Similipal: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Dec 23 After a two-day closure due to heavy rainfall, Similipal National Park, located in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, reopened for tourists on Monday. The park had been shut to visitors following unexpected unseasonal rains on December 21 and 22. However, with the weather improving, the forest department announced that the park is now accessible to tourists once again.
Similipal National Park, recognized as the second-largest biosphere reserve in Asia, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The park, named after the ‘Simul’ (silk cotton) tree, serves as both a national park and a tiger reserve, covering an expansive area of 2,750 square kilometers. Visitors to Similipal can admire its breathtaking waterfalls, including Joranda and Barehipani.
Tourists can enjoy a thrilling Jungle Safari in the core area of the park aboard open Jimny vehicles. Additionally, there are facilities for overnight stays in guesthouses located at Kumari, Ramtheerth, Gudugudia, and Jamuani, along with nature camping options at Gudugudia.
Recently, Similipal made headlines when two Royal Bengal tigresses, Zeenat and Jamuna, ventured away from the Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) into neighboring forests. While Jamuna has reportedly returned to the STR, Zeenat remains in the forests of West Bengal.
