The interpretation centre at Similipal Tiger Reserve and (above) model of tigers on display there. Telegraph pictures

Balasore, March 4: An interpretation centre has been thrown open for tourists visiting the Similipal Tiger Reserve.

The centre would provide all information regarding the Similipal landscape and its habitats, besides the local tribal culture.

The forest’s regional chief conservator-cum-field director Anup Kumar Nayak said: “It is a unique centre. A tourist desiring to visit Similipal can acquire a brief knowledge about the sanctuary before entering it.”

At the centre, the tourists can come across pictures and models of various fauna of the sanctuary. Besides, they can also hear the sound of the animals.

“Not only it would provide all information regarding the habits and habitats of animals, but also would give an idea of the Similipal landscape. Pictures as well as models of flora and fauna found in the sanctuary are displayed there. The sounds of animals can also be heard,” said Nayak.

The centre named Bagha Ghara is built on the premises of Ramtirtha, which also houses a crocodile hatching centre and astral park in Jashipur of Mayurbhanj district.

The centre located over 1,000sqft has been built at an expenditure of around Rs 75 lakh.

Similipal authorities, in association with the Ahmedabad-based Centre for Environment Education, have developed the centre.

A tourist visiting Ramtirtha in Jashipur to witness the temple, astral garden and mugger hatching centre can visit the centre during daytime free of cost.

“This is an opportunity for the tourists visiting Jashipur. They can acquire knowledge about the Similipal Tiger Reserve even if they don’t enter the sanctuary,” said wildlife lover Madhusudan Nanda.