wildlife sanctuary
Similipal National Park
Mayurbhanj district
2 – 3 days for a proper safari experience covering multiple zones
Northern Odisha
Similipal
A UNESCO biosphere reserve of roughly 2,750 sq km — sal forest, waterfalls and core tiger habitat in northern Odisha.
Similipal forms the core of the Mayurbhanj biosphere reserve, its hills, meadows and dense sal forest home to tigers, elephants and gaur, alongside the well-known Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls. Entry is permit-controlled and gates and zones change seasonally.
The reserve closes entirely during the monsoon, and daily core-zone entry is capped — planning ahead matters here more than at any other Odisha wildlife destination.
Why visit
- Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls among the highest in Odisha
- Tiger, elephant and gaur habitat within a UNESCO biosphere reserve
- Deep-forest driving routes with very limited traffic
- One of eastern India's largest protected sal forest tracts
Things to do
- Permit-based core-zone safari drive
- Barehipani and Joranda waterfall viewpoints
- Visit Ramtirtha and nearby craft villages
- Birdwatching along the forest fringe
By rail
Balasore is the nearest major railhead, about 60 km from the reserve gates.
By road
About 250 km from Bhubaneswar via Baripada, roughly 5-5.5 hours.
From Bhubaneswar
250 km, around 5-5.5 hours by road.
Gallery
Similipal in pictures
Points of interest
Attractions in and around Similipal
Plan your journey
Tour packages covering Similipal
4 Days / 3 Nightswildlife · nature · photography
Similipal Wildlife Tour
Bhubaneswar — Baripada — Similipal — Chandipur
- Similipal core zone safari
- Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls
- Buffer zone drive and sal forest trails
comfort itineraryView itinerary
9 Days / 8 Nightswildlife · nature
Odisha Wildlife & Nature Circuit
Bhubaneswar — Baripada — Similipal — Bhitarkanika — Satkosia — Chilika
- Two nights inside the Similipal landscape with Barehipani and Joranda falls
- Mangrove boat safari in Bhitarkanika, home to large saltwater crocodiles
- Mahanadi gorge boating at Satkosia
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8 Days / 7 Nightstribal · culture · photography
Tribal Odisha Tour
Bhubaneswar — Koraput — Jeypore — Rayagada — Deomali
- Overnight Hirakhand Express from Bhubaneswar to Koraput
- Onukudelli and Chatikona weekly tribal markets (dates confirmed at booking)
- Deomali, the highest peak in Odisha
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12 Days / 11 Nightsheritage · culture · wildlife
Extended Odisha Discovery Tour
Bhubaneswar — Puri — Konark — Chilika — Daringbadi — Similipal — Baripada — Sambalpur
- Bhubaneswar temple city and Konark Sun Temple
- Chilika Lake dolphin waters at Satapada
- Daringbadi's coffee and pepper plantations
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Cabs & transport
Cabs and transport for Similipal
Outstation Cab from Odisha
Sedan, SUV or Tempo Traveller with chauffeur
- Capacity
- 3 – 17 passengers depending on vehicle chosen
- Luggage
- One large bag per passenger, more with a roof carrier
Subject to availability. Vehicle category is confirmed in writing at the time of booking.
SUV Cab Hire in Odisha
Mahindra Scorpio, Toyota Fortuner or equivalent
- Capacity
- 4 – 6 passengers
- Luggage
- 3 – 4 large bags
Subject to availability. Vehicle category is confirmed in writing at the time of booking.
Multi-Day Cab Hire in Odisha
Sedan, SUV or Tempo Traveller with chauffeur
- Capacity
- 3 – 17 passengers depending on vehicle chosen
- Luggage
- One large bag per passenger, more with a roof carrier
Subject to availability. Vehicle category is confirmed in writing at the time of booking.
Read before you go
Travel guides for Similipal
Wildlife · 9 min read
Odisha Wildlife Guide: Similipal, Bhitarkanika and Satkosia
Similipal National Park's tiger reserve, Bhitarkanika's saltwater crocodile habitat and Satkosia's gorge sanctuary are Odisha's three principal wildlife destinations, each with government-controlled opening and permit rules.
Planning · 8 min read
Best Time to Visit Odisha: Season by Season
October to March is Odisha's core travel season, with dry weather, calm seas and the state's main festival calendar concentrated between June and February.
Safety · 7 min read
Odisha Travel Safety Guide: Cyclones, Beaches and Wildlife Zones
Cyclone season along Odisha's coast runs roughly June to October, sea-bathing should be limited to lifeguard-patrolled zones, and wildlife reserves and tribal areas carry their own specific rules that are worth knowing in advance.
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