Similipal National Park covers 2,750 sq km in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha — a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Project Tiger reserve since 1973. It shelters Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, gaur, and leopards alongside two of India's most spectacular waterfalls: Barehipani (399 m) and Joranda (150 m).
Similipal National Park
Odisha's Wild Heart — Tigers, Elephants & Twin Waterfalls in Mayurbhanj
History of Similipal
Royal Hunting Reserve
Similipal served as the private hunting reserve of the Maharaja of Mayurbhanj until 1947. The dense sal and teak forests remained largely undisturbed due to restricted access, preserving one of eastern India's richest wildlife habitats.
Project Tiger (1973)
Similipal was one of the nine original Project Tiger reserves declared in 1973, making it among India's oldest protected tiger habitats. It was formally notified as a National Park in 1980 and a Biosphere Reserve in 1994.
UNESCO Biosphere
UNESCO included Similipal in its World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009. The park hosts a unique population of melanistic (black-coated) tigers — a genetic variant found nowhere else in the world except here.
Significance
Similipal is the second-largest national park in India by area and supports 94 species of orchids, 1,076 plant species, 304 bird species, and 42 mammal species. It is the only known habitat of the black tiger — a melanistic Bengal tiger. The Similipal hills form the watershed of three major Odisha rivers: Budhabalanga, Baitarani, and Salandi.
Festivals & Events
Similipal Mahotsav — February
An eco-tourism festival organized by Odisha Forest Department each February at Pithabata camp. Features tribal dance performances, wildlife photography exhibitions, nature trails, and awareness programs highlighting Similipal's melanistic tiger population.
Chaitra Parba — March/April
The Santali tribal communities living in Similipal's buffer zone celebrate Chaitra Parba — a spring harvest ritual with traditional music, worship of forest deities, and communal feasting. Visitors during March–April can witness these ceremonies at buffer zone villages.
Special Highlight
Did You Know? Similipal is the only forest in the world with a confirmed breeding population of melanistic (black) tigers. Camera trap images first confirmed this in 2017. Genetic studies show the black coloration is caused by a mutation in the Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) gene — the same gene responsible for king cheetah markings.
Travel Guide to Similipal
How to Reach
By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (BBI) — 270 km, ~5 hr drive via NH 18.
By Train: Baripada Railway Station — 28 km from the Pithabata gate; Balasore (BSL) — 80 km, on Howrah–Chennai line.
By Road: Baripada (NH 18) is the base; 28 km to Pithabata gate, 25 km to Jashipur gate.
Best Time to Visit
November–June is the open season. February–April is best for wildlife sightings and wildflowers. The park closes July–October (monsoon). Night stays at forest rest houses require advance booking from the DFO, Baripada.
Local Attractions
Barehipani Waterfall: 399 m — India's second-tallest waterfall, inside Similipal core zone.
Joranda Waterfall: 150 m — accessible from Jashipur gate, dramatic two-tier cascade.
Devkund: Natural pool inside the forest — swimming spot for permit holders.
Tribal Village Khejuri: 5 km from Pithabata — Santali tribal handicraft centre.
Travel Tips
Entry permit mandatory — book online via Odisha Ecotourism portal; core zone access requires a jeep safari booking.
Park closes July–October. Check official Similipal Tiger Reserve website before planning.
Private vehicles allowed only with a forest guide; jeeps available at Pithabata and Jashipur gates (₹1,500–₹2,500/jeep).
No mobile network inside the core zone — download offline maps and inform someone of your itinerary before entry.