Similipal National Park (ଶିମିଳିପାଳ ଜାତୀୟ ଉଦ୍ୟାନ), also spelled Simlipal, is the core of the Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district, northern Odisha. Visitors come for its vast sal forests, waterfalls such as Barehipani and Joranda, and the chance of seeing elephants, deer, birds and, rarely, tigers in one of India's oldest tiger reserves.
What is Similipal and why visit?
Similipal was among the first tiger reserves under Project Tiger (1973), and in May 2009 UNESCO added the Similipal Biosphere Reserve to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves. UNESCO notes that it holds the largest tract of sal (Shorea robusta) forest in India, with more than 1,000 plant species, and is home to Bengal tigers and Asian elephants. The wider tiger reserve covers about 2,750 sq km. In April 2025 the Odisha government notified about 845.70 sq km of the core as Similipal National Park, now the largest national park in the state.
Similipal's tiger population includes animals with an unusual, dark, pseudo-melanistic coat, which has drawn scientific attention. Indigenous communities such as the Kharia and Mankirdia live in and around the reserve.
What are the top things to see in Similipal?
- Barehipani Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Odisha; Barehipani is also a food-service point for visitors according to the reserve's website.
- Joranda Falls, another tall waterfall reached on the forest circuit.
- Devkund, Brahmanakund and Sitakund, pools and smaller cascades listed by the reserve as visitor sites.
- Nature camps run by the reserve at Ramatirtha, Gurguria, Kumari and Jamuani, which allow overnight stays inside or at the edge of the forest. Book in advance through the official site.
- Wildlife and birds: UNESCO records 42 mammal and 264 bird species in the biosphere reserve. Elephants, deer and forest birds are the usual sightings; tigers are rarely seen in the dense forest, so treat any sighting as a bonus.
Not all sites or routes are open every season, and some areas are closed for protection; follow the instructions of the reserve staff and your guide.
When is the best time to visit Similipal?
- Season: The reserve website states that Similipal is open from 1 November to 15 June, with exact dates decided each year by the Field Director. Dates do shift: in 2024 the park reopened on 10 October after closing on 12 June. Always check the official site before booking.
- November to February is the most comfortable period, with cool weather and full waterfalls after the monsoon.
- March to mid-June is hot, but water sources draw animals and visibility is better as the forest thins.
- Monsoon (mid-June to October): the park is closed to tourists during the rains.
How do I reach Similipal?
There are two tourist entry gates:
| Gate | Nearest town | Nearest railway |
|---|---|---|
| Pithabata | Baripada (southern side) | Baripada |
| Kaliani | Jashipur (northern side) | Badampahar, about 18 km from Jashipur |
- By air: The reserve website lists Bhubaneswar (about 242 to 254 km), Kolkata (about 230 to 286 km) and Ranchi (about 234 to 260 km), depending on which gate you use.
- By rail: Baripada station is closest to Pithabata. Balasore, on the Howrah–Chennai main line, is about 58 km from Baripada. Tatanagar (Jamshedpur) is about 111 km from Jashipur.
- By road: Baripada and Jashipur are both connected by highway; hire a vehicle there.
Vehicles and guides: In the 2024–25 season, Similipal limited daily tourist vehicles, required a minimum ground clearance and made a local guide mandatory for each vehicle. Gate timings were restricted, and all vehicles had to exit by evening. Rules are reviewed every season, so check current conditions on the official site.
What food should I try around Similipal?
Inside the reserve, non-vegetarian food and liquor are not allowed, so meals at camps are vegetarian. In Baripada and Jashipur, simple Odia meals with rice and dalma are widely available, and pakhala bhata is a common lunch in the hot months.
Rules and etiquette
From the reserve's official visitor guidance:
- Carry a valid entry pass, obtained online or at the gate.
- Professional cameras need prior permission; drones are prohibited.
- No non-vegetarian food or liquor inside the reserve.
General good practice in any tiger reserve also applies: follow your guide, do not feed or disturb animals, keep noise down, carry your litter out, and ask before photographing people in villages.
Nearby places
- Baripada, the district headquarters, known for its Mayurbhanj style of Chhau dance.
- The Mayurbhanj district page for other sights in the region.
- Chandipur beach near Balasore, on the way from Kolkata or Bhubaneswar.
Plan your visit
Allow at least two days, ideally with a night in a forest camp, because distances inside the reserve are long and forest roads are slow. Book entry passes and accommodation early in the season and keep an eye on the official site for opening dates. For a plan that combines Similipal with Balasore, Chandipur or Bhubaneswar, request a custom itinerary at /travel/plan.