Odisha, a land of forests, temples, beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and stunning wildlife is a land of celebration for people. Tourists flock to this state for its mystifying attractions. One such rich natural habitat for wildlife is the Simlipal National Park which is a national park and tiger reserve located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. It is part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve. The park has numerous species of plants, wild animals, birds and reptiles, making it one of the most biologically diverse areas in India. This article will discuss the geography and wildlife of this beautiful national park.

Similipal National Park is a great place for bird watching. It is home to over 300 species of birds, including some rare and endangered species. The park is located in Odisha, India and is a popular spot for both domestic and international tourists. Bird-watching can be done in the park by taking a nature trail. You can spot numerous species of birds throughout the year, however, the avifauna gets much richer during the winter season. Some of the popular birds you can spot include the Black Ibis, Grey Pelican, Red-Necked Falcon, and Alexandrine Parakeet.

Similipal National Park is home to a wide range of animals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, gaurs, sambar deer, barking deer, chitals, nilgai, sloth bear, chousingha, and wild boar. It also has a variety of bird species such as brown hawk owl, Oriental honey-buzzard, parakeets, peacocks, hill myna, jungle fowl, red-wattled lapwing, crested serpent eagle, and many more. The park is covered by a diverse range of vegetation, with a number of species of trees, orchids, shrubs etc.&nbsp;

Joranda waterfalls are two of the most amazing waterfalls located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. It is situated within the Core Zone of Simlipal National Park, a renowned biosphere reserve and is surrounded by thick vegetation, a cool climate and whistling winds which adds to the beauty and makes it more pleasant. Joranda Falls is about 150 meters (492 feet) tall. It originates from the Budhabalanga River and descends the steep rocky mountain cliffs located in the park, providing stunning views of the surrounding greenery.&nbsp;

Location: Simlipal National Park
Best Time: November and February&nbsp;
Distance from the park: 134 KM&nbsp;

Debakunda Pond is a natural pond located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha state in India. The pond is created by the waters of an adjoining stream and is a part of the Similipal National Park. There is a temple, known as “Ambika Mandir'' which was discovered by a researcher and King Rajkumar Prafulla Chandra Bhanja Dev, who stayed in Devkund and researched this place.

Location: Mayurbhanj, Odisha
Distance from the park: 97 KM

Ramatirtha crocodile project is located beneath the feet of a Similipal National Park. It is the only crocodile-rearing centre in the Mayurbhanj district. The centre of Ramatirtha is known best for its Mugger Management Program. It also provides medical assistance and cares for sick or disabled crocodiles. Visitors can observe the various activities at the centre, including feeding and taking care of the reptiles.

Location: Mayurbhanj District, Odisha
Distance from The Park: 78 KM

Baripada is a city located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India. The city is an important regional hub. The main attractions of Baripada include its numerous temples, parks, and markets. Baripada is well known for the Chhau dance form; most Oriya celebrities have their origins in Baripada. The most famous temple in Baripada is the Jagannath Temple. Other attractions of Baripada include Kichakeswari Temple, Sri Jwalamukhi Temple, and Rani Sati Mandir.

Location: Mayurbhanj district, Odisha&nbsp;
Distance from The Park: 120 KM

Bhimkund, an unspoiled panorama of natural beauty is a beautiful natural reservoir on the Baitarani river, which is situated on the border between the two districts of Keunjhar and Mayurbhanj. It has a natural environment with a beautiful lush green forest. The waterfall woos travellers with its vertical-shaped gorge &amp; speeding current which makes the environment smokey and pleasant. There’s a spot for picnicking near the waterfalls where people gather usually around Makar Sankranti as they take a holy dip in its waters.&nbsp;

Location: Bank of river Baitarani.
Distance from The Park: 34 KM

By Air: 
<ul>
<li>The nearest Domestic Airport is the Sonari airport in Jamshedpur, roughly three hour's ride from Simlipal and the nearest International Airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, which is 365 km away from Simlipal. Alternatively, you can also alight at Biju Patnaik International Airport.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

By Road: 
<ul>
<li>The most convenient way to reach Simlipal by road is to take a bus from Bhubaneswar or Kolkata to Baripada, which is the closest town to the national park. From there you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Simlipal.</li>
</ul>

By Rail: 
<ul>
<li>The nearest Railway Station is Balasore Railway Station which is located at a distance of 117 km from Simlipal.</li>
</ul>

Similipal National Park is a beautiful and diverse nature reserve that provides a habitat for a wide range of species. It is one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in India. The Indian government has taken great efforts to protect and conserve the area, making it a haven for wildlife and a great destination for visitors looking to experience India’s rich natural beauty. This park provides a unique opportunity to observe and enjoy the vibrant wildlife, making it an unforgettable experience.&nbsp;

Simlipal National Park has an array of interesting features. Additionally, the park has more than 1,000 species of plants, including orchids and medicinal herbs, as well as more than 200 species of birds and several species of reptiles, amphibians and mammals. It's also home to some endangered species, including the Asian elephant, Bengal tiger, leopard cat, flying squirrel and gaur. Finally, visitors to the park can enjoy trekking, bird watching, wildlife viewing and photography. And not to mention, this national park is home to many regal tigers and is known to shelter 99 tigers and 432 elephants. The rolling waterfalls cascade from decent heights and the high plateaus lure visitors to make a visit again.&nbsp;

Location: Mayurbhanj District
Timings: 6 AM- 2 PM&nbsp;
Entry Fees: 100/person
Distance from Bhubaneshwar: 190 KM

The dense forests, lofty hills and vast grasslands win the spectacle for an awesome sightseeing experience at Similipal. Other activities you can find there include photography, wildlife viewing, picnicking, wildlife safari, trekking and stargazing. A lovely afternoon picnic at lush green spots in the park can be quite soothing as well.&nbsp;

While there are jeeps available with travel guides for hire in the park, visitors also have the option to bring their SUV (Sports-Utility-Vehicle) into the sanctuary premises and drive around at their leisure. Special permission is required to do so, it is recommended to hire a guide to travel with you in your vehicle to help you find your way into the forests and back. You might also want to check the park's opening hours and weather before going, to make sure you get the most out of your time there. Don't forget to wear comfortable clothes and shoes too - it'll be a lot more enjoyable if you're comfortable and ready to explore!&nbsp;

Trekking in Similipal National Park is a great way to explore the unique flora and fauna of this region of India. The park is home to more than 1,000 species of plants, and numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The best way to experience all that Similipal has to offer is by taking a guided trek. A guide can ensure you take the most interesting trails and can show you the most exhilarating locations. The park offers many trekking tours from one-day treks to multi-day expeditions.

A Guide To Similipal National Park

India > Odisha

8 May 2026

Explore in Odisha

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