Odisha is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The state has 86 species of mammals, 479 species of birds, 110 species of reptiles, and 19 species of amphibians. The state is also an important habitat for the endangered olive ridley turtles and Irrawaddy dolphins. Odisha has many wildlife sanctuaries and national parks that offer a glimpse into the state’s rich biodiversity Simlipal National Park is a tiger reserve located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha and is part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve.
About Simlipal National Park
Simlipal National Park is a tiger reserve located in the Mayurbhanj district of the Indian state of Odisha. It covers an area of 2,750 square kilometers (1,060 square miles) and is part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve, which includes three protected areas – Similipal Tiger Reserve, Hadgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary. The park is also part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009 1. Simlipal National Park derives its name from the abundance of red silk cotton trees growing in the area. The park is known for its beautiful waterfalls, including the towering Barehipani Falls, which reaches a height of 217 meters (712 feet), and the majestic Joranda Falls, cascading from a height of 181 meters (594 feet). Visitors can book their stay in the community-managed nature camps and safari vehicles of the Tiger Reserve through online mode.
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The major attractions of Simlipal National Park-
- Simlipal National Park is famous for its rich biodiversity and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, and chausingha.
- The park is also part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009.
- The park derives its name from the abundance of red silk cotton trees growing in the area.
- The park is known for its beautiful waterfalls, including the towering Barehipani Falls, which reaches a height of 217 meters (712 feet), and the majestic Joranda Falls, cascading from a height of 181 meters (594 feet)
Some of the rarest trees
The red silk cotton tree is a rare tree species found in the Simlipal National Park. The park derives its name from the abundance of these trees growing in the area. The tree is scientifically known as Bombax ceiba and is also called the kapok tree. It is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 60 meters (200 feet) tall and has a broad trunk with buttresses. The tree produces large, showy flowers that are red or orange in color and have five petals. The red silk cotton tree is an important part of the ecosystem in Simlipal National Park and provides food and habitat for many animals, including birds, insects, and mammals.
Second highest waterfall of the country
Simlipal National Park is known for its beautiful waterfalls. The park has two prominent waterfalls – Barehipani Falls and Joranda Falls. Barehipani Falls is a two-tiered waterfall and is the highest waterfall in Odisha, reaching a height of 217 meters (712 feet). Joranda Falls cascades from a height of 181 meters (594 feet). Both waterfalls are located within the contour of Simlipal Tiger Reserve.
Only home to the melanistic tigers
According to a recent census conducted in 2016, there were 29 tigers in the Simlipal Tiger Reserve. The park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, and chausingha. Simlipal is also the only habitat in the world where you can find the melanistic tiger, a unique phenotype of the Bengal tiger that has black and yellow interspersed stripes on its coat. More than 60% of Simlipal’s tigers are melanistic. The state of Odisha is planning to start a melanistic tiger safari near Simlipal Tiger Reserve, which will be the first of its kind anywhere in the world.
Where to stay in Simlipal national park-
There are several options for accommodation in Simlipal National Park. Visitors can book their stay in the community-managed nature camps and safari vehicles of the Tiger Reserve through online mode. Some other options for stay include:
- Aranya Nivas Lulung: This hotel offers luxurious rooms with indoor games, outdoor activities, an expansive pool, and a multi-cuisine restaurant. It is located in Lulung and the average price per night is Rs 7,240.
- Sitakund Forest Resort: This resort is located in Baripada and offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. The average price per night is Rs 1,034.
- Similipal Eco Retreat riverside cottage: This cottage is located in Baripada and offers a peaceful stay amidst nature. The average price per night is Rs 3,197.
Popular places near Simlipal national park
Best time to visit-
The best time to visit Simlipal National Park is during the winters which last from the beginning of December till the end of February. The thick dense forest looks beautiful with all the renewed greenery after the rains. Touristic events are fun doing this season because of the comfortable weather and there are large number of visitors present in this time.
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