| The spectacular
Barehipani waterfall, with a 400-metre drop, and the Joranda waterfall, with a
shorter drop of 150 metres, are so beautiful that one is forced to reflect on
nature’s majesty. Besides the fact that there’s a lot of wildlife to be seen in
Simlipal, there’s also a wide range of local flora; the park boasts of at Simlipal boasts of at least 82 species of
orchids. The National Park has a
core area of about 850 sq km, where most of the tigers are concentrated. Visitors are not
allowed into this section of the park, but if you’re lucky you just might see a tiger
wandering further out. What you’re more likely to see are elephants, monkeys, deer
and birds. Joshipur, which is one of the two entrances to the park, has a maggar centre
where you can catch a glimpse of the crocodiles at close quarters.
Entry Requirements
Entry permits for Simlipal have to be collected from the Field
Director, Simlipal Tiger Project, Baripada, before you’re allowed to step into the
national park. One has to apply at least 10 days (preferably 30 days) in advance to visit
the park. The application has to be accompanied by a copy of your passport, if you are a
foreigner. Indians have to provide proof of identity to support the information required.
Foreigners have to pay an entry fee of Rs 100; Indians, Rs 5.
Cameras have an extra charge levied on them. All applications for entry to Simlipal must
be reconfirmed at the Simlipal Park Office (Tel: 06792 52593) at Baripada.
Access
Simlipal has two entry points, one at Lulung, and the other at
Joshipur. The nearest railhead is at
Baripada, about 50 from Simlipal. Baripada has direct rail connections to all of
India’s major metropolises: Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai and Mumbai, in addition to
regular trains from Hyderabad, Guwahati and other cities in the region. Baripada also has
extensive road links to other cities and towns within Orissa and other states. From
Baripada, regular buses leave for Lulung (a distance of 30 km) and for Joshipur (65 km).
Alternatively, taxis may be hired to get to Simlipal. Private cars or taxis can be used to
drive around the park.
Best time to visit
The park is open from November to June. By June, the temperature
goes up pretty high- as much as 40ºC- so it’s better not to visit Simlipal at this
time. Winters, however, are pleasantly cool; the coldest it gets is about 14ºC.
Accommodation and other
facilities
The accommodation and dining facilities in Simlipal are woefully
inadequate. Within the park are bungalows- at Barehapani, Newana, Joranda, Joshipur and
Gudgudia- which are maintained by the forest department. Lulung and Joshipur have other
tourist lodges and hotels; don’t expect any luxuries, though. It is, in fact,
advisable, to get your own bedding and to bring along food as well, just to be on the safe
side.
At Chahala (85 km from Baripada) is an old hunting lodge which has
been converted into a tourist accommodation unit. It’s actually one of the best
places to stay if what you’re mad about watching animals. Chahala is next to a salt
lick which is much frequented by animals, and therefore has great scope for
wildlife-watching.
The best place to put up outside the park is the town of Baripada,
which has a choice of hotels and lodges to offer to tourists.
State-run tourist
lodges and forest resthouses charge between Rs 100- 150 for a room, while the lodge at
Lulung comes for about Rs 500 for a double room and Rs 75 for a dorm bed. Hotels in
Baripada too charge between Rs 150- 500 for a room, depending upon the level of luxury
offered.
More information on Simlipal National Park can be
obtained from the Tourist Office at Baripada (Tel: 06792-252593).
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