Baripada: The Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district will remain closed to tourists from June 29 in view of the monsoon season.
Officials said the decision has been taken keeping in view safety concerns and the need to protect wildlife during the rainy period.
According to a notice issued by the Office of Field Director of STR and Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Baripada, Prakash Chand Gogineni, the
core areas of the reserve will remain closed to all tourist activities during the monsoon season. The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure visitor safety and to protect the fragile forest ecosystem during heavy rainfall.
However, the eco-tourism complexes at Jamuani and Talabandha will remain open to visitors during this period.
The Field Director further stated that the reopening date of the tiger reserve will be officially communicated and published in newspapers in due course.
Notably, the reserve remains closed during the monsoon months every year as heavy rainfall makes forest routes unsafe for visitors and hampers safari operations. The closure also helps in ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife during a crucial period for breeding and habitat regeneration.
Tourists and nature enthusiasts have been advised to plan their visits accordingly.
Similipal, located in Mayurbhanj district, is one of India’s major tiger reserves and a popular destination for eco-tourism, known for its rich biodiversity, waterfalls, and dense forests.