Area
:
2,750 sq. km
Established : Sanctuary in 1979.
INTRODUCTION
Simlipal national park 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
national park 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
national park)
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 national park)
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
National Park 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
national park)
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
national park)
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
national park)
Excursions from Simlipal National Park 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 National Park 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 national park)
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.
