrels, talking myna and dancing peacocks et al makes Similipal  a dreamland of nature in the wilderness and an irresistible destination.

Covering a vast area of 2750 sq. km out of which 303 sq.km form the core area, this biosphere reserve is a sanctuary and one of the Tiger  Project and National parks of India. With wide range of rain falls and edaphic variations, ranging from dry deciduous to moist green  forests  it is suitable to  different species of flora and fauna.

About 1076 species of plants, 87 varieties of orchids, 42 species of mammals, 29 types of reptiles and 231 species of birds are the proud possession of this plateau.  Average mean elevation of Similipal is 900 metres. Tall and luxuriant Sal Trees in large numbers 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. In the midst of the dense forests, the summer stands humbled and the sun gets lost.
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 panoramic view of the waterfalls at Barehipani  (400 metres) and Joranda (150 metres) are  simply enchanting , Mahaseer, a typical variety of fish, is found in abundance in most of the rivers.

The silence of Similipal 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. To stay with them, even for a while, is a thrilling experience. 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. Forget the apprehensive fear and devour the sylvan beauty. The nature at Similipal is at its natural best.

The crocodile rearing centre at Ramtirtha  near Jashipur is an additional  attraction.

An epitome of fascinating beauties, Similipal 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.

Similipal also provides succour to thousands of  tribal people  living  on the fringe. A glimpse of the tribal  culture will therefore be a bonus at no extra cost.

Entry Points, Permits and Timings

You can enter into Similipal through pithabata (22 km from Baripada) or through Jashipur (94 km from Baripada).

Entry permits can be obtained from the Range Officer, Pithabata  check  gate or the Assistant  Conservation of Forests at Jashipur  on payment of prescribed fees.

Day visitors can enter between 6 AM &12 Noon and visitors with reservation between 6AM & 2 PM.

Similipal  remains open from 1st November to 15th June only.

Approach

Road – Baripada, the district headquarters of Mayurbhanj, on  the junction of NH 5 and 6, is 270 km  from Bhubaneswar, 240 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 N.H.6.  Both the places

are well connected by regular bus services. Taxis and Jeeps are available.

Rail – Nearest railhed is Balasore (60 km from Baripada), served by major  trains running  on the  South-Eastern sector.

Air –  Nearest airports are Bubaneswar (270 km) and Kolkata (240 km).

Accommodation      

Orissa Tourism Units

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,

Phone No.(06792) 52710.

Forest Bungaloes

The Forest Departmant also provide accommodation in their Forest Bungalows inside Similipal at Chahala, Nawana, Joranda, Barehipani, Gudgudia, Jenabil etc.

Reservation : Field Director, Similipal Tiger Reserve, Bhanjapur, Baripada. Ph.(06792) 52553, FAX-56705.

OR

Assistant Conservator of  Forests, Jashipur. Ph. 06797-2474.

(Not more than 60 days and not less than 30 days notice required.)

Private Hotels

Visitors can also stay at Bariapda or Jashipur in private hotels.

Excursion

Similipal in itself offers a complete package. But if you like, visit a few more places around Similipal.

Khiching (149 km from Baripada and 55 km from Jashipur) is famous for the shrine of Kachakeswari and Stone Crafts made of different colour stones. There is a Panthasala here.

Chandipur (60 km from Baripada and 16 km from Balasore) is a unique Beach Resort with a vanishing sea. The sea  water recedes to a distance of  about 5 km twice  a  day. It is a marvel of Nature, rarely found anywhere. There is a Panthanivas & Yatrinivas of OTDC. There are also private hotels.

Panchalingeswar (85 km from Baripada and 30 km from Balasore ) is a panoramic place  on the  lap  of  Nilagiri  Hills with a perennial  stream flowing over five Lingams. There is a Panthasala of Orissa  Tourism Department here.

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

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

For INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE

:

Government of Orrisa Tourist Offices

Government of Orissa Tourist Office

Baghra Road, Baripada – 757001

Tel : (06792) 52710

Government of Orissa Tourist Office

New Bus Stand,Berhampur,760004

Tel: (0680) 250226

Tourist Counter, Railway Station,

Berhampur, 760004

Tel: (0680) 203870

New Delhi : Utkalika, B/4, Baba Khrak Singh Marg, Pin-110001, Tel. (011) 23364580

Kolkata : Utkal Bhawan, 55, Lenin Sarani, Pin-700013, Tel (033) 22493653

Bhubaneshwar : Jayadev Marg, Pin-751014, Tel (0674) 2431299

Konark : Yatri Nivas, Konark, Dist. Puri, Pin-752111, Tel. (06758) 236821

Balasore : Panthaniwas Bldg., Police Line, Balasore, Pin-756001 , Tel. (06782) 262048

Cuttack : Arunadaya Market Bldg., Link Road, Cuttack, Pin-753012 , Tel. (0671) 2312225

Chennai : 42/18, Mount Road, Gee Gee Complex (2nd Floor), Pin-600002,Telefax. (044) 8534090

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2 Responses to “Simlipal Reserve Forest”

  1. sks Says:

    Visited Simlipal Forest during December 2011 with family, frustrated jungle safari covering 160 kms to and fro journey with zig-zaj muddy and dusty road, no sight of animals even at the core area of the forest, most of the forest habited by peoples on the safari rout and covered under various government welfare schemes, frequent disruption created by naxal movement ( may loose your precious days by not getting permit to enter the forest due to naxal movement), chances of seeing domesticated goat,cow,dog & buffalo inside the forest, don’t stay at Toshali Jungle Resort (cheats in the name of hospitality) Tribal Hut and accommodation provided by them is worst in all respect, no electric backup, no TV, frequent load shedding, no proper service in comparison to the amount you pay, free meals are supplied in limited quantity(reach dining place a little late I promise you will starve for the day), I advise visit other places instead of Similipal.

  2. shreeram sharma Says:

    Thanks to Mr.Sks. for saveing our precious time. Now I changed my tour program.
    Thank a lot…..!!!!!!!!

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