Baripada Reviews

Overview of the destination
Being a wildlife and nature enthusiast, I have been to several national parks and wildlife destinations of India that include, among others, the Simlipal National Park. One of the most famous national parks of India and a great tiger reserve, the Simlipal National Park is located in the eastern Indian state of Orissa and spread over an area of 2750 sq km. Simlipal gets its name from the Simul (silk cotton) trees that dominate the landscapes of the wonderful national park. High plateaus and hills, apart from the santhal tribal settlements, characterize the scenic Simlipal which formerly was the hunting place for the Maharajas of Mayurbhanj, Orissa. Attractions Twelve rivers that include, among others, the names of Burhabalanga, Palpala Bandan, Kahairi and Deo flow through the beautiful Simlipal National Park much adding to the rugged beauty of the place that also has two stunning waterfalls. The waterfalls in question--Joranda and Barehipani--are big attractions of Simlipal and much charm the visitors to the place. The Simlipal National Park boasts of an excellent flora and fauna. With 1076 plant species, 92 species of orchids, 42 species of mammals, 242 species of birds, and 30 species of reptiles, Simlipal certainly has mind-blowing species of flora and fauna. Apart from the tigers--for which the Simlipal Tiger Reserve is much famous--the tiger reserve also has bison, leopard, wild boar, four-horned antelope, and common langur. Among the birds, it has red jungle fowl, pea fowl, crested serpent eagle, grey hornbill, hill mynah, etc. The national park also has several species of reptiles. In fact, the Mugger Management Programme started to increase the population of the mugger crocodiles at Simlipal was highly successful and it increased the population of the mugger crocodiles in the park quite impressively.

Food, sight-seeing and shopping
Joranda and Barehipani Waterfalls of Simlipal

Activities & things to do
Trekking, Bird Watching

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
How to reach Simlipal is well connected by road, rail and air. Baripada--located only 17 km away from Simlipal--is the nearest rail head. The ?City of Joy? Kolkata is 240 km away and the state capital of Bhubaneshwar is just 270 km away from Simlipal. When to visit The Simlipal National Park remains open for the visitors from November to June. I visited the wonderful national park during the month of January and much enjoyed my visit.