The short answer
Best areas to stay in Simlipal
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| Baripada | Most visitors, with the Pithabata gate on the Baripada side and the temple and Chhau culture in town |
| Jashipur | The Kaliani gate, Ramatirtha and the western side of the reserve |
| Forest nature camps | Travellers who want to wake up inside the reserve, such as at Chahala or Gurguria |
Area by area
Simlipal neighbourhoods compared
- 01
Baripada
Best for: Most visitors, with the Pithabata gate on the Baripada side and the temple and Chhau culture in town
Good to know: The district headquarters has hotels at several price levels, the railway station and the Haribaldev Jew temple. Belgadia Palace offers a heritage stay in town. Expect to drive some distance from town to the gate, so start early.
Sights in this area: Devkund waterfall and temple, Haribaldev Jew Temple, Baripada, Khiching and Kichakeswari Temple, Mayurbhanj Chhau dance, Simlipal Tiger Reserve safari
Hotels we cover here: The Belgadia Palace
- 02
Jashipur
Best for: The Kaliani gate, Ramatirtha and the western side of the reserve
Good to know: A small town on the national highway with basic hotels and the nearest approach to the Jashipur-side entry. Good if your plan is Kaliani, Gurguria and Ramatirtha, but facilities are simpler than in Baripada.
Sights in this area: Ramatirtha temple and crocodile centre, Simlipal Tiger Reserve safari
- 03
Forest nature camps
Best for: Travellers who want to wake up inside the reserve, such as at Chahala or Gurguria
Good to know: The official site refers to nature camps at places such as Gurguria and Chahala. These are managed through the state eco-tourism channel; confirm availability, booking route and facilities well ahead, as they are basic and season-limited.
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Hotels we have written about
Hotels in Simlipal for families and seniors
- 01
The Belgadia Palace
Baripada town, Mayurbhanj, set in about 15 acres of grounds · Heritage palace stay · Price band: ₹₹₹
A 19th-century palace in Baripada, partly run as a boutique hotel by descendants of the Bhanja rulers. A calm base for Simlipal and the town.
For older travellers: Grounds are large and low-rise, and rooms are described as having garden views, but check about steps, lift and bathroom access before you book, as a heritage building may not suit all mobility needs.
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Before you book
What to check when booking for older travellers
- Ask for a lift, or a ground-floor room — many heritage hotels have steps and no lift.
- Check how far the hotel is from the sights you care about, in minutes by road, not kilometres.
- Prefer free cancellation until close to the date, in case plans or health change.
- Look for 24-hour reception, in-house dining and a doctor-on-call policy.
- Read recent reviews for noise — old-city streets and wedding venues can be loud late.