The Similipal Wildlife Forest & Sanctuary, located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, is a sprawling and biodiverse haven for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and conservationists. Recognized as a Tiger Reserve, National Park, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Similipal is among India's premier wildlife destinations. Similipal Tiger Reserve which spreads over 2750 Sq.Kms is a part of Eastern Ghats and Central Indian Landscape. Not only a Tiger Reserve, Similipal is also a National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve and also a part of Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve. Similipal derives its name from the abundance of Semul or Red Silk Cotton trees that bloom vividly in its forest. The vast stretches of forest of Similipal is a unique composition of deciduous, semi-ever green, high level Sal, grass land & savannahs. It is the abode of more than 1253 species of flowering plants, 99 species of non-flowering plants, 21 species of amphibians, 62 species of reptiles, 361 species of birds, 55 species of mammals and many species of flora and fauna. Similipal Tiger Reserve located in the northern side of the state is also blessed with majestic waterfalls like Barehipani, Joranda & Uski, Sitakund-Deokund-Bhimkund waterfalls in its periphery, rocky cliffs and green valleys dotted in sylvan Sal forests. It bears 94 species of orchids, many of them are endemic and endangered and 72 are Himalayan species. There are many species of rare, endangered, threatened and vulnerable plants and animals. Spotted Deer,Sambar,Elephants, Hornbill, Chowsingha,Bison,Porcupine,Pangolin,Wildboar,Barking Deer,Jungle Cat, Mouse deer, Giant Squirrel, Flying squirrel, Ruddy mongoose, mugger crocodile and Rufus tailed Hare are examples of this unique biodiversity.Similipal is famous for Tigers and Elephants. It is the only Tiger Reserve in the country to boast of Melanistic Tigers. It alone is the home of 75% Tiger and 25% Elephants of Odisha.

• Geography and Location:

  • Spanning over 2,750 square kilometers, Similipal is one of the largest national parks in India.
  • It is situated within the Eastern Ghats and is characterized by a mix of dense forests, rolling hills, grasslands, and rivers.

• Biodiversity:

  • Similipal is a biodiversity hotspot, home to 1,076 plant species, 55 mammal species, 304 bird species, 60 reptile species, and 21 amphibian species.
  •  
  • Key wildlife includes: 
    • Tigers: A significant population of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger.
    • Elephants: Similipal is known for its large herds of Asiatic elephants.
    • Other Mammals: Leopards, gaurs (Indian bison), wild boars, sloth bears, and sambar deer.
    • Birds: Grey hornbills, Malabar pied hornbills, red junglefowl, and peacocks.
    • Reptiles: Crocodiles, especially in the Ramatirtha Crocodile Rearing Centre.

• Flora:

  • The sanctuary features tropical moist deciduous forests, dry deciduous forests, and patches of semi-evergreen forests.
  • Sal trees dominate the landscape, along with mahua, mango, jamun, and a variety of medicinal plants.

• Waterfalls and Rivers:

• The sanctuary is blessed with breathtaking waterfalls:

  • • Barehipani Falls: The second-highest waterfall in India, with a drop of 399 meters.
    • Joranda Falls: Another stunning cascade, dropping from a height of 150 meters.
    • Uski Waterfalls and Asurkhal waterfalls are some other prominent waterfalls.
    •  
  • Rivers:
  • Budhabalanga, Khairi, and Salandi rivers originates from the Similipal hills.