Bhubaneswar, Nov. 27: The opening of gates of Similipal for visitors from November 14 has once again provided a new enthusiasm to the nature lovers who want to explore the serene beauty of sal forests, cascading waterfalls, rich grasslands and the wild animals in their own territorial niche. Though night halting is only available at spots such as Gudugudia, Jamuani and Ramtirtha, visitors can visit the core area between 9am and 5pm.
In tourism circle, Similipal is the epitome of Odisha’s wildlife treasure with animals and plants available from the Himalayan ecosystem to the Western Ghats, making it a kaleidoscope of trans-Indian showpiece of the wild-world.
Situated in the central part of Mayurbhanj district in the northern part of the state, the 2,750sqkm forest area spreads over in core, buffer and transition zones. It is home to many unique plants, animals and interesting orchids. Similipal has got the highest collection of orchids in Odisha.
One can travel in groups and by vehicles such as sports utility vehicles (SUVs) as they are the best mode of transportation in the hilly terrains. Through the Jashipur gate, 40 vehicles are allowed a day and from the Pithabata entry point 20 vehicles are allowed daily. The booking counters for Gudugudia and Ramatirtha at Jashipur are open between 6am and 9am and the permission is allowed on first-come-first-serve basis. For Jamuani, booking is done at the Baripada office of the Similipal Project Tiger (STR).
For night halts in the outer sanctuary area, i.e., Gudugudia and Ramatirtha the service is outsourced through a private organisation Toshali Sands of Puri. While there are 12 beds available at Gudududia, facilities at Ramatirtha have 30 beds. Even one can book the rooms or beds online through the website of the tour operator. The facility at Jamuani includes six beds in two cottages, but they will take some more time to get ready.
Deputy director of STR Bikash Ranjan Dash said: “The day-time tourists going to the forest areas to see the forests, wildlife and waterfalls are not allowed to cook inside. They are allowed to take cooked foods. But, strict vigil is observed to ensure that they do not litter around.’’
The senior forest official said there was an unnecessary rumour about the naxal movement into the forest area. “Reports regarding this could also affect the tourist flow as this is the peak tourism month and it will continue till February end. Till now, the district administration has not issued any specific information to us as already two platoons of the Central Reserve Police Force are staying at Gudugudia and another at Nawana (outside STR core area).’’
Former honorary wildlife warden of Mayurbhanj district for three occasions Amarendralal Bose said: “The reports regarding influx of the Maoists into Mayurbhanj district from the neighbouring Bengal could affect tourism potential of Similipal as it has opened its gate to tourism this year (both for daytime traveller and night halters). Areas in Jharkhand, and districts such as Keonjhar and Sundargarh will be more affected. Tourists should not panic as security forces are deployed inside the STR.’’
The Maoists attacked various tourism accommodations inside Similipal on March 9, 2009, destroying many beautiful forest rest houses and bungalow. The reserved forest areas were closed and only last year in December, the day-time tourists were allowed to go inside. Now, part of some facilities at Jenabil, Chahala are under revamp whereas the famous log house in front of the Barehipani falls will be converted to a concrete structure with a new design. The STR will be opened for public till June 15, 2012, as during the monsoon season the STR remains closed.
With valleys of green forests, grasslands, rich biodiversity and riverine systems, Similipal has become not only a stable project tiger habitat and project elephant site, but Unesco has also designated it as a biosphere reserve. Botanists working on research projects on forest vegetation of Similipal often get regular surprises to find species of Himalayan, north-eastern and Western Ghat species in Similipal, making it an ideal centre for forest growth. In general, it is of semi-evergreen to dry deciduous forest type where 1,076 plant species are found, including 94 species of wild orchids. Forest department officials say the deep vegetation of Similipal provide a safe region for 42 mammals, 231 birds and 29 reptiles. There are tigers, elephants, leopards, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer, gaur, horn bills, peacock, python, cobra and lizard adding to the list of its rich biodiversity.
With an average elevation of 900 metres, Similipal has evergreen mountains such as Khairiburu (1,178 metres), Meghasani (1,158 metres) and several others with breathtaking beauty. Rivers like the Budhabalanga, the Khairi, the Salandi and the Palpala originate from these hills and flow through the thick jungles of Similipal, serving as an excellent habitat for many wonderful creatures.
As a source of many perennial streams Similipal is also a home for famous waterfalls such as the Barehipani (400 metres) and the Joranda (150 metres) amidst the rich Sal vegetation. The tall trees around the two venue create a wonderful ambiance for the visitors.
Places around Similipal
Khiching: 149km from Baripada and 55km from Jashipur, Khiching is famous for the shrine of Kichakeswari and crafts made of different coloured stones. A panthasala operated by the state tourism department provides accommodation.
Deokund: 65km from Baripada and 110km from Balasore, Deokund is an enchanting place with a series of waterfalls and a Shakti shrine set against the outer periphery of Similipal.
Chandipur: 60km from Baripada and 16km from Balasore, Chandipur is a unique beach resort where the seawater recedes to a distance of about 5km twice a day. The Panthanivas of the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC) and private hotels provide suitable accommodation.
Panchalingeswar: 85km from Baripada and 30km from Balasore is known for its scenic beauty on the lap of Nilagiri hills with a perennial stream flowing over five lingams. OTDC Panthasala is available for accommodation.
Remuna: 60km from Baripada and 10km from Balasore, Remuna is famous for the shrine of Khirachora Gopinath, visited by Sri Chaitanya Dev and his Guru Sri Madhabendrapuri.
