Similipal Tiger Reserve Core Zone
The park's main wildlife safari areas.
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Similipal National Park
Odisha, India· Last updated
- Best time
- November–February
- Getting there
- Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, approx. 190–220 km; Jamshedpur Airport (Jharkhand), a closer regional alternative at roughly 3 hours' drive.
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The main season, cool and comfortable, ideal for safaris.
Nearest Airport
Similipal National Park sits on a plateau in Mayurbhanj district, spanning 2,750 square kilometers as one of India's largest and most significant tiger reserves, part of Project Tiger since 1980. The park's elevated terrain — reaching over 1,100 meters at its highest points — supports a landscape genuinely different from Odisha's coastal plains: dense sal forest, extensive grasslands, and a series of dramatic waterfalls, including Barehipani and Joranda, among the tallest in India. Beyond tigers, Similipal holds significant populations of elephants, leopards, and gaur, alongside rare species like the four-horned antelope. Similipal suits serious wildlife travelers willing to make a genuine journey — the park's remoteness from Bhubaneswar and other major Odisha destinations has kept it considerably less visited than its scale and significance would suggest, and the plateau's varied terrain (forest, grassland, waterfall) gives safaris here real visual range beyond typical dry-forest game drives. Entry is managed through specific checkpoints, most commonly via Pithabata near Baripada, and the park's seasonal closure during monsoon should be built into any visit planning from the start.
Nearby highlights
Barehipani Falls
One of India's tallest waterfalls, within the park.
Joranda Falls
Another significant waterfall within Similipal.
Baripada Town
The nearest significant town and practical gateway to the park.
Devkund Waterfall
A waterfall on the park's fringes, popular with local visitors.
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How to reach Similipal National Park
Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, approx. 190–220 km; Jamshedpur Airport (Jharkhand), a closer regional alternative at roughly 3 hours' drive. Nearest Railway Station: Balasore Railway Station, approx. 100–106 km. By Road: From Baripada, drive to the Pithabata entry checkpoint, roughly 22 km, taking approximately 45 minutes; Baripada itself is roughly 100-108 km from Balasore and around 200 km from Bhubaneswar.
Best time to visit
November–February: The main season, cool and comfortable, ideal for safaris. March–May: Warmer, still open with generally good wildlife visibility around remaining water sources. June–October (mid-June onward): The park is closed to visitors for monsoon, reopening around November 1st.
Where it is
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Similipal National Park?
3 days allows for multiple safari sessions and visits to both major waterfalls.
When is Similipal closed?
The park closes for monsoon from mid-June, reopening around November 1st.
Are tiger sightings guaranteed?
No, sightings depend on chance, though the park's scale and tiger population offer reasonable odds over multiple safaris.
What are the must-visit places near Similipal National Park?
Baripada town and Devkund Waterfall.
Packages that cover Similipal National Park
Ready-made Odisha itineraries from TripDnD-verified local experts — customise dates, stays and pace.
Krishna Janmashtami Package ODISHA
2N Puri · 1N Bhubneswar
Odisha · 3 Nights / 4 Days
By Wheels And Wings
Pilgrimage
From
₹15,000
per person
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