Similipal National Park: A heaven for Adventure seekers

Introduction to Simlipal National Park –

 

Similipal National Park is one of the most adventurous destinations of Odisha which is located on the eastern coast of India. Numerous natural wonders of India reside in this place with great pleasure and support in managing the ecosystem of the place beautifully. Simlipal has a lot of adventures for visitors to explore inside, that’s why visiting this prime place is a fun and exciting thing to do.

 

This park has a lot of amazing sceneries and waterfalls such as Joranda and Barehipani which are very enchanting and attractive to view. For those who are nature enthusiasts, exploring the peaceful and marvelous simlipal forest will be a treat for them.

 

Exploring Simlipal National Park –

 

 

Simlipal National Park was formed in the year 1978 and since then, it has been protected by conserving biodiversity with a huge variety of flora and fauna. Typically, the simlipal biosphere reserve is very closed and protected so that the wildlife, plants, and birds here don’t feel the harm of the outside world. So even when the national park is open for tours and visits, there exist some restricted areas where people are not allowed to enter.

 

The inhabitants of the similipal forest are not only common animals like elephants, gaur, and deer species, but also Bengal tiger, leopards, and other rare species. The fauna here consists of bamboo groves, sal forests, grasslands, and others. There are lots of places that one can explore easily in the Simlipal National Forest, includes Joranda Falls, Kumari Nature Camp, Barehipani Falls, and many other tourist spots and campsites.

 

 

In the similipal national park, a traveler can enjoy various activities such as wildlife safaris, guided treks, birdwatching, & experiencing the culture and traditions of Simlipal locals can be performed by visitors. These activities are included in the entrance fees and registrations of this place and that is why paying these fees is compulsory. Camping (apart from the other activities) is the only activity for which permits need to be taken beforehand or while booking the tickets for this national park.

 

Before going for camping, must check the availability of campsites there at the time when you want to visit the place. Ensuring the availability of the campsites and then booking your tickets according will provide you with much more convenience and benefits.

 

 

Simlipal National Park Waterfalls in Odisha –

 

Odisha is not only popular for Simlipal National Park but also for its incredible and mesmerizing waterfalls. The waterfalls in orissa can be named as Joranda Falls, Barehipani Falls, and Aapkhol Falls respectively. Let’s get a detailed insight of all these mentioned waterfalls one by one:

 

• Aapkhol Waterfalls –

 

The aapkhol waterfall is embedded within the massive and beautiful hills of Odisha. It is a very secluded and preserved location that doesn’t have much contact with the outside world. Those who are truly nature lovers will completely enjoy their experience exploring the beauty of the waterfall and its surroundings.

 

• Joranda Waterfalls –

 

One of the most important instincts about Joranda falls is its serene environment and beautiful surroundings. It is a remarkable sight to explore and that is why all nature enthusiasts should visit this waterfall at least once in their lifetime.

Joranda is one of the highest waterfalls in odisha and is a spectacular spot to view after a long and tedious hike. However, reaching there needs a lot of energy and enthusiasm and that is why people should remain energetic and hydrated throughout the way.

 

• Barehipani Waterfalls –

 

The barehipani waterfall descends from a cliff of about 355 meters. Due to its huge height and descent, it is considered the 2^nd highest waterfall in India. The water force is very strong from this waterfall and the scale of the water falling down is sheer.

 

The waterfall is a continuously flowing one and that is why its surrounding weather is always mist and humid. Cold breezes flow through the mountains around and lush green forests have beautifully covered the whole area of the barehipani falls.

 

 

Apart from the above-mentioned waterfalls, another important waterfall that exists in Simlipal National Forest is the Khandadhar waterfall. The landscape around and the deep sight from the khandadhar waterfall are really mesmerizing and completely up to the mark as well. Choosing the best waterfall in odisha among the ones mentioned above is a very tough choice and depends upon the perspective of every visitor.

 

 

Staying in and around Simlipal National Park –

 

Once you decide whether to stay in or around the national park, the process of similipal booking becomes much easier. All you need to do is visit the official website and check for availability. Make sure to check whether the weather conditions are suitable for the date you are about to book the tickets. Once all the checking and verification are done, book tickets for both the national park entrance as well as camping (if you want to explore overnight camping on official campsites inside the national park). Most tourists prefer to book the kumari nature camp simlipal campsite for overnight camping.

 

There also exists simlipal national park resort where visitors can stay inside the national park and enjoy the mesmerizing view of landscapes and nature first thing in the morning. However, outside the national park, there exist accommodations such as guesthouses, luxury resorts, fine dining places, and hotels with swimming pools. People can make reservations to stay in these places as well, But the bookings for these should be made beforehand to avoid inconvenience later.

 

Practical Information for Visitors of Simlipal National Park –

 

Mostly, a lot of information about the similipal odisha national park can be received from the detailed maps given at the information center of the park. That is why it is recommended that as soon as you enter the national park, visit the information centers there to get a detailed map and brief information about the whole park.

 

Some important bits of information about the national park are mentioned below:

 

• Visiting the national park during monsoon season is most recommended because of the amazing weather and mesmerizing landscape present in this season.
• Keeping yourself hydrated and energetic with plenty of water and energetic food items is crucial throughout the tour.
• Keep taking short breaks at prime locations so that you don’t stress yourself out too much.
• Enjoy every bit of your journey to the fullest because these moments are never going to be back.

 

 

Cultural and Natural Significance of Simlipal National Park –

 

Along with being a tourist hub for its beauty and natural significance, the simlipal tiger reserve and national park also showcase huge cultural significance. Some tribal communities like Munda, Kolha, and Bhumji reside in Simlipal and have their own cultural and historical beliefs about this place. It is home to all these tribal and local communities and is also an important attribute of nature. All the communities are very closely and deeply connected with the forest and that is why they work hard on protecting it and the wildlife living in it.

 

Apart from the locals, other authorities are also active in preserving and conserving the beauty of this national park and making it safe for wildlife as a natural habitat. The authorities here have established a Biosphere Reserve and a Tiger Reserve to protect the environment and the existence of tigers in this place. Also, even though great encouragement in tourism takes place, minimizing the footprints of humans on this place is one important step in the preservation and conservation process of simlipal tiger reserve and national park.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions –

 

1. What is the best time to visit Simlipal National Park?

The best time to visit simlipal national park, would be during the winter season. The months from November to February are the best time to visit Similipal national park because the weather conditions are much stable during this time.

 

2. What are the specialties of Simlipal National Park?

The Simlipal National Park has a lot of specialties in wildlife, attractions, and activities. These can be exploring the Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls, watching wildlife such as gaur, deer, and tigers, or visiting Patalganga Hill.

 

3. Which are the most common activities explored in the Simlipal National Park?

The most common activities explored in simlipal national park are trekking, camping, birdwatching, jeep safaris, and even tribal village visits. All these activities are a part of the fun and excitement that is explored in this national park by the visitors.

 

4. How to reach the Similipal National Park?

Reaching the simlipal national park is possible from the nearest airport of Bhubaneswar (around 270 kilometers) and also from the nearest railway station of Balasore (around 60 kilometers). All the major cities of Odisha are connected with the roads that reach this national park.

 

5. What makes Similipal National Park so special?

There exist some factors that make the Simlipal National Park so special, includes a unique population of tigers, Indian elephants, rolling hills, dense forests, massive waterfalls, Irrawaddy dolphins, and gaurs.

 

 

Final Thoughts –

 

Similipal National Park is one of the leading national parks throughout India and it definitely has its unique reasons for being the best. This national park is a wholesome experience for nature lovers because it not only consists of waterfalls, flora, and fauna, but also has very supportive locals and communities, a precious ecosystem, rich cultural significance, totally breathtaking landscapes, and much more.

 

Therefore, visiting this simlipal national park is a treat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, however, the only condition is to plan the whole trip correctly. Proper bookings, planning, and organization of the tour should be done so that no emergencies can spoil your mood or the trip as a whole.