Simlipal National Park, Baripada (2024) - Images, Timings

"Largest Wildlife Sanctuary of India"

Simlipal National Park, Baripada Overview

Reflecting the natural beauty of an era gone by, Simlipal National Park is in a beautiful and scenic town in Odisha. Situated in Mayurbhanj, it once used to be a hunting ground for the rulers of the province. Simlipal is the largest wildlife sanctuary in India and is also considered as one of the principal tiger projects in India. The area is rich with dense forests, striking meadows, startling waterfalls and beautiful rivers. It is blessed with great bio-diversity and huge varieties of fauna that make it a great place to engage in wildlife sightseeing! Simlipal Reserve is home to more than 1000 varieties of plants. It has around 96 species of orchids that are endemic to the forest. Baripada is the nearest town to Simlipal and can be considered a gateway to the same.

Reach Simlipal National Park and check into the forest rest house. Hire a jeep for a safari and set out into the forest to enjoy the beauty of nature and exploring the wild. After the safari, return to the rest house and go to a nearby restaurant to enjoy the local cuisine of the place. A trip to the park is best combined with Khichling or any other nearby town such as Chandipur, Bhubhaneshwar, Puri, Konark etc.
The next day you can go for an excursion to any of these places via a bus or jeep. Private buses and shared Jeeps are available for Khiching, Jashipur which is on NH-6 20 kms from Simlipal.

Wildlife

Simlipal Reserve is a safe haven for a large variety of wildlife creatures that include Leopard, Gaur, Elephant, Langur, Barking and Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear Mongoose, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Turtle, Monitor Lizards, Python, Sambar, Pangolin, Crocodile and Four-horned Antelope. Around 230 species of birds like the Grey Hornbill, Indian Pied Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Trogon, Red Jungle Fowl, Hill Mynah, Peafowl, Alexandrine Parakeet, and Crested Serpent Eagle can also be seen here. Also known as Simlipal Elephant Reserve, it is a complete ecosystem with forest vegetation along with the adjoining Santhal tribal settlements.

Simlipal National Park Safari

Other than Jeep Safaris at Simlipal National Park, visitors are allowed to take their privately-owned Sports Utility Vehicles. Any other car is not permitted. A permit needs to be secured before entering the park. Hiring a trained and registered guide at a mere cost of INR 300/- per day is recommended to find the way into the forest and back. Provisions are also made for elephant rides to explore some part of the jungle. Visitors have to adhere to the forest rules strictly, and they would have the best time amidst natural surroundings.

Stay at Simlipal National Park

Simlipal National Park has some resorts inside the Park - Simlipal Resort in Jashipur, Simlipal Khairi Resort at Bangriposi and Toshali Jungle Lodge at Ramtirtha. Bookings are allowed for a maximum of 3 days and a minimum of one day for staying inside the national park. There are also some places nearby - Sagarika Hotel, Siddhartha Hotel, Divya Palace, Mahua Hotel etc. at Baripada (135 kilometres from the park), Maa Kichkeshwari, B. C. Lodge at Karanjia (65 kilometres from the park), Hotel Udala Plaza at Udala (152 kilometres away) and Hotel Panchabati at Kaptipada (160 kilometres away from the park).

Attractions at the National Park

The 2700 square kilometres of dense forests that the Simlipal National Park occupies has a lot more than just the flora and fauna of the Meghasani and Khairiburu Mountains. Tourists can trek to the enchanting Barheipani Falls (399 metres in height) and the Jaranda Falls (about 151 metres tall). The reserve also houses a crocodile rearing farm at Ramtirtha where the stunning reptile can be observed in their beautiful natural habitat.

Tips For Visiting Simlipal national park

Carry a Mosquito repellent with you.
Carry water as it might get quite hot.
Wear clothes that are neutral in color, preferrably in earthy tones.
Avoid playing music too loud while in the national park as it might disturb the animals.

Best Time To Visit

The summers here can get quite hot with the temperature rising up to whereas during the winter it falls as low as 14 Degrees Celsius In monsoon this place receives moderate to very heavy rainfall. November to Mid-June is the best time to visit this national park.

How to reach Simlipal National Park

The nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (195 km) and Kolkata (365 km). A straight drive down from Kolkata is more hassle free and will take you approximately 8 Hours. Cabs are available from Kolkata on pre booking and will get you to the resorts and the national park.

Air: The nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (270 km) and Kolkata (240 km). A straight drive down from Kolkata is more convenient. Cabs are available from here to get to resorts and the national park.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Balasore (60 km from Baripada). From here major trains run on the South-Eastern sector.
Road: The nearest airports are Bhubaneswar (270 km) and Kolkata (240 km). A straight drive down from Kolkata is more convenient. Cabs are available from here to get to resorts and the national park.