The park was declared a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger in the 1973. In 1979 it was deemed a wildlife sanctuary. It was finally notified a national park in the year 1980. In May 2009, UNESCO included it in its list of Biosphere Reserves.

Flora
Sal forests, Odisha semi-evergreen forests, tropical moist deciduous forests, tropical moist broadleaf forest, orchids, savannas and grasslands are the prominent vegetation covers here.

Fauna
The animal world of the reserve include Tiger, Leopard, Barking deer, Asian elephant, Common langur, Chausingha, etc.

Avian Fauna
The important avian fauna species of the park include Alexandrine Parakeet, Indian Trogon, Red Jungle fowl, Grey Hornbill, Hill Mynah, Grey Hornbill, etc.

Tourist information
Simlipal National Park is open from November to mid-June. Pithabata and Joshipur are two entry points to the reserve which can be reached via NH5 & NH6 respectively. Entry permit needs to be obtained from the park authorities for entering the park. Visitors are advised to obtain their permits one to two weeks ahead to avoid the last minute rush.
Visitors can stay in the forest reserve bungalows located in the Simlipal Hills with prior booking. Other accommodation options are available at Baripada, Nawana, Chahala, Joranda and Barheipani.
Nature walks, trekking and bird watching are the popular activities within the reserve. Jaranda waterfalls, splendid peaks of Meghasani and Khairiburu and Crocodile farm are places worth visiting. Tourists are prohibited from carrying beverages and alcoholic drinks inside the park.

Getting there
The closest domestic airport is in Jamshedpur (about 140 km) and the closest international aerodrome is in Kolkata (almost 240 km). The nearest railhead is at Balasore (about 76 km away). The nearby bus terminal is at Baripada, which falls at the intersection of NH5 and NH6.

General information
Address: Simlipal National Park, Mayurbhanj, Orissa
Best time to visit: November to February; Park timings: 6:00 am - 9:00 pm (daily)
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