The short answer
Community eco-tourism and village walks: what visitors should know first
A good add-on if you want to learn who lives around the forest. Arrange it through the reserve's eco-tourism contacts, go with a guide, and treat it as a respectful exchange, not a photo stop. Confirm what is on offer in your season.
Useful facts
Community eco-tourism and village walks facts at a glance
- Location
- Villages around Simlipal Tiger Reserve
- Experience type
- Village walks, craft workshops, local meals
- Communities named
- Santhal, Mankidia and others
- Crafts
- Bamboo, wood, leaf and natural-fibre products
- Contact
- ecotourismatsimilipal@gmail.com
Why it matters
Why Community eco-tourism and village walks is worth your time
Villages remain inside and around the reserve, and the official culture page presents community eco-tourism as a way to reduce forest dependence and support conservation. Wikipedia also reports that about 10,000 people live in 61 villages inside the forest.
A village visit gives a more complete picture of Simlipal than the wildlife alone. It shows that the forest is also a home and livelihood, and that visitors' choices affect both people and animals.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Village walks
Guided walks to meet local families and see traditional villages.
- 02
Artisan workshops
Visitors can learn bamboo craft, tribal art and handmade techniques.
- 03
Local food
Meals using seasonal ingredients and traditional methods are described.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The official culture page describes community-run activities around the reserve: village walks, artisan workshops and traditional meals made with seasonal ingredients. Contact the eco-tourism team in advance to confirm what is available when you visit.
Go with a guide, ask before photographing people and treat the visit as a conversation. The page names the Santhal as one of the largest groups around the reserve, known for festivals, dance and folk music, and the Mankidia as a particularly vulnerable group whose knowledge supports forest conservation.
Bamboo, wood, leaf and natural-fibre crafts are listed. If you buy something, pay a fair price and ask who made it. Spend money where it supports the community, and do not collect anything from the forest.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Arrange through the reserve's eco-tourism contacts
- Go with a guide
- Ask before photographing people
- Buy crafts directly from makers at a fair price
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Villages around Simlipal Tiger Reserve, Mayurbhanj
- Time needed
- 2 to 4 hours
- Best time
- Cooler months; festivals vary by season
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Village walks are usually flat but can be dusty and hot. Ask for a shorter route, carry water and arrange a vehicle to meet you.
- Tickets and access
- The reserve's culture page describes village walks, artisan workshops and traditional meals but gives no fees or schedule. Contact the eco-tourism team at ecotourismatsimilipal@gmail.com to arrange.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Community eco-tourism and village walks
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Village walks are usually flat but can be dusty and hot. Ask for a shorter route, carry water and arrange a vehicle to meet you.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Who lives around Simlipal?
The official site names the Santhal and Mankidia, among others. Wikipedia mentions Ho and Santhal settlements and about 10,000 people in 61 villages inside the forest.
How do I arrange a village visit?
Contact the reserve's eco-tourism team, whose email address is listed on the official site.
Is photography allowed?
Ask permission from people before photographing them, and follow your guide's advice.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.