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 SIMLIPAL
TIGER RESERVE |
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Simlipal
National Park, with its hills, waterfalls and
dense foliage has almost 95 tigers and a number of
other species of 'typically' Indian wildlife -
elephants, deer, leopards, gaur bison, sloth bears,
reptiles, langurs, crocodiles and more than 200
species of bird life. Initiated under Project Tiger
in 1972, Simlipal became a National Park in 1979.
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The
forests of Simlipal consist predominantly of
deciduous sal trees and are crisscrossed by twelve
rivers, which meander through the hills and plateaus
of Simlipal, creating some of the area's most
impressive waterfalls. The spectacular Barehipani
waterfall, with a 400-metre drop, and the Joranda
waterfall, with a shorter drop of 150 metres, are so
beautiful that one is forced to reflect on nature's
majesty. |
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Besides the fact that there's a lot of
wildlife to be seen in Simlipal, there's also a wide
range of local flora; the Park boasts of at least 82
species of orchids.
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The
Park has a core area of about 850 sq km, where most
of the tigers are concentrated. Visitors are not
allowed into this section of the park, but if you're
lucky you just might see a tiger wandering further
out. What you're more likely to see are elephants,
monkeys, deer and birds. Joshipur, which is one of
the two entrances to the park, has a maggar centre
where you can catch a glimpse of the crocodiles at
close quarters.
The Park has a core area of about 850 sq km, where
most of the tigers are concentrated. Visitors are
not allowed into this section of the park, but if
you're lucky you just might see a tiger wandering
further out. What you're Simlipal Tiger Reserve
originated primarily as a hunting ground for the
royalty.
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It
was formally designated a tiger reserve in 1956
under Project Tiger in May 1972. It was elevated to
a national park status in 1979. Located in the
Mayurbhanj district of India, coastal state of
Orissa, Simlipal Tiger Reserve is an ecosystem
complete with forest vegetation (mainly sal trees),
fauna and the adjoining Santhal tribal settlements.
High plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the
Mangesheri, surround the forest. At least 12 rivers
cut across the plain area. The prominent among them
are Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Kahairi and Deo.
This sprawling forest also has many waterfalls that
are a perpetual attraction to the tourist. It has
withstood two cyclones. in 1982 and 1999. without
any irrevocable damages and continues to enchant
visitors.
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Fauna |
Also concerned itself with the care of other
animals. After the project was launched, the park
saw an increase in population of not only Tigers but
Leopards, Sambars, Langurs, Barking and Spotted
Deer, Gaur, Elephant and the 'Four-horned' antelope.
The protected environment of the park has provided
shelter to a number of other mammals. 231 species of
birds nest in these forests. Red Jungle Fowl, Hill
Mynah, Peafowl, Alexandrine Parakeet, Crested
Serpent Eagle are common. The Grey Hornbill, Indian
Pied Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill and Indian
Trogon are also found in the reserve. Apart from the
large number of mammals and bird species, the park
has a sizeable population of reptiles which includes
snakes and turtles. The Mugger management programme
has helped the Mugger crocodile to survive and
flourish on the banks of river Khairi.
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Climate |
It is yet another beautiful place where one gets a
glimpse of nature’s bounty and a forest rich in
bio-diversity. The frequent climatic changes during
the course of day-night and clouds descending down
from the tops make the atmosphere serene and
peaceful.
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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.
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Safaris |
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.
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Other
Attraction |
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Baripada
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The
historic town is said to have been built
sometime during the 16th century by the Bhanja
kings. The palace which now houses a college
will remind the visitors from England of the
Buckingham Palace
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Deokund
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Situated
about 87 km from Simlipal, the place is an
excellent picnic spot with the backdrop of a
gorgeous waterfall. The temple of goddess
Ambika gives the place special importance
among the religious community
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Genaral
Information in Simlipal Tiger Reserve |
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| State: |
Orissa |
| Location: |
Mayurbhanj
district, Orissa, India |
| Area
Covered: |
2750
sq. km. |
| Major
Wildlife Attractions: |
Elephant,
Leopard, Tiger, Gaur, Panthers, sloth bears, porcupines,
monitor lizards, Flying squirrels,
pythons, mongooses, gaur bison,
antelopes, sambar and the mouse deer |
| Best
time to visit: |
November
to June (The park remains closed between
July and October) |
| Nearest
Airports: |
Calcutta
(250 kms) and at Bhubaneshwar (300 kms) |
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Wild Life Safari
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Flora |
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The
Simlipal national park is a treasure house of 501 species of
plants belonging to 102 families. 82 species of orchids have
also been identified here. It has a mixed type of vegetation
with Northern tropical semi-evergreen trees and Northern
tropical moist deciduous trees. Plus, dry deciduous hill
forest and high level Sal forests. The grasslands and the
savannas provide grazing grounds for the herbivores and hiding
place to the carnivores. The forest boasts of innumerable
medicinal and aromatic plants, which provide a source of
earnings for the tribals.
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Wildlife
Attractions in Simlipal Tiger Reserve
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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.
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