After Two-Day Closure, Odisha’s Similipal National Park Reopens For Tourists

Bhubaneswar: After a two-day closure due to heavy rainfall, Similipal National Park located in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district was reopened for tourists on Monday.

Similipal was closed for tourists and visitors after unexpected unseasonal rain on December 21 and 22. But after weather improved on Monday, it was again thrown open for tourists, forest department sources said.

Similipal National Park is regarded as the second-largest biosphere reserve in Asia for its stunning natural beauty. Similipal, derives its name from ‘Simul’ (silk cotton) tree, is a National Park and a Tiger Reserve situated in the northern part of Mayurbhanj district. The tiger reserve is spread over 2,750 sq kms and has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani.

Similipal National Park has a lot of attractions for visitors, who can enjoy a Jungle Safari in the core area on open Jimny vehicles. There are also arrangements for overnight stays in guest houses at Kumari, Ramtheerth, Gudugudia, and Jamuani. Visitors can even experience nature camping at Gudugudia.

Recently Similipal has been in the headlines, after the two Royal Bengal tigresses named Zeenat and Jamuna moved away from the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) and strayed into nearby forests.

The two big cats were translocated from Tadoba-Andheri Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra to Similipal forests.  While Jamuna has reportedly returned to the STR, Zeenat is still in West Bengal forests.