Bhubaneswar: Tourists planning to visit the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district will now have to book their entry online as the authorities have introduced a new rule for visitors.
The new rule introduced by the Similipal National Park authorities will come into effect from February 1, said STR Field Director Prakash Chand Gogineni.
Visitors are now allowed entry in offline mode through the Pithabata and Kalikaprasad gates of the tiger reserve.
Under the revised guidelines, visitors have to apply online through www.similipal.org or www.ecotourodisha.com to obtain permits.
The online system aims to ensure transparency, streamline the entry process, and prevent any irregularities in issuing permits for private vehicles. Visitors are advised to plan their trip and apply online to avoid any inconvenience.
Notably, UNESCO added this national park to its list of biosphere reserves. In 1994, the Government of India declared Simlipal as a biosphere reserve. In 1979, the Simlipal was declared as a wildlife sanctuary by the Government of Odisha.