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Simlipal Tiger Reserve
Location: Mayurbhanj district, Orissa
Area: 2750 sq. km.
Major Wildlife Attractions: Elephant, Leapord, Tiger
Best time to visit: November to June
Places to Stay: Forest Rest House (Baripada), Aranya Niwas
Tourist Lodge (Lulung)
About Simlipal Tiger Reserve
Simlipal Tiger Reserve, situated in
the Mayurbhanj district of Orissa is famed for its thriving tiger
population which includes the famous Royal Bengal Tiger. The area
forms part of the Mahanadian Biogeographical region and the forests
come under the Chhotanagpur Plateau.
Simlipal Tiger Reserve was made a part of the project tiger in the
year 1973 and the core area was accorded the status of a sanctuary in
1979. A number of tribal communities, including Khola, Santhal and
Mankadia, continue to reside inside the forest. The forest along with
the adjoining areas is also referred to as the Simlipal Biosphere
Reserve.
To travel in your own vehicle inside the park is a thrilling and
unique experience. Traveling through winding roads and uneven jungle
roads is an ideal way to spot wild animals. A sturdy vehicle like a
jeep preferably with a four wheel drive is ideal and should be
preffered.
Wildlife Attractions in
Simlipal Tiger Reserve
With over 1000 plant species, the Simlipal Tiger Reserve is a
paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The place has a mixed type of
vegetation with semi evergreen forests and tropical moist deciduous
trees occupying most of the area. There are numerous grazing grounds
for the herbivores of the area in the form of open grasslands and
savvanas.
The park abounds in animal and bird population. Over 231 species of
birds have found shelter in the forest and the numerous trees around
it. Some of the commonly found birds include Red Jungle Fowl, Hill
Mynah, Peafowl, Alexandrine Parakeet, Crested Serpent Eagle, Grey
Hornbill, Indian Pied Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill and Indian
Trogon.
Project tiger was a positive step in the preservation of the wild
beasts that has shown positive results since the time it was launched.
Besides Tigers, other mammal residents of the area include Leopards,
Sambars, Langurs, Barking and Spotted Deer, Gaur, Elephant and the
'Four-horned' antelope. The reptiles also register their presence in
the form of snakes and turtles which are also found in large numbers.
Best Time to Visit Simlipal Tiger Reserve
The ideal time to visit the Simlipal Tiger Reserve is between the
months of November to June (The park remains closed between July and
October).
How to Get there
Air: Kolkata is the nearest airport, connected by Indian
Airlines from Delhi (7:00, 17:00 & 20:00), Mumbai (6:10 &
18:15), Bangalore (6:05) and Chennai (10:30 & 17:00). A private
taxi from Kolkata to Simlipal costs around Rs. 3000.
Rail: Balasore is the nearest railhead, connected to Baripada
through regular deluxe buses. Delhi is connected to Balasore through
the Purshottam Exp. (22:30, daily) & Kaligautkal Exp. (12:50,
daily) while trains plying Bangalore-Balasore include YPR Howrah Exp.
(19:30). Trains from Chennai are Coromandel Exp. (9:00, daily) &
Howrah mail (23:00, daily).
Road: When travelling from Bhubaneswar, take the NH5 to
Baripadavia Baleshwar, from where a forest road will take you to
Pithabata. The route from Kolkata leads through NH6 to Jashipur via
Panskura and Kharagpur. From here, take the forest road to
Gudgudia/Chahala. |
