Key hubs
Simlipal airport and railway station
- Airport
- Biju 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
- Baripada (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 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
How to reach Simlipal by air
The nearest major airport is Biju Patnaik International (BBI) at Bhubaneswar, about 250 to 270 km by road, or roughly 5 to 6 hours. Kolkata (CCU) is another option, at about 240 to 315 km depending on the route.
How to reach Simlipal by train
Baripada (BPO) is the usual railhead for the Pithabata gate, with a train service to Bhubaneswar. Balasore on the main line is a bigger junction, about 120 km from the reserve per the official site. Jashipur is reached from the nearby Badampahar station.
How to reach Simlipal by road
The reserve is connected by highway from Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Kolkata and Jamshedpur. Jashipur lies on NH 49 and NH 220, and Baripada is the district headquarters. Journey times from major cities are about 3 to 7 hours.
Getting around Simlipal
Inside the reserve you need an approved four-wheel-drive vehicle with a forest guide, booked through the official channels. In Baripada and Jashipur, a hired car and driver is the most practical option, as local public transport is limited.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Simlipal
- Start early, carry water, snacks and any medicines, and agree a comfort stop with your guide; there are no restaurants or pharmacies inside.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.