Simlipal


Dense forest, rugged hilly terrain majestically roaming wild animals, elephants and the unfathomable magnetic power of attraction make Simlipal, the visitor's paradise. Spread over an area of 2750sq. kms, Simlipal mesmerizes the visitors by the roar of the tiger, swaying gait of the elephant, chirping of various tropical birds, shining of tender foliage of luxuriously grown Sal and other tropical forest trees and rustling of perennial streams. Located in the Mayurbhanj district, Simlipal with its dense green forests, hilly terrain, broad open valleys, plateaus, grass lands and rich bio-diversity has the unique distinction of being a Tiger reserve, a National Park, a Wild Sanctuary, an Elephant Reserve and a Biosphere Reserve.



Semi-evergreen to dry deciduous forest types(1076 sepecies of plants including 94 varieties of orchids) provide suitable home for variety of fauna(42 species of mammals, 231 species of birds and 29 species of reptiles). Important and rare wildlife include tigers(101 nos) againts the total nos. of 192 tigers in the entire state as per 2004 census, elephants(565 as per 1999 census), leopard, sambar,spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, gaur, hill myna, hornbills, peacock, python, cobra, lizards, etc.



The Bhitarkanika Mangroves are home to 55 of India's 58 known mangrove species. The mangroves harbor one of India's largest populations of salt-water crocodiles and Gahirmatha Beach which separates the mangroves from the Bay of Bengal. Also, most important nesting beach for Olive Ridley Turtles.



The rich bio-diversity, the physical and topographical features of Similipal constitute an unque and delightful destination for scientists, nature lovers, students and tourists.



Several rivers like Budhbalanga, Khairia, Salandi, Palpala, etc. Originated from the hills and meander through the forest like veins and arties in the body. Many of them have formed cascading rapids and foaming falls before leaving for the plains.



The silence of Simlipal is occasionally broken by the chirping of the birds to an avian delight. The dense forest and riverine system seve as an excellent home to some of the most beautiful creatures of the world. Herds of elephants majestically walking across the roads and revulets could be a regular sight. While you are moving on the hilly tracks, predators like tiger and Leopards might be obliviously lulling under the shades with thier own thoughts. If lucky, you can spot them there, or else see them around the saltlicks at places like Chahala. The nature at Simlipal is at its natural best.



The Crocodile Rearing centre at Ramatirtha near Jashipur is an additional attraction. An apitome of fascinating beauties, Simlipal beckons you for a sojourn of its mind boggling interiors. It will fill your lungs with cool and clean air, your eyes with soothing sights, your ears with sonorous sounds and yours heart with a hypnotic throb. After a trip, your body is sure to feel rejuvenated.

Simlipal the Elephant reserved: At a glance

 

What To See: The forest and ecology provide the perfect environment for some of the most beautiful creatures of the world to exist in. You might be luck to spot a leopard or a tiger on your safari. You may get lucky and come across some deer, or herds of elephants, walking across your path.


  
Ramtirtha has an additional attraction - crocodile rearing. So take a trip and give the reptile a visit! Similipal has so much to offer – cool fresh air, sights that soothe the eyes and sounds that feel like music to your ears.

Nearby Places: Khiching , 60 km from the park is an ancient capital with many ruins of temples. And famous for the shrine of Kichakeswari. There is some great colourful stone craft here. Chandipur (60 km from Baripada) is a unique Beach Resort where the sea - water recedes about 5 km twice a day. It is an astounding sight. Deokund (65 km from Baripada and 110 km from Balasore) is an amazing place with a series of waterfalls and a Shakti shrine.



Climate: The park is open from November to mid June. But the best time to visit is before the onset of summer.



Activities In Simlipal: Take a wildlife safari and view the various flora and fauna in the park. You may get lucky and spot a leopard or a tiger apart from other animals you can expect to see like deers and herds of elephants. For the adventurous there are several options for trekking.



How to Reach: By Train: The nearest railhead is Baripada (17 km). Other important stations are Balasore (76 km from Lulung) and Jamshedpur (115 km from Jashipur). By Bus: aripada, is 170 km from Bhubaneswar, 240 from Kolkata and 60 km from Balasore and 22 km from Pithabata, which is an entry point. The other entry point Jashipur is 94 km from Baripada on N.H. 6. Both the places are well connected by regular bus services.

1 comment:

  1. Nice images of Simlipal forest. It is situated in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. This is the best place for traveling for travelers. Similipal Tiger Reserve is a place where Nature binds you with its awe inspiring beauty, grace, power and its calmness. The Similipal Tiger Reserve which covers an area of 2750 Sq KM.

    odisha travels

    ReplyDelete