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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March 8th, 2012 at 3:37 am
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.
May 17th, 2012 at 11:25 pm
Thanks to Mr.Sks. for saveing our precious time. Now I changed my tour program.
Thank a lot…..!!!!!!!!