Simlipal itinerary

Plan 01

1 day in Simlipal

1. 01

   Day 1: Pithabata gate to the waterfalls

   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.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Barehipani Waterfall	About 45 minutes to an hour at the viewpoint	Moderate	Late October to February, when the flow is good and the air is cool

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Barehipani Waterfall: The approach is by vehicle, followed by a short walk on uneven ground to the viewpoint. Take it slowly; there is little seating, and the surfaces can be slippery when damp, so wear shoes with grip and ask your guide about the walk.

Plan 02

2 days in Simlipal

1. 01

   Day 1: Baripada in the morning, forest in the afternoon

   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.

2. 02

   Day 2: Joranda, Barehipani and Chahala

   Enter at Pithabata early with your guide and make the waterfalls the centrepiece. See Joranda and Barehipani from their viewpoints, then continue to Chahala for the meadow and wildlife watching. Keep time for the drive out before the evening cut-off.

Plan 03

3 days in Simlipal

1. 01

   Day 1: Baripada temple and town

   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.

2. 02

   Day 2: The Pithabata circuit

   Make an early entry at Pithabata and spend the day on the waterfalls and Chahala route with a guide. Return to Baripada or continue to a forest nature camp if you have booked one through the official eco-tourism channel.

3. 03

   Day 3: Jashipur side or Khiching

   Either drive towards Jashipur to see the crocodile centre and temple at Ramatirtha and, if open, the Kaliani gate and Gurguria orchidarium, or make the long day trip to Khiching to see the Kichakeswari temple and its small museum.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Gurguria Orchidarium	30 to 60 minutes	Easy	Cool months; orchid flowering varies by species

   Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.

Read before you go

Guides for the stops on these routes

Pacing

Pacing a Simlipal trip for parents and children

• Choose a vehicle with good suspension and sit in the middle seats; forest tracks are long and bumpy, and a day inside can mean several hours of driving.
• Start early, carry water, snacks and any medicines, and agree a comfort stop with your guide; there are no restaurants or pharmacies inside.
• The waterfall viewpoints involve short walks on uneven ground, so wear closed shoes and ask your guide how far each walk is before you set off.
• Simlipal is in a malaria-prone region according to Wikipedia, so ask your doctor about precautions and use repellent and long sleeves at dusk.
• Do not plan an evening arrival: entry is in the morning and you are expected to be out by evening, and night driving in the forest is not for ordinary visitors.
• Keep a buffer day in your plan; reopening dates, permits and weather can shift an itinerary.

Simlipal with elderly parents: the full guide →