Simlipal National Park, Orissa

Located in the state of Orissa, Simlipal National Park is one of the most popular national parks among the nature lovers. It was previously the main hunting place for the kings of Mayurbhanj. Simlipal National Park, Orissa has been recognized as the tiger reserve in the year of 1956 and in 1972. But in the year of 1979, it achieved the status of national park. Wide stretches of sal forests dominate the forest landscape. Simlipal National Park, Orissa is home to the native tribes of the state.

Naturally adorned with waterfalls and beautiful landscape, it is crossed by twelve rivers and most popular among them include Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Kahairi and Deo. If you are an adventure freak and love exploring the wilderness, then Simlipal National Park is just the perfect destination for you. The ideal time to visit this national park is between November to June.

Here, at the Simlipal National Park, you can spot a wide variety of wild animals. This national park is the home to 100 tigers and 230 bird species. The flora collection includes 501 plant species that belong to 102 families. You can also find 82 different species of the orchids, medicinal and aromatic plants in the Simlipal National Park.

Some of the most popular and common wild animals that finds shelter in this national park are tigers, leopards, elephants, sambhar, chital, chausingha, sloth bear, monkeys, hyenas, wild dog, porcupines, gaur, langur, antelope, spotted deer and mouse deer. Among the beautiful species of birds, you can find Malabar pied hornbill, crested serpent eagle, alexandrine parakeet, Indian pied hornbill, red jungle fowl, grey hornbill, Indian trogon hill mynah and peafowl. Various reptiles like snakes and turtles are also found in abundance in the national park.

To get in to the Simlipal National Park, Orissa, you have to take permission at Baripada. Apart from enjoying the wild lives in the national park, you can also see the traditional dance performance of the Santhal tribes. Barheipani and Joranda are the two major water falls that add to the beauty of the Simlipal National Park. Enjoy a great time during your visit to this popular national park.