Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Baripada, Oct 28:

The Similipal National Park in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district will reopen for tourists from November 1 which was closed since mid June for monsoon.

The National Park and the tiger reserve were closed from June 16 this year ahead of monsoon. The world famous tiger reserve remains closed for tourists every year during monsoon and reopens in October or November depending on the withdrawal of the monsoon. The park is closed as the roads get washed away due to rain during the monsoon season.

“A maximum of 35 four-wheeled vehicles from Kaliapani check gate and 25 four-wheelers from Peethabata check gate will be allowed inside the park between 6 AM and 9 AM every day. These will be two entry points and tourists can book their entry tickets from Jashipur counter,” said Ajit Kumar Satpathy, Deputy Director, Similipal Tiger Reserve.

“As per rules, the tourists will have to leave Badheipani and Jaranda by 3 PM; Chahala water fall by 4 PM,” the forest official said.

Besides this, a forest guide for each tourist vehicle has been made mandatory and they will be allowed to stay inside the park till 5 PM. Picnics are strictly prohibited inside the park. However, the tourists are allowed to bring dry or cooked food with them in containers, but no plastic bags will be allowed.

For tourists interested in staying inside the park, the Forest department has made arrangements at Jamuani and Kumari. However, prior booking had to be made in advance at the Forest office at Similipal or they can book online through www.ecotourodisha.com

Notably, STR has a rich wildlife and many picturesque places to visit including Chahala, Badheipani, Jaranda, Naana, Gududia and Jamuani, which attract hundreds of visitors every year.