About Similipal Tiger Reserve
Similipal Tiger Reserve is a major tiger reserve and national park located in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. Spread over 2,750 sq km, it is part of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve and was declared a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1973. Known for its dense sal forests, grasslands, waterfalls and melanistic tigers, it harbours tigers, elephants, leopards and diverse flora and fauna within the Eastern Ghats landscape.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a vast forested landscape of dense sal forests, hills and meadows accessed via guided jeep safaris on designated forest routes. The reserve features waterfalls such as Barehipani and Joranda, watchtowers and forest rest houses at Lulung, Barehipani and Joranda. Wildlife sightings include tigers, Asian elephants, gaurs, deer and birds, though sightings are not guaranteed. Exploration is restricted to day-time safari circuits with forest guides.
Key highlights
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One of India's largest tiger reserves covering 2,750 sq km and part of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve network
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Home to melanistic (pseudo-melanistic) tigers unique to Similipal
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Barehipani Waterfall (399m) - one of India's highest waterfalls inside the reserve
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Joranda Waterfall (150m) and Uski Waterfall within forest core
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Rich biodiversity with tigers, elephants, leopards, mugger crocodiles and over 230 bird species
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Dense sal forests, grasslands and meadows of the Eastern Ghats
History of Similipal Tiger Reserve
Originally a hunting ground of the Mayurbhanj royal family, declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956 and brought under Project Tiger in 1973. Notified as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1979, proposed as National Park in 1980, declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1994 and included in UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009. It is one of the earliest tiger reserves in India.
Culture & Context
The reserve is inhabited by tribal communities including Erenga Kharia and Mankidia, who are traditionally dependent on forest resources. The surrounding region reflects tribal culture of Mayurbhanj with traditional crafts, festivals and forest-based livelihoods. The forest is also associated with local folklore and nature worship.