Area : 2,750 sq. km
Established : Sanctuary in 1979.
INTRODUCTION
Simlipal
Tiger Reserve originated primarily as a hunting ground for the royalty. It was
formally designated a tiger reserve in 1956 under Project Tiger in May 1972.
It was elevated to a national park status in 1979. Located in the Mayurbhanj
district of India. s coastal state of Orissa, Simlipal Tiger Reserve is an ecosystem
complete with forest vegetation (mainly sal trees), fauna and the adjoining
Santhal tribal settlements. High plateaus and hills, the highest peak being
the Mangesheri, surround the forest. At least 12 rivers cut across the plain
area. The prominent among them are Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Kahairi and
Deo. This sprawling forest also has many waterfalls that are a perpetual attraction
to the tourist. It has withstood two cyclones. in 1982 and 1999. without any
irrevocable damages and continues to enchant visitors.
CLIMATE(Simlipal Tiger Reserve)
During summers, the temperature is very high (around 40°C) whereas during
the winter it falls to about 14°C. The monsoon season brings moderate
to very heavy rainfall.
ATTRACTIONS (Simlipal Tiger Reserve)
This sprawling ecosystem, thanks to the mega conservation efforts, has close
to a 100 tigers. Other mammalian species like leopards, sambhars, langurs,
deer, gaur (Indian bison), elephants, antelopes, chitals, chevrotains, wild
dog, wild boar, sloth bears, monkeys, hyenas and porcupines are also found
here. There are around 230 species of birds in these forests. The ones officially
recorded include the red jungle fowl, hill myna, peafowl, alexandrine parakeet,
crested serpent eagle, gray hornbill, Indian pied hornbill, Malabar pied hornbill
and Indian trogon. Most of these bird species may be spotted in the park.
s Newana area. There is a sizable population of reptiles as well, which include
snakes and turtles. The population of crocodiles has increased considerably
since the inception of the Mugger Management Program.
Simlipal
Tiger Reserve is a floral treasure as well. It has close to 501 species of plants
belonging to 102 families. Eighty-two species of orchids have already been identified
here along with the omnipresent sal trees. Innumerable medicinal and aromatic
plants are found as well that are a source of earnings for the local tribal
population.
A panoramic view of the park can be enjoyed from Barheipani (1308 ft.) region.
The most beautiful and scenic waterfalls of the park are found here and at
Joranda (493 ft.).
FLORA(Simlipal Tiger Reserve)
The park is a treasure house of 501 species of plants belonging to 102 families.
82 species of orchids have also been identified here. It has a mixed type
of vegetation with Northern tropical semi-evergreen trees and Northern tropical
moist deciduous trees. Plus, dry deciduous hill forest and high level Sal
forests. The grasslands and the savannas provide grazing grounds for the herbivores
and hiding place to the carnivores. The forest boasts of innumerable medicinal
and aromatic plants, which provide a source of earnings for the tribals.
FAUNA(Simlipal Tiger Reserve)
Project Tiger also concerned itself with the care of other animals. After
the project was launched, the park saw an increase in population of not only
Tigers but also Leopards, Sambars, Langurs, Barking and Spotted Deer, Gaur,
Elephant and the 'Four-horned' antelope. The protected environment of the
park has provided shelter to a number of other mammals. 231 species of birds
nest in these forests. Red Jungle Fowl, Hill Mynah, Peafowl, Alexandrine Parakeet,
Crested Serpent Eagle are common. The Grey Hornbill, Indian Pied Hornbill,
Malabar Pied Hornbill and Indian Trogon are also found in the reserve. Apart
from the large number of mammals and bird species, the park has a sizeable
population of reptiles, which includes snakes and turtles. The Mugger management
programme has helped the Mugger crocodile to survive and flourish on the banks
of river Khairi.
EXCURSION(Simlipal Tiger Reserve)
Excursions from Simlipal Tiger Reserve include the temple town of Bhubaneshwar
and the former colonial capital of British India, Calcutta. Both destinations
have direct air, rail and road links
REACHING
THERE
Reaching Simlipal Tiger Reserve is very easy. There are three major airports
and rail junctions in the vicinity. These include Jamshedpur (140 km), Bhubaneswar
(320 km) and Calcutta (240 km). Road network and highway links in the area are
quite efficient
STAYING THERE(Simlipal Tiger Reserve)
Accommodation is available in the form of forest reserve bungalows in the Simlipal
Hills. These bungalows have catering facilities as well. Solar-powered stone
lodges at Baripada offer reasonably priced accommodation
TRAVEL TIPS
During summers, light cotton clothing is essential whereas woolens would suffice
during winters. Permit for entry to the park must be collected at Baripada.
The Santhal tribes that live in the Simlipal forest celebrate feast and dance
during January, which tourists may attend by prior notification.
A team headed by the Field Director carries out research under Project Tiger.
Rights of admission to the laboratory and field facilities of Project Tiger
are restricted, but officials do not discourage the visits of tourists/ecology
students and extend all possible help by providing information/literature
about the park as well as the tiger conservation project.
SEASON:
The park is open for visitors from November to June.
Click
Here For Reservation/Booking
SUGGESTED TOURS
Bird
Watching Tour of India
Duration: 20 nights/ 21days
Places to Visit: Delhi - Corbett - Agra - Bharatpur - Sawai Madhopur -
Jaipur - Ahmedabad - Zainabad - Ahmedabad - Banglaore - Mysore - Ranganathitoo
- Mysore - Bangalore
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Simlipal Tiger Reserve