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Similipal is the land of the roar of the tigers and the trumpet of the elephants. Dense forest and, rugged hilly terrain and wild animals combine to make it an unique wilderness. Semi evergreen and moist nature of the tropical forest results in luxuriant vegetation growth from ground to top ideal for the animals to hide away. A novice may feel, there are only few animals here. Ample evidence by way of calls, songs, sounds, tell-tale marks or footprints on dust tracks providing the true exciting picture.

The Similipal hill in Mayurbhanj district covers an area of 2848.89 Sq. Kms. in the south-west region of the district. The area is extremely wild with deep growth of forests and several ridges and valleys. This land is situated 3,000 feet above the mean sea-level. Several streams and perennial rivers originate from these hills and many of them have rapids of waterfalls while getting out of the hills into the plains. The average rainfall of this area varies from 40" in the north-eastern part to more than 80" in the central and southern parts annually. In the upper area is quite pleasant. The winter is very cold with regular heavy frost at many places indicating temperature nearing freezing point.
 

Chilika (Nalabana)
Gahiramatha
Bhitarkanika
Similipal

The Similipal park was established in 1956 with the object of conserving the natural fauna, prevent wanton destruction of wild animals and to provide recreation to tourists who are interested in the scenic beauties and wild animals in their natural habitat. The Similipal forest have a rich abundance of wild animals like : Mammals: Elephant, bison, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, antilope, wild boar, porcupine, wild pig, tiger, panther, mouse, deer, wild dog, cats, rabbits, belra mouse, monkey and flying squirrel. Elephants are the most numerous in the Similipal hills. They are found an over the area with highest concentration in the central and southern parts. Birds: Peacocks, parrots, racket-tailed dongo, grey hornhill, malabar pie, jungle fowl, green pigeon, grey partridge, painted partridge, black partridge, quali, teal, florican, sandgrouse. In winter Himalayan types of birds migrate here. Reptiles: cobra, python, king-cobra, crocodiles are found in the Burhabalanga, khair and Deo rivers.

Due to unauthorised shootings done in the past, the wild animals are fast declining. So, shooting has been prohibited and strict measures have been taken to project the valuable fauna of Similipal forests. To prevent tiger shooting, the Similipal Tiger Project was started in 1973 with the World Wild Life Fund.

Within the park, comfortable well- furnished rest-houses have been built at Gudgudia, Nawana, Chahala, Jamuani, Barehipani, Jashipur, Talbandh, Kanchinda and Bhanjabasa. There is a lodging house at Lulung built by the Tourism Department, Government of Orissa.

There are watch towers at Rajupal, Bilapogha, Combigoda, Jenabil, Tinadiha, Upper Barakumuda, Bhanjabasa and Dhudruchampa.Salt licks at Rajupal, Bilapogha and Domnigoda are being regularly maintained to attract animals within the visible range of visitors. The road inside the park have been improved so that tourists can go to the interior of the forests view wild animals.

Similipal is the richest watershed in Orissa, giving rise to many perennial rivers- the Budhs Balanga, the Khadkei, the Khairi Bandhan, the West Deo, the Salandi, the East Deo and the Sanjo are the major ones. Gorgeous Barehipani(400 mt) and Joranda(150 mt) waterfalls are the great attractions.

At night, when one is cozily settled in the rest house, it is exciting as well as chilling to hear alarm calls-shrill notes of Cheetal, belling of Sambar or barking of Muntjac, generally indicating the presence of large predator-leopard or tiger in the vicinity. During the day, sight of conspicuous footprints of big cats and elephants make the imagination run wild. Similipal offers an excellent exposure to the delights not only of its wildlife, but also of its wonderful natural beauty. Scenic beauty of the lush forests and mountains and valleys are as extravagant as it is varied. The best way to see as much as possible would
be to take a package tour.

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