Simlipal is the forest at the centre of Odisha's Mayurbhanj district: a tiger reserve of roughly 2,750 sq km, a national park since 1980 and a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve since 2009. The name is generally traced to the simul, or red silk-cotton tree, that flowers across the hills in late winter. The hills rise to around 1,100 m, and the reserve holds sal forest, grassland meadows, a dozen or so rivers and two of the tallest waterfalls in eastern India.
The animal most people have heard of is the pseudo-melanistic tiger, whose stripes are so broad that the coat looks dark. Seeing one is luck, not a promise. Elephants, gaur, chausingha and a long bird and orchid list make the drive worthwhile even without a big cat. Access is controlled: you enter by one of two gates, Pithabata on the Baripada side or Kaliani on the Jashipur side, in an approved four-wheel-drive vehicle with a forest-department guide, and you are out by evening.
Most visitors base themselves in Baripada, the district town, which adds a 16th-century Jagannath temple, a distinctive women-led Rath Yatra and the mask-free Mayurbhanj Chhau dance to the trip. Simlipal suits parents and older travellers who are happy to sit in a vehicle for long forest drives, but it is not an easy place: roads are rough, facilities are basic and distances are long. Plan around the reserve's season, which closes for the monsoon, and confirm opening dates before you book anything.
Before you plan
Simlipal at a glance
- Best months
- November to February is the most…November to February is the most comfortable; March and April are hot. The reserve closes for the monsoon, so check the current season notice before booking.
- Ideal trip length
- 2 to 3 days: one full safari day on…2 to 3 days: one full safari day on the Pithabata route, a Baripada day, and a spare day for Jashipur and Ramatirtha or Khiching
- Airport
- Biju Patnaik International AirportBiju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneswar, roughly 250 to 270 km away; allow about 5 to 6 hours by road. Kolkata (CCU) is the other main option.
- Railway station
- BaripadaBaripada (BPO) is the usual railhead for the Pithabata gate; Balasore on the main line is a larger junction; Jashipur is served from nearby Badampahar
- Getting around
- Inside the reserve you need a…Inside the reserve you need a four-wheel-drive vehicle with at least about 180 mm ground clearance and a forest guide; outside it, hire a car and driver from Baripada or Jashipur
- Daily budget
- The official site lists a safari…The official site lists a safari vehicle at about Rs 4,500 plus small per-person fees; add transport, stay and food, and check the portal for current rates
- Senior comfort
- Moderate: longModerate: long, bumpy forest drives and basic lodging, but little walking at the main sights; the waterfall viewpoints involve short, uneven walks
- Language
- OdiaOdia, with Santali widely spoken locally; Hindi and some English at tourist counters and guest houses
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Simlipal: January, February, November, December. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Simlipal itinerary
One good day
1 day in Simlipal
Book your entry and vehicle in advance and be at Pithabata gate early, as entry is in the morning and you must be out by evening. Follow the forest guide on the circuit that passes Joranda and Barehipani waterfalls, with a stop at Chahala meadow if the guide advises. Carry water and lunch, since there are no restaurants inside. Aim to leave the forest before dusk and return to Baripada for the night.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Simlipal
Spend the morning in Baripada at the Haribaldev Jew temple and, if your timing allows, a Chhau rehearsal or performance arranged through your hotel. Have lunch in town and, if you hold an afternoon safari slot, drive to the Pithabata side. Otherwise rest and prepare for an early start.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Simlipal
Arrive at Baripada, visit the Haribaldev Jew temple and, in the evening, arrange to watch Mayurbhanj Chhau. Stay at Belgadia Palace or another town hotel.
Day-by-day plan →
